As of 2024, the top 1% in Singapore earned 14.21% of total national income, while the bottom 50% received just 16.65%. Singapore’s income inequality has increased since 1980, when the top 1% share was 10.64%.
Key Income Distribution Metrics for Singapore in 2024
In 2024, income in Singapore was distributed as follows: the wealthiest 1% of the population captured 14.21% of total national income, which is slightly lower than the global average of 16.17%. Meanwhile, the bottom half of earners received 16.65% of income, slightly higher than the global average of 14.97%.
| Metric | Singapore | Global Average |
|---|---|---|
| Top 1% Income Share | 14.21% | 16.17% |
| Top 10% Income Share | 46.28% | 45.21% |
| Bottom 50% Income Share | 16.65% | 14.97% |
How Has Income Inequality Changed in Singapore?
Top 1% Income Share Trend (1980-2024)
The share of income going to Singapore’s top 1% has increased over the past 44 years. In 1980, the top 1% captured 10.64% of national income. By 2024, this figure had risen by 3.57 percentage points to 14.21%.
Top 10% vs Bottom 50% Income Gap Over Time
The income gap between the top 10% and bottom 50% in Singapore has widened over this period. In 1980, the top 10% earned 35.53% while the bottom 50% received 21.14%. By 2024, these figures shifted to 46.28% and 16.65% respectively.
| Year | Top 1% | Top 10% | Bottom 50% | Gap (Top 10 – Bottom 50) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1980 | 10.64% | 35.53% | 21.14% | 14.39 pp |
| 1986 | 10.45% | 36.28% | 20.73% | 15.55 pp |
| 1992 | 10.43% | 35.43% | 21.12% | 14.31 pp |
| 1998 | 11.26% | 37.04% | 19.67% | 17.37 pp |
| 2004 | 13.81% | 42.50% | 18.08% | 24.42 pp |
| 2010 | 13.59% | 43.36% | 17.73% | 25.63 pp |
| 2016 | 14.20% | 46.28% | 16.65% | 29.63 pp |
| 2022 | 14.21% | 46.28% | 16.65% | 29.63 pp |
How Singapore Compares Globally
Singapore vs Asia Average
Compared to other countries in Asia, Singapore’s top 1% income share of 14.21% is slightly lower than the regional average of 16.42%. The bottom 50% in Singapore receives 16.65% of income, compared to the Asia average of 15.41%.
Where Singapore Ranks Among All Countries
- Top 1% income concentration: Singapore ranks 115th out of 184 countries (higher rank = more concentrated wealth at the top)
- Bottom 50% income share: Singapore ranks 58th out of 184 countries (higher rank = larger share for the bottom half)
Countries with similar income inequality levels to Singapore include income distribution in Comoros, Niger's income inequality, income distribution in Togo.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the income share of the top 1% in Singapore?
As of 2024, the top 1% in Singapore earned 14.21% of total national income. This level of concentration is considered moderate by international standards.
Is income inequality increasing or decreasing in Singapore?
Income inequality in Singapore has increased since 1980. The top 1% income share moved from 10.64% in 1980 to 14.21% in 2024.
What percentage of income goes to the bottom 50% in Singapore?
In 2024, the bottom 50% of earners in Singapore received 16.65% of total national income. This compares with the top 10% who captured 46.28%.
Last updated: April 8, 2026
Data source: World Inequality Database (WID). This dataset covers income distribution metrics for 199 countries from 1980 to 2024.