As of 2024, the top 1% in South Africa earned 21.93% of total national income, while the bottom 50% received just 5.27%. South Africa’s income inequality has increased since 1980, when the top 1% share was 10.14%.
Key Income Distribution Metrics for South Africa in 2024
In 2024, income in South Africa was distributed as follows: the wealthiest 1% of the population captured 21.93% of total national income, which is notably higher than the global average of 16.17%. Meanwhile, the bottom half of earners received 5.27% of income, significantly lower than the global average of 14.97%.
| Metric | South Africa | Global Average |
|---|---|---|
| Top 1% Income Share | 21.93% | 16.17% |
| Top 10% Income Share | 66.54% | 45.21% |
| Bottom 50% Income Share | 5.27% | 14.97% |
How Has Income Inequality Changed in South Africa?
Top 1% Income Share Trend (1980-2024)
The share of income going to South Africa’s top 1% has increased over the past 44 years. In 1980, the top 1% captured 10.14% of national income. By 2024, this figure had risen by 11.79 percentage points to 21.93%.
Top 10% vs Bottom 50% Income Gap Over Time
The income gap between the top 10% and bottom 50% in South Africa has widened over this period. In 1980, the top 10% earned 47.18% while the bottom 50% received 13.50%. By 2024, these figures shifted to 66.54% and 5.27% respectively.
| Year | Top 1% | Top 10% | Bottom 50% | Gap (Top 10 – Bottom 50) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1980 | 10.14% | 47.18% | 13.50% | 33.68 pp |
| 1986 | 10.14% | 47.18% | 13.50% | 33.68 pp |
| 1992 | 10.85% | 48.79% | 12.75% | 36.04 pp |
| 1998 | 14.08% | 51.53% | 11.28% | 40.25 pp |
| 2004 | 17.44% | 57.37% | 10.46% | 46.91 pp |
| 2010 | 18.77% | 61.43% | 7.89% | 53.54 pp |
| 2016 | 19.31% | 65.41% | 5.81% | 59.60 pp |
| 2022 | 19.31% | 65.41% | 5.81% | 59.60 pp |
How South Africa Compares Globally
South Africa vs Africa Average
Compared to other countries in Africa, South Africa’s top 1% income share of 21.93% is notably higher than the regional average of 15.62%. The bottom 50% in South Africa receives 5.27% of income, compared to the Africa average of 13.46%.
Where South Africa Ranks Among All Countries
- Top 1% income concentration: South Africa ranks 31st out of 184 countries (higher rank = more concentrated wealth at the top)
- Bottom 50% income share: South Africa ranks 184th out of 184 countries (higher rank = larger share for the bottom half)
Countries with similar income inequality levels to South Africa include income distribution in Bahamas, income distribution in Belize, Bolivia.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the income share of the top 1% in South Africa?
As of 2024, the top 1% in South Africa earned 21.93% of total national income. This level of concentration is considered very high by international standards.
Is income inequality increasing or decreasing in South Africa?
Income inequality in South Africa has increased since 1980. The top 1% income share moved from 10.14% in 1980 to 21.93% in 2024.
What percentage of income goes to the bottom 50% in South Africa?
In 2024, the bottom 50% of earners in South Africa received 5.27% of total national income. This compares with the top 10% who captured 66.54%.
Last updated: April 8, 2026
Data source: World Inequality Database (WID). This dataset covers income distribution metrics for 199 countries from 1980 to 2024.