As of 2024, the top 1% in North Korea earned 14.76% of total national income, while the bottom 50% received just 15.12%. North Korea’s income inequality has increased since 1980, when the top 1% share was 11.88%.
Key Income Distribution Metrics for North Korea in 2024
In 2024, income in North Korea was distributed as follows: the wealthiest 1% of the population captured 14.76% of total national income, which is slightly lower than the global average of 16.17%. Meanwhile, the bottom half of earners received 15.12% of income, roughly on par with the global average of 14.97%.
| Metric | North Korea | Global Average |
|---|---|---|
| Top 1% Income Share | 14.76% | 16.17% |
| Top 10% Income Share | 42.67% | 45.21% |
| Bottom 50% Income Share | 15.12% | 14.97% |
How Has Income Inequality Changed in North Korea?
Top 1% Income Share Trend (1980-2024)
The share of income going to North Korea’s top 1% has increased over the past 44 years. In 1980, the top 1% captured 11.88% of national income. By 2024, this figure had risen by 2.88 percentage points to 14.76%.
Top 10% vs Bottom 50% Income Gap Over Time
The income gap between the top 10% and bottom 50% in North Korea has widened over this period. In 1980, the top 10% earned 38.19% while the bottom 50% received 18.32%. By 2024, these figures shifted to 42.67% and 15.12% respectively.
| Year | Top 1% | Top 10% | Bottom 50% | Gap (Top 10 – Bottom 50) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1980 | 11.88% | 38.19% | 18.32% | 19.87 pp |
| 1986 | 11.88% | 38.19% | 18.32% | 19.87 pp |
| 1992 | 12.20% | 39.11% | 17.28% | 21.83 pp |
| 1998 | 12.89% | 40.16% | 17.20% | 22.96 pp |
| 2004 | 14.65% | 43.54% | 14.84% | 28.70 pp |
| 2010 | 16.81% | 45.26% | 14.03% | 31.23 pp |
| 2016 | 14.76% | 42.66% | 15.12% | 27.54 pp |
| 2022 | 14.76% | 42.67% | 15.12% | 27.55 pp |
How North Korea Compares Globally
North Korea vs Asia Average
Compared to other countries in Asia, North Korea’s top 1% income share of 14.76% is slightly lower than the regional average of 16.42%. The bottom 50% in North Korea receives 15.12% of income, compared to the Asia average of 15.41%.
Where North Korea Ranks Among All Countries
- Top 1% income concentration: North Korea ranks 109th out of 184 countries (higher rank = more concentrated wealth at the top)
- Bottom 50% income share: North Korea ranks 87th out of 184 countries (higher rank = larger share for the bottom half)
Countries with similar income inequality levels to North Korea include Burkina Faso's income inequality, Kazakhstan, income distribution in Tajikistan.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the income share of the top 1% in North Korea?
As of 2024, the top 1% in North Korea earned 14.76% of total national income. This level of concentration is considered moderate by international standards.
Is income inequality increasing or decreasing in North Korea?
Income inequality in North Korea has increased since 1980. The top 1% income share moved from 11.88% in 1980 to 14.76% in 2024.
What percentage of income goes to the bottom 50% in North Korea?
In 2024, the bottom 50% of earners in North Korea received 15.12% of total national income. This compares with the top 10% who captured 42.67%.
Last updated: April 8, 2026
Data source: World Inequality Database (WID). This dataset covers income distribution metrics for 199 countries from 1980 to 2024.