As of 2024, the top 1% in Taiwan earned 19.37% of total national income, while the bottom 50% received just 11.59%. Taiwan’s income inequality has increased since 1980, when the top 1% share was 9.96%.
Key Income Distribution Metrics for Taiwan in 2024
In 2024, income in Taiwan was distributed as follows: the wealthiest 1% of the population captured 19.37% of total national income, which is slightly higher than the global average of 16.17%. Meanwhile, the bottom half of earners received 11.59% of income, notably lower than the global average of 14.97%.
| Metric | Taiwan | Global Average |
|---|---|---|
| Top 1% Income Share | 19.37% | 16.17% |
| Top 10% Income Share | 48.23% | 45.21% |
| Bottom 50% Income Share | 11.59% | 14.97% |
How Has Income Inequality Changed in Taiwan?
Top 1% Income Share Trend (1980-2024)
The share of income going to Taiwan’s top 1% has increased over the past 44 years. In 1980, the top 1% captured 9.96% of national income. By 2024, this figure had risen by 9.41 percentage points to 19.37%.
Top 10% vs Bottom 50% Income Gap Over Time
The income gap between the top 10% and bottom 50% in Taiwan has widened over this period. In 1980, the top 10% earned 34.92% while the bottom 50% received 18.73%. By 2024, these figures shifted to 48.23% and 11.59% respectively.
| Year | Top 1% | Top 10% | Bottom 50% | Gap (Top 10 – Bottom 50) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1980 | 9.96% | 34.92% | 18.73% | 16.19 pp |
| 1986 | 9.91% | 35.74% | 17.00% | 18.74 pp |
| 1992 | 11.01% | 36.71% | 16.47% | 20.24 pp |
| 1998 | 12.80% | 39.83% | 13.91% | 25.92 pp |
| 2004 | 18.01% | 46.09% | 11.23% | 34.86 pp |
| 2010 | 19.17% | 48.26% | 10.26% | 38.00 pp |
| 2016 | 20.23% | 49.10% | 10.92% | 38.18 pp |
| 2022 | 19.37% | 48.23% | 11.59% | 36.64 pp |
How Taiwan Compares Globally
Taiwan vs Asia Average
Compared to other countries in Asia, Taiwan’s top 1% income share of 19.37% is slightly higher than the regional average of 16.42%. The bottom 50% in Taiwan receives 11.59% of income, compared to the Asia average of 15.41%.
Where Taiwan Ranks Among All Countries
- Top 1% income concentration: Taiwan ranks 51st out of 184 countries (higher rank = more concentrated wealth at the top)
- Bottom 50% income share: Taiwan ranks 142nd out of 184 countries (higher rank = larger share for the bottom half)
Countries with similar income inequality levels to Taiwan include Turkmenistan's wealth gap, Egypt's income inequality, Cuba's wealth gap.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the income share of the top 1% in Taiwan?
As of 2024, the top 1% in Taiwan earned 19.37% of total national income. This level of concentration is considered high by international standards.
Is income inequality increasing or decreasing in Taiwan?
Income inequality in Taiwan has increased since 1980. The top 1% income share moved from 9.96% in 1980 to 19.37% in 2024.
What percentage of income goes to the bottom 50% in Taiwan?
In 2024, the bottom 50% of earners in Taiwan received 11.59% of total national income. This compares with the top 10% who captured 48.23%.
Last updated: April 8, 2026
Data source: World Inequality Database (WID). This dataset covers income distribution metrics for 199 countries from 1980 to 2024.