Canada Income Share Top 10%
Income share held by highest 10% SI.DST.10TH.10
Canada's income share top 10% was 24.10% in 2021, ranked 16th globally. This represents a 3.0% increase from 2020. Data from World Bank, covering 1971–2021.
Overview
Canada's income share top 10% stood at 24.10% in 2021, a rise of +0.70pp from 2020. Canada ranked 16th globally.
Canada’s share of income accruing to the top 10 % of earners stood at 24.10 % in 2021, placing the country 16th in the world according to the World Bank. This figure is marginally higher than Romania’s 24.00 % and identical to Ireland’s 24.10 %, underscoring Canada’s position among advanced economies with relatively concentrated top‑income shares. The indicator has trended downward since its all‑time peak of 26.60 % in 1971, reaching a trough of 22.80 % in 1989 before a gradual rise over the subsequent decades. Over the 45‑year series, the decline from the early‑1970s peak to the late‑1980s trough reflects broader shifts in tax policy and labor market dynamics, while the recent ascent aligns with rising capital returns and wage polarization observed in many high‑income nations. If fiscal reforms that target progressive taxation and wealth redistribution are implemented, the upward trajectory could be moderated, potentially curbing further concentration of income at the top.
Data & projection
| Year | Income Share Top 10% | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 24.10% | +0.70pp | #16 |
| 2020 | 23.40% | −0.60pp | #18 |
| 2019 | 24.00% | −0.40pp | #23 |
| 2018 | 24.40% | −0.50pp | #27 |
| 2017 | 24.90% | +0.30pp | #27 |
| 2016 | 24.60% | −0.50pp | #27 |
| 2015 | 25.10% | +0.40pp | #28 |
| 2014 | 24.70% | +0.00pp | #27 |
| 2013 | 24.70% | −0.10pp | #26 |
| 2012 | 24.80% | +0.20pp | #28 |
| 2011 | 24.60% | −0.70pp | #27 |
| 2010 | 25.30% | −0.10pp | #32 |
| 2009 | 25.40% | −0.10pp | #30 |
| 2008 | 25.50% | −0.10pp | #26 |
| 2007 | 25.60% | −0.10pp | #29 |
Detected Pattern
Analysis
Canada matched the Export Boom Cycle pattern in 2007. Historically, 71% of countries showing this pattern (546 out of 768) saw income share top 10% improve within 24 months. View full analysis →
Frequently Asked Questions
Canada's income share top 10% was 24.10% in 2021. Ranked 16th globally. This represents a 3.0% increase from the previous year.
Canada's income share top 10% peaked at 26.60% in 1971.
The lowest income share top 10% in Canada was 22.80% in 1989.
Canada ranks 16th globally in income share top 10% as of 2021.
The World Bank indicator code is SI.DST.10TH.10. Data sourced from World Bank.
The income share top 10% of Canada in 2021 was 24.10%. This ranks 16th in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_canada_income-top-10,
title = {Canada Income Share Top 10%},
url = {https://historysaid.com/canada/income-top-10/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}