As of 2024, the top 1% in Poland earned 15.13% of total national income, while the bottom 50% received just 19.39%. Poland’s income inequality has increased since 1980, when the top 1% share was 4.34%.
Key Income Distribution Metrics for Poland in 2024
In 2024, income in Poland was distributed as follows: the wealthiest 1% of the population captured 15.13% of total national income, which is slightly lower than the global average of 16.17%. Meanwhile, the bottom half of earners received 19.39% of income, notably higher than the global average of 14.97%.
| Metric | Poland | Global Average |
|---|---|---|
| Top 1% Income Share | 15.13% | 16.17% |
| Top 10% Income Share | 37.69% | 45.21% |
| Bottom 50% Income Share | 19.39% | 14.97% |
How Has Income Inequality Changed in Poland?
Top 1% Income Share Trend (1980-2024)
The share of income going to Poland’s top 1% has increased over the past 44 years. In 1980, the top 1% captured 4.34% of national income. By 2024, this figure had risen by 10.79 percentage points to 15.13%.
Top 10% vs Bottom 50% Income Gap Over Time
The income gap between the top 10% and bottom 50% in Poland has widened over this period. In 1980, the top 10% earned 22.45% while the bottom 50% received 28.02%. By 2024, these figures shifted to 37.69% and 19.39% respectively.
| Year | Top 1% | Top 10% | Bottom 50% | Gap (Top 10 – Bottom 50) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1980 | 4.34% | 22.45% | 28.02% | -5.57 pp |
| 1986 | 4.26% | 22.63% | 27.38% | -4.75 pp |
| 1992 | 7.54% | 25.64% | 25.28% | 0.36 pp |
| 1998 | 10.88% | 32.11% | 22.70% | 9.41 pp |
| 2004 | 12.96% | 36.39% | 20.06% | 16.33 pp |
| 2010 | 13.43% | 36.62% | 20.02% | 16.60 pp |
| 2016 | 14.70% | 37.43% | 19.78% | 17.65 pp |
| 2022 | 15.14% | 37.70% | 19.39% | 18.31 pp |
How Poland Compares Globally
Poland vs Europe Average
Compared to other countries in Europe, Poland’s top 1% income share of 15.13% is notably higher than the regional average of 10.86%. The bottom 50% in Poland receives 19.39% of income, compared to the Europe average of 20.10%.
Where Poland Ranks Among All Countries
- Top 1% income concentration: Poland ranks 104th out of 184 countries (higher rank = more concentrated wealth at the top)
- Bottom 50% income share: Poland ranks 28th out of 184 countries (higher rank = larger share for the bottom half)
Countries with similar income inequality levels to Poland include Afghanistan's wealth gap, Ghana's income inequality, Malawi.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the income share of the top 1% in Poland?
As of 2024, the top 1% in Poland earned 15.13% of total national income. This level of concentration is considered high by international standards.
Is income inequality increasing or decreasing in Poland?
Income inequality in Poland has increased since 1980. The top 1% income share moved from 4.34% in 1980 to 15.13% in 2024.
What percentage of income goes to the bottom 50% in Poland?
In 2024, the bottom 50% of earners in Poland received 19.39% of total national income. This compares with the top 10% who captured 37.69%.
Last updated: April 8, 2026
Data source: World Inequality Database (WID). This dataset covers income distribution metrics for 199 countries from 1980 to 2024.