As of 2024, the top 1% in United Kingdom earned 13.08% of total national income, while the bottom 50% received just 20.43%. United Kingdom’s income inequality has increased since 1980, when the top 1% share was 6.78%.
Key Income Distribution Metrics for United Kingdom in 2024
In 2024, income in United Kingdom was distributed as follows: the wealthiest 1% of the population captured 13.08% of total national income, which is slightly lower than the global average of 16.17%. Meanwhile, the bottom half of earners received 20.43% of income, notably higher than the global average of 14.97%.
| Metric | United Kingdom | Global Average |
|---|---|---|
| Top 1% Income Share | 13.08% | 16.17% |
| Top 10% Income Share | 36.22% | 45.21% |
| Bottom 50% Income Share | 20.43% | 14.97% |
How Has Income Inequality Changed in United Kingdom?
Top 1% Income Share Trend (1980-2024)
The share of income going to United Kingdom’s top 1% has increased over the past 44 years. In 1980, the top 1% captured 6.78% of national income. By 2024, this figure had risen by 6.30 percentage points to 13.08%.
Top 10% vs Bottom 50% Income Gap Over Time
The income gap between the top 10% and bottom 50% in United Kingdom has widened over this period. In 1980, the top 10% earned 28.48% while the bottom 50% received 22.57%. By 2024, these figures shifted to 36.22% and 20.43% respectively.
| Year | Top 1% | Top 10% | Bottom 50% | Gap (Top 10 – Bottom 50) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1980 | 6.78% | 28.48% | 22.57% | 5.91 pp |
| 1986 | 7.43% | 29.89% | 21.48% | 8.41 pp |
| 1992 | 9.24% | 33.63% | 19.19% | 14.44 pp |
| 1998 | 12.98% | 36.62% | 18.59% | 18.03 pp |
| 2004 | 12.97% | 37.21% | 18.49% | 18.72 pp |
| 2010 | 12.29% | 34.84% | 19.76% | 15.08 pp |
| 2016 | 12.48% | 35.72% | 20.02% | 15.70 pp |
| 2022 | 13.35% | 36.25% | 20.20% | 16.05 pp |
How United Kingdom Compares Globally
United Kingdom vs Europe Average
Compared to other countries in Europe, United Kingdom’s top 1% income share of 13.08% is notably higher than the regional average of 10.86%. The bottom 50% in United Kingdom receives 20.43% of income, compared to the Europe average of 20.10%.
Where United Kingdom Ranks Among All Countries
- Top 1% income concentration: United Kingdom ranks 129th out of 184 countries (higher rank = more concentrated wealth at the top)
- Bottom 50% income share: United Kingdom ranks 21st out of 184 countries (higher rank = larger share for the bottom half)
Countries with similar income inequality levels to United Kingdom include Maldives, Senegal's income inequality, Malaysia.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the income share of the top 1% in United Kingdom?
As of 2024, the top 1% in United Kingdom earned 13.08% of total national income. This level of concentration is considered moderate by international standards.
Is income inequality increasing or decreasing in United Kingdom?
Income inequality in United Kingdom has increased since 1980. The top 1% income share moved from 6.78% in 1980 to 13.08% in 2024.
What percentage of income goes to the bottom 50% in United Kingdom?
In 2024, the bottom 50% of earners in United Kingdom received 20.43% of total national income. This compares with the top 10% who captured 36.22%.
Last updated: April 8, 2026
Data source: World Inequality Database (WID). This dataset covers income distribution metrics for 199 countries from 1980 to 2024.