South Africa Income Share Top 10%
Income share held by highest 10% SI.DST.10TH.10
South Africa's income share top 10% was 50.50% in 2014, ranked 84th globally. This represents a 1.6% decrease from 2013. Data from World Bank, covering 1993–2014.
Overview
South Africa's income share top 10% stood at 50.50% in 2014, a decline of +0.80pp from 2010. South Africa ranked 84th globally.
South Africa's income share of the top 10% has exhibited a notable trend, with a significant increase from its all-time trough in 2000 at 44.90%. By 2005, this figure peaked at 54.20%, reflecting a widening income gap during that period. However, since then, the income share of the top 10% has gradually decreased, reaching 50.50% in 2014, a position that ranks #84 globally. Interestingly, in comparison, countries like Mozambique, with an income share of 45.50% in 2014, have a lower concentration of wealth among the top 10%. The downward trend in South Africa suggests that policies aimed at reducing income inequality, such as progressive taxation and social welfare programs, may be effective in narrowing the gap. A continued decline in the income share of the top 10% could be a positive indicator of a more equitable economy, but this trend would likely be influenced by factors such as economic growth, tax policies, and social spending.
Data & projection
| Year | Income Share Top 10% | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2014 | 50.50% | −0.80pp | #84 |
| 2010 | 51.30% | +0.00pp | #85 |
| 2008 | 51.30% | −2.90pp | #79 |
| 2005 | 54.20% | +9.30pp | #80 |
| 2000 | 44.90% | −1.80pp | #54 |
| 1993 | 46.70% | – | #32 |
Detected Pattern
Analysis
South Africa matched the Export Boom Cycle pattern in 1994. 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
South Africa's income share top 10% was 50.50% in 2014. Ranked 84th globally. This represents a 1.6% decrease from the previous year.
South Africa's income share top 10% peaked at 54.20% in 2005.
The lowest income share top 10% in South Africa was 44.90% in 2000.
South Africa ranks 84th globally in income share top 10% as of 2014.
The World Bank indicator code is SI.DST.10TH.10. Data sourced from World Bank.
The income share top 10% of South Africa in 2014 was 50.50%. This ranks 84th in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_south-africa_income-top-10,
title = {South Africa Income Share Top 10%},
url = {https://historysaid.com/south-africa/income-top-10/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}