GovGraph

UK Economic and Societal Data Visualization

UK Income Distribution Over Time

Exploring household income brackets from 1961 to 2024 based on ONS data

Income Bracket Population Trends

Select Income Bracket:

This chart shows the percentage of UK households in the £20k - £30k income bracket over time.

📊Methodology Changes

1980: The ONS transitioned from the Family Expenditure Survey methodology to a more comprehensive household income measurement system. This resulted in better capture of income distribution across all brackets, particularly in middle and higher income ranges, causing apparent shifts in the data that reflect improved methodology rather than purely economic changes.

2015: The ONS adopted the household income distribution methodology with enhanced granularity in tracking higher income brackets. This change provided more detailed breakdowns of income distribution, particularly for households earning over £50k, resulting in more accurate representation of income inequality and wealth distribution in the UK.

Dominant Income Bracket by Year

Under £10k

£10k - £20k

£20k - £30k

£30k - £40k

£40k - £50k

£50k - £60k

£60k - £70k

£70k - £80k

£80k - £100k

Over £100k

Key Insights

1961: The largest income bracket was Under £10k at 45.2% of households.

2024: The largest income bracket changed to £20k - £30k at 18.0% of households.

This shift indicates changes in the UK's income distribution over the decade.

About Income Distribution Data

Source: ONS (Office for National Statistics)

Coverage: UK household income distribution from 1961 to 2024

Data Type: Percentage of households in each income bracket per year

Inflation Adjustment: All income values are adjusted for inflation based on 2024 values

Income brackets represent gross annual household income in British Pounds (£). The data shows gradual shifts in UK income distribution from the post-war era, with trends toward higher income brackets over six decades.