Costa Rica Gini Index
Gini index (0=perfect equality, 100=perfect inequality) SI.POV.GINI
Costa Rica's gini index was 44.9 in 2025, ranked 9th globally. This represents a 2.0% decrease from 2024. Data from World Bank, covering 1981–2025.
Overview
Costa Rica's gini index stood at 44.9 in 2025, a decline of +0.9 from 2024. Based on recent trends, this figure is projected to reach 44.9 by 2025. Costa Rica ranked 9th globally.
Costa Rica's Gini Index, a measure of income inequality, has exhibited a significant decline over the past four decades. At 44.88 in 2025, the country ranks ninth globally, down from its all-time peak of 51.80 in 2002 and a trough of 34.40 in 1986. This downward trajectory is also reflected in the country's comparison to peers, with Honduras at 45.47 and Paraguay at 44.69. The reduction in the Gini Index suggests that Costa Rica has made strides in reducing income inequality, particularly since 2002. However, the country still lags behind peers in this regard. With a coverage of 39 years, the data captures a substantial period of economic and societal changes. A continuation of Costa Rica's trend towards reduced inequality could be threatened by rising income disparities stemming from the ongoing effects of globalization and the influx of foreign investment.
Data & projection
| Year | Gini Index | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2027* trend | 43.1 | - | - |
| 2026* trend | 44.0 | - | - |
| 2025* trend | 44.9 | - | - |
| 2025 | 44.9 | −0.9 | #9 |
| 2024 | 45.8 | −0.9 | #12 |
| 2023 | 46.7 | −0.5 | #49 |
| 2022 | 47.2 | −1.5 | #65 |
| 2021 | 48.7 | −0.5 | #74 |
| 2020 | 49.2 | +1.0 | #67 |
| 2019 | 48.2 | +0.2 | #72 |
| 2018 | 48.0 | −0.3 | #88 |
| 2017 | 48.3 | −0.4 | #73 |
| 2016 | 48.7 | +0.3 | #78 |
| 2015 | 48.4 | −0.2 | #78 |
| 2014 | 48.6 | −0.6 | #76 |
| 2013 | 49.2 | +0.8 | #73 |
| 2012 | 48.4 | −0.4 | #82 |
| 2011 | 48.8 | +0.8 | #76 |
Detected Pattern
Analysis
Costa Rica matched the Orthodox Tightening Cycle pattern in 1995. Historically, 57% of countries showing this pattern (177 out of 311) saw gini index improve within 24 months. View full analysis →
Frequently Asked Questions
Costa Rica's gini index was 44.9 in 2025. Ranked 9th globally. This represents a 2.0% decrease from the previous year.
Costa Rica's gini index peaked at 51.8 in 2002.
The lowest gini index in Costa Rica was 34.4 in 1986.
Costa Rica ranks 9th globally in gini index as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is SI.POV.GINI. Data sourced from World Bank.
Costa Rica's gini index is projected to reach 44.9 by 2025 based on trend extrapolation.
The gini index of Costa Rica in 2025 was 44.9. This ranks 9th in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_costa-rica_gini-index,
title = {Costa Rica Gini Index},
url = {https://historysaid.com/costa-rica/gini-index/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}