As of 2024, the top 1% in Romania earned 14.48% of total national income, while the bottom 50% received just 15.35%. Romania’s income inequality has increased since 1980, when the top 1% share was 5.65%.
Key Income Distribution Metrics for Romania in 2024
In 2024, income in Romania was distributed as follows: the wealthiest 1% of the population captured 14.48% of total national income, which is slightly lower than the global average of 16.17%. Meanwhile, the bottom half of earners received 15.35% of income, roughly on par with the global average of 14.97%.
| Metric | Romania | Global Average |
|---|---|---|
| Top 1% Income Share | 14.48% | 16.17% |
| Top 10% Income Share | 41.14% | 45.21% |
| Bottom 50% Income Share | 15.35% | 14.97% |
How Has Income Inequality Changed in Romania?
Top 1% Income Share Trend (1980-2024)
The share of income going to Romania’s top 1% has increased over the past 44 years. In 1980, the top 1% captured 5.65% of national income. By 2024, this figure had risen by 8.83 percentage points to 14.48%.
Top 10% vs Bottom 50% Income Gap Over Time
The income gap between the top 10% and bottom 50% in Romania has widened over this period. In 1980, the top 10% earned 24.94% while the bottom 50% received 27.09%. By 2024, these figures shifted to 41.14% and 15.35% respectively.
| Year | Top 1% | Top 10% | Bottom 50% | Gap (Top 10 – Bottom 50) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1980 | 5.65% | 24.94% | 27.09% | -2.15 pp |
| 1986 | 5.65% | 24.94% | 27.09% | -2.15 pp |
| 1992 | 7.06% | 27.85% | 24.81% | 3.04 pp |
| 1998 | 13.47% | 38.58% | 19.30% | 19.28 pp |
| 2004 | 14.50% | 40.57% | 17.12% | 23.45 pp |
| 2010 | 14.59% | 40.17% | 17.08% | 23.09 pp |
| 2016 | 13.50% | 38.67% | 17.24% | 21.43 pp |
| 2022 | 14.46% | 41.10% | 15.34% | 25.76 pp |
How Romania Compares Globally
Romania vs Europe Average
Compared to other countries in Europe, Romania’s top 1% income share of 14.48% is notably higher than the regional average of 10.86%. The bottom 50% in Romania receives 15.35% of income, compared to the Europe average of 20.10%.
Where Romania Ranks Among All Countries
- Top 1% income concentration: Romania ranks 113th out of 184 countries (higher rank = more concentrated wealth at the top)
- Bottom 50% income share: Romania ranks 85th out of 184 countries (higher rank = larger share for the bottom half)
Countries with similar income inequality levels to Romania include Burundi's wealth gap, Lesotho, income distribution in Tajikistan.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the income share of the top 1% in Romania?
As of 2024, the top 1% in Romania earned 14.48% of total national income. This level of concentration is considered moderate by international standards.
Is income inequality increasing or decreasing in Romania?
Income inequality in Romania has increased since 1980. The top 1% income share moved from 5.65% in 1980 to 14.48% in 2024.
What percentage of income goes to the bottom 50% in Romania?
In 2024, the bottom 50% of earners in Romania received 15.35% of total national income. This compares with the top 10% who captured 41.14%.
Last updated: April 8, 2026
Data source: World Inequality Database (WID). This dataset covers income distribution metrics for 199 countries from 1980 to 2024.