As of 2024, the top 1% in Sweden earned 9.51% of total national income, while the bottom 50% received just 24.42%. Sweden’s income inequality has increased since 1980, when the top 1% share was 7.20%.
Key Income Distribution Metrics for Sweden in 2024
In 2024, income in Sweden was distributed as follows: the wealthiest 1% of the population captured 9.51% of total national income, which is notably lower than the global average of 16.17%. Meanwhile, the bottom half of earners received 24.42% of income, significantly higher than the global average of 14.97%.
| Metric | Sweden | Global Average |
|---|---|---|
| Top 1% Income Share | 9.51% | 16.17% |
| Top 10% Income Share | 28.98% | 45.21% |
| Bottom 50% Income Share | 24.42% | 14.97% |
How Has Income Inequality Changed in Sweden?
Top 1% Income Share Trend (1980-2024)
The share of income going to Sweden’s top 1% has increased over the past 44 years. In 1980, the top 1% captured 7.20% of national income. By 2024, this figure had risen by 2.31 percentage points to 9.51%.
Top 10% vs Bottom 50% Income Gap Over Time
The income gap between the top 10% and bottom 50% in Sweden has widened over this period. In 1980, the top 10% earned 25.60% while the bottom 50% received 26.59%. By 2024, these figures shifted to 28.98% and 24.42% respectively.
| Year | Top 1% | Top 10% | Bottom 50% | Gap (Top 10 – Bottom 50) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1980 | 7.20% | 25.60% | 26.59% | -0.99 pp |
| 1986 | 9.54% | 28.05% | 26.08% | 1.97 pp |
| 1992 | 7.85% | 26.79% | 26.45% | 0.34 pp |
| 1998 | 11.70% | 31.80% | 24.32% | 7.48 pp |
| 2004 | 11.40% | 31.84% | 24.86% | 6.98 pp |
| 2010 | 11.19% | 31.63% | 22.78% | 8.85 pp |
| 2016 | 9.20% | 29.33% | 24.30% | 5.03 pp |
| 2022 | 9.74% | 29.71% | 24.17% | 5.54 pp |
How Sweden Compares Globally
Sweden vs Europe Average
Compared to other countries in Europe, Sweden’s top 1% income share of 9.51% is slightly lower than the regional average of 10.86%. The bottom 50% in Sweden receives 24.42% of income, compared to the Europe average of 20.10%.
Where Sweden Ranks Among All Countries
- Top 1% income concentration: Sweden ranks 167th out of 184 countries (higher rank = more concentrated wealth at the top)
- Bottom 50% income share: Sweden ranks 3rd out of 184 countries (higher rank = larger share for the bottom half)
Countries with similar income inequality levels to Sweden include income distribution in Norway, Finland, income distribution in Belarus.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the income share of the top 1% in Sweden?
As of 2024, the top 1% in Sweden earned 9.51% of total national income. This level of concentration is considered relatively low by international standards.
Is income inequality increasing or decreasing in Sweden?
Income inequality in Sweden has increased since 1980. The top 1% income share moved from 7.20% in 1980 to 9.51% in 2024.
What percentage of income goes to the bottom 50% in Sweden?
In 2024, the bottom 50% of earners in Sweden received 24.42% of total national income. This compares with the top 10% who captured 28.98%.
Last updated: April 8, 2026
Data source: World Inequality Database (WID). This dataset covers income distribution metrics for 199 countries from 1980 to 2024.