As of 2024, the top 1% in Mexico earned 25.57% of total national income, while the bottom 50% received just 7.69%. Mexico’s income inequality has increased since 1980, when the top 1% share was 12.45%.
Key Income Distribution Metrics for Mexico in 2024
In 2024, income in Mexico was distributed as follows: the wealthiest 1% of the population captured 25.57% of total national income, which is significantly higher than the global average of 16.17%. Meanwhile, the bottom half of earners received 7.69% of income, notably lower than the global average of 14.97%.
| Metric | Mexico | Global Average |
|---|---|---|
| Top 1% Income Share | 25.57% | 16.17% |
| Top 10% Income Share | 59.07% | 45.21% |
| Bottom 50% Income Share | 7.69% | 14.97% |
How Has Income Inequality Changed in Mexico?
Top 1% Income Share Trend (1980-2024)
The share of income going to Mexico’s top 1% has increased over the past 44 years. In 1980, the top 1% captured 12.45% of national income. By 2024, this figure had risen by 13.12 percentage points to 25.57%.
Top 10% vs Bottom 50% Income Gap Over Time
The income gap between the top 10% and bottom 50% in Mexico has widened over this period. In 1980, the top 10% earned 54.45% while the bottom 50% received 6.29%. By 2024, these figures shifted to 59.07% and 7.69% respectively.
| Year | Top 1% | Top 10% | Bottom 50% | Gap (Top 10 – Bottom 50) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1980 | 12.45% | 54.45% | 6.29% | 48.16 pp |
| 1986 | 12.45% | 54.45% | 6.29% | 48.16 pp |
| 1992 | 12.45% | 54.45% | 6.29% | 48.16 pp |
| 1998 | 12.45% | 54.45% | 6.29% | 48.16 pp |
| 2004 | 20.23% | 59.59% | 5.87% | 53.72 pp |
| 2010 | 31.82% | 62.08% | 5.77% | 56.31 pp |
| 2016 | 29.67% | 62.77% | 6.24% | 56.53 pp |
| 2022 | 25.57% | 59.07% | 7.69% | 51.38 pp |
How Mexico Compares Globally
Mexico vs North America Average
Compared to other countries in North America, Mexico’s top 1% income share of 25.57% is notably higher than the regional average of 20.66%. The bottom 50% in Mexico receives 7.69% of income, compared to the North America average of 11.73%.
Where Mexico Ranks Among All Countries
- Top 1% income concentration: Mexico ranks 7th out of 184 countries (higher rank = more concentrated wealth at the top)
- Bottom 50% income share: Mexico ranks 179th out of 184 countries (higher rank = larger share for the bottom half)
Countries with similar income inequality levels to Mexico include Bahrain, Angola's income inequality, Yemen's income inequality.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the income share of the top 1% in Mexico?
As of 2024, the top 1% in Mexico earned 25.57% of total national income. This level of concentration is considered very high by international standards.
Is income inequality increasing or decreasing in Mexico?
Income inequality in Mexico has increased since 1980. The top 1% income share moved from 12.45% in 1980 to 25.57% in 2024.
What percentage of income goes to the bottom 50% in Mexico?
In 2024, the bottom 50% of earners in Mexico received 7.69% of total national income. This compares with the top 10% who captured 59.07%.
Last updated: April 8, 2026
Data source: World Inequality Database (WID). This dataset covers income distribution metrics for 199 countries from 1980 to 2024.