As of 2024, the top 1% in North Macedonia earned 8.25% of total national income, while the bottom 50% received just 20.74%. North Macedonia’s income inequality has increased since 1980, when the top 1% share was 6.93%.
Key Income Distribution Metrics for North Macedonia in 2024
In 2024, income in North Macedonia was distributed as follows: the wealthiest 1% of the population captured 8.25% of total national income, which is notably lower than the global average of 16.17%. Meanwhile, the bottom half of earners received 20.74% of income, notably higher than the global average of 14.97%.
| Metric | North Macedonia | Global Average |
|---|---|---|
| Top 1% Income Share | 8.25% | 16.17% |
| Top 10% Income Share | 30.61% | 45.21% |
| Bottom 50% Income Share | 20.74% | 14.97% |
How Has Income Inequality Changed in North Macedonia?
Top 1% Income Share Trend (1980-2024)
The share of income going to North Macedonia’s top 1% has increased over the past 44 years. In 1980, the top 1% captured 6.93% of national income. By 2024, this figure had risen by 1.32 percentage points to 8.25%.
Top 10% vs Bottom 50% Income Gap Over Time
The income gap between the top 10% and bottom 50% in North Macedonia has widened over this period. In 1980, the top 10% earned 27.42% while the bottom 50% received 23.47%. By 2024, these figures shifted to 30.61% and 20.74% respectively.
| Year | Top 1% | Top 10% | Bottom 50% | Gap (Top 10 – Bottom 50) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1980 | 6.93% | 27.42% | 23.47% | 3.95 pp |
| 1986 | 6.49% | 27.37% | 22.51% | 4.86 pp |
| 1992 | 7.09% | 28.72% | 21.07% | 7.65 pp |
| 1998 | 8.30% | 32.05% | 17.26% | 14.79 pp |
| 2004 | 7.55% | 30.90% | 17.60% | 13.30 pp |
| 2010 | 8.02% | 33.92% | 17.17% | 16.75 pp |
| 2016 | 8.80% | 32.11% | 19.94% | 12.17 pp |
| 2022 | 8.46% | 30.72% | 20.71% | 10.01 pp |
How North Macedonia Compares Globally
North Macedonia vs Europe Average
Compared to other countries in Europe, North Macedonia’s top 1% income share of 8.25% is notably lower than the regional average of 10.86%. The bottom 50% in North Macedonia receives 20.74% of income, compared to the Europe average of 20.10%.
Where North Macedonia Ranks Among All Countries
- Top 1% income concentration: North Macedonia ranks 179th out of 184 countries (higher rank = more concentrated wealth at the top)
- Bottom 50% income share: North Macedonia ranks 18th out of 184 countries (higher rank = larger share for the bottom half)
Countries with similar income inequality levels to North Macedonia include Cyprus's wealth gap, Iceland, income distribution in Slovenia.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the income share of the top 1% in North Macedonia?
As of 2024, the top 1% in North Macedonia earned 8.25% of total national income. This level of concentration is considered relatively low by international standards.
Is income inequality increasing or decreasing in North Macedonia?
Income inequality in North Macedonia has increased since 1980. The top 1% income share moved from 6.93% in 1980 to 8.25% in 2024.
What percentage of income goes to the bottom 50% in North Macedonia?
In 2024, the bottom 50% of earners in North Macedonia received 20.74% of total national income. This compares with the top 10% who captured 30.61%.
Last updated: April 8, 2026
Data source: World Inequality Database (WID). This dataset covers income distribution metrics for 199 countries from 1980 to 2024.