Australia Gini Index
Gini index (0=perfect equality, 100=perfect inequality) SI.POV.GINI
Australia's gini index was 33.8 in 2020, ranked 34th globally. This represents a 1.5% decrease from 2019. Data from World Bank, covering 1981–2020.
Overview
Australia's gini index stood at 33.8 in 2020, a decline of +0.5 from 2018. Australia ranked 34th globally.
Australia’s Gini index stood at 33.80 in 2020, placing it 34th in the world according to the World Bank. The measure of income inequality rose from a low of 31.30 in 1981, the earliest year recorded, to an all‑time peak of 35.40 during the global financial crisis of 2008, before settling at its current level. Over the 13‑year coverage span, the index has fluctuated modestly, reflecting gradual shifts in the distribution of earnings rather than abrupt structural changes. In comparative terms, Australia’s inequality sits close to that of the Russian Federation (33.70) and Switzerland (33.70), while slightly below Georgia (34.50) and Romania (34.60). The modest upward trajectory since the early 1980s suggests that policy interventions aimed at wage compression, progressive taxation, or enhanced social transfers could moderate future increases, while persistent labor market polarization might sustain the current level.
Data & projection
| Year | Gini Index | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 33.8 | −0.5 | #34 |
| 2018 | 34.3 | +0.6 | #39 |
| 2016 | 33.7 | −0.7 | #37 |
| 2014 | 34.4 | −0.3 | #38 |
| 2010 | 34.7 | −0.7 | #46 |
| 2008 | 35.4 | +2.3 | #42 |
| 2004 | 33.1 | −0.4 | #28 |
| 2003 | 33.5 | +0.0 | #27 |
| 2001 | 33.5 | +0.9 | #16 |
| 1995 | 32.6 | −0.6 | #15 |
| 1989 | 33.2 | +0.7 | #8 |
| 1985 | 32.5 | +1.2 | #6 |
| 1981 | 31.3 | – | #4 |
Detected Pattern
Analysis
Australia matched the Export Boom Cycle pattern in 2021. Historically, 71% of countries showing this pattern (546 out of 768) saw gini index improve within 24 months. View full analysis →
Frequently Asked Questions
Australia's gini index was 33.8 in 2020. Ranked 34th globally. This represents a 1.5% decrease from the previous year.
Australia's gini index peaked at 35.4 in 2008.
The lowest gini index in Australia was 31.3 in 1981.
Australia ranks 34th globally in gini index as of 2020.
The World Bank indicator code is SI.POV.GINI. Data sourced from World Bank.
The gini index of Australia in 2020 was 33.8. This ranks 34th in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_australia_gini-index,
title = {Australia Gini Index},
url = {https://historysaid.com/australia/gini-index/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}