As of 2024, the top 1% in Malta earned 11.05% of total national income, while the bottom 50% received just 19.59%. Malta’s income inequality has increased since 1980, when the top 1% share was 8.66%.
Key Income Distribution Metrics for Malta in 2024
In 2024, income in Malta was distributed as follows: the wealthiest 1% of the population captured 11.05% of total national income, which is notably lower than the global average of 16.17%. Meanwhile, the bottom half of earners received 19.59% of income, notably higher than the global average of 14.97%.
| Metric | Malta | Global Average |
|---|---|---|
| Top 1% Income Share | 11.05% | 16.17% |
| Top 10% Income Share | 35.43% | 45.21% |
| Bottom 50% Income Share | 19.59% | 14.97% |
How Has Income Inequality Changed in Malta?
Top 1% Income Share Trend (1980-2024)
The share of income going to Malta’s top 1% has increased over the past 44 years. In 1980, the top 1% captured 8.66% of national income. By 2024, this figure had risen by 2.39 percentage points to 11.05%.
Top 10% vs Bottom 50% Income Gap Over Time
The income gap between the top 10% and bottom 50% in Malta has widened over this period. In 1980, the top 10% earned 30.62% while the bottom 50% received 21.96%. By 2024, these figures shifted to 35.43% and 19.59% respectively.
| Year | Top 1% | Top 10% | Bottom 50% | Gap (Top 10 – Bottom 50) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1980 | 8.66% | 30.62% | 21.96% | 8.66 pp |
| 1986 | 8.92% | 30.87% | 21.88% | 8.99 pp |
| 1992 | 8.79% | 30.74% | 21.92% | 8.82 pp |
| 1998 | 9.88% | 31.82% | 21.50% | 10.32 pp |
| 2004 | 8.40% | 30.31% | 22.15% | 8.16 pp |
| 2010 | 8.56% | 30.92% | 21.45% | 9.47 pp |
| 2016 | 10.15% | 33.77% | 20.37% | 13.40 pp |
| 2022 | 11.12% | 35.48% | 19.57% | 15.91 pp |
How Malta Compares Globally
Malta vs Europe Average
Compared to other countries in Europe, Malta’s top 1% income share of 11.05% is roughly on par with the regional average of 10.86%. The bottom 50% in Malta receives 19.59% of income, compared to the Europe average of 20.10%.
Where Malta Ranks Among All Countries
- Top 1% income concentration: Malta ranks 152nd out of 184 countries (higher rank = more concentrated wealth at the top)
- Bottom 50% income share: Malta ranks 26th out of 184 countries (higher rank = larger share for the bottom half)
Countries with similar income inequality levels to Malta include Guinea-Bissau's income inequality, Gabon's income inequality, Australia's income inequality.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the income share of the top 1% in Malta?
As of 2024, the top 1% in Malta earned 11.05% of total national income. This level of concentration is considered moderate by international standards.
Is income inequality increasing or decreasing in Malta?
Income inequality in Malta has increased since 1980. The top 1% income share moved from 8.66% in 1980 to 11.05% in 2024.
What percentage of income goes to the bottom 50% in Malta?
In 2024, the bottom 50% of earners in Malta received 19.59% of total national income. This compares with the top 10% who captured 35.43%.
Last updated: April 8, 2026
Data source: World Inequality Database (WID). This dataset covers income distribution metrics for 199 countries from 1980 to 2024.