As of 2024, the top 1% in Moldova earned 12.45% of total national income, while the bottom 50% received just 17.22%. Moldova’s income inequality has increased since 1980, when the top 1% share was 4.98%.
Key Income Distribution Metrics for Moldova in 2024
In 2024, income in Moldova was distributed as follows: the wealthiest 1% of the population captured 12.45% of total national income, which is notably lower than the global average of 16.17%. Meanwhile, the bottom half of earners received 17.22% of income, slightly higher than the global average of 14.97%.
| Metric | Moldova | Global Average |
|---|---|---|
| Top 1% Income Share | 12.45% | 16.17% |
| Top 10% Income Share | 37.34% | 45.21% |
| Bottom 50% Income Share | 17.22% | 14.97% |
How Has Income Inequality Changed in Moldova?
Top 1% Income Share Trend (1980-2024)
The share of income going to Moldova’s top 1% has increased over the past 44 years. In 1980, the top 1% captured 4.98% of national income. By 2024, this figure had risen by 7.47 percentage points to 12.45%.
Top 10% vs Bottom 50% Income Gap Over Time
The income gap between the top 10% and bottom 50% in Moldova has widened over this period. In 1980, the top 10% earned 24.78% while the bottom 50% received 25.90%. By 2024, these figures shifted to 37.34% and 17.22% respectively.
| Year | Top 1% | Top 10% | Bottom 50% | Gap (Top 10 – Bottom 50) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1980 | 4.98% | 24.78% | 25.90% | -1.12 pp |
| 1986 | 4.98% | 24.78% | 25.90% | -1.12 pp |
| 1992 | 8.03% | 31.93% | 19.65% | 12.28 pp |
| 1998 | 9.25% | 35.79% | 15.81% | 19.98 pp |
| 2004 | 9.56% | 35.61% | 16.32% | 19.29 pp |
| 2010 | 10.93% | 36.30% | 16.57% | 19.73 pp |
| 2016 | 10.85% | 34.63% | 18.07% | 16.56 pp |
| 2022 | 11.81% | 35.97% | 17.68% | 18.29 pp |
How Moldova Compares Globally
Moldova vs Europe Average
Compared to other countries in Europe, Moldova’s top 1% income share of 12.45% is slightly higher than the regional average of 10.86%. The bottom 50% in Moldova receives 17.22% of income, compared to the Europe average of 20.10%.
Where Moldova Ranks Among All Countries
- Top 1% income concentration: Moldova ranks 136th out of 184 countries (higher rank = more concentrated wealth at the top)
- Bottom 50% income share: Moldova ranks 49th out of 184 countries (higher rank = larger share for the bottom half)
Countries with similar income inequality levels to Moldova include Denmark's wealth gap, Nigeria's wealth gap, Japan's income inequality.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the income share of the top 1% in Moldova?
As of 2024, the top 1% in Moldova earned 12.45% of total national income. This level of concentration is considered moderate by international standards.
Is income inequality increasing or decreasing in Moldova?
Income inequality in Moldova has increased since 1980. The top 1% income share moved from 4.98% in 1980 to 12.45% in 2024.
What percentage of income goes to the bottom 50% in Moldova?
In 2024, the bottom 50% of earners in Moldova received 17.22% of total national income. This compares with the top 10% who captured 37.34%.
Last updated: April 8, 2026
Data source: World Inequality Database (WID). This dataset covers income distribution metrics for 199 countries from 1980 to 2024.