U.S. household income distribution, by Gini-coefficient 1990-2018
In 2018, according to the Gini coefficient, household income distribution in the United States was 0.49. This figure was at 0.43 in 1990, which indicates an increase in income inequality in the U.S. over the past 30 years.
What is the Gini coefficient?
The Gini coefficient, or Gini index, is a statistical measure of economic inequality and wealth distribution among a population. A value of zero represents perfect economic equality, and a value of one represents perfect economic inequality. The Gini coefficient helps to visualize income inequality in a more digestible way. For example, according to the Gini coefficient, the District of Columbia has the greatest amount of income inequality in the U.S. with a score of 0.53, and Alaska has the greatest income equality with a score of 0.42.
The Gini coefficient around the world
The Gini coefficient is also an effective measure to help picture income inequality around the world. For example, in 2017 income inequality was highest in South Africa, while income inequality was lowest in Azerbaijan.
What is the Gini coefficient?
The Gini coefficient, or Gini index, is a statistical measure of economic inequality and wealth distribution among a population. A value of zero represents perfect economic equality, and a value of one represents perfect economic inequality. The Gini coefficient helps to visualize income inequality in a more digestible way. For example, according to the Gini coefficient, the District of Columbia has the greatest amount of income inequality in the U.S. with a score of 0.53, and Alaska has the greatest income equality with a score of 0.42.
The Gini coefficient around the world
The Gini coefficient is also an effective measure to help picture income inequality around the world. For example, in 2017 income inequality was highest in South Africa, while income inequality was lowest in Azerbaijan.
