Threshold income per month marking the poorest decile, the median, and the richest decile (after tax) in South Africa
South Africa: Threshold income per month marking the poorest decile, the median, and the richest decile (after tax) was 84.69 international-$ in 2021 prices in 2023. ▲ Rising
Threshold income per month marking the poorest decile, the median, and the richest decile (after tax) in South Africa, 2008–2023
Source: Luxembourg Income Study (2026) – with minor processing by Our World in Data. Measured in international-$ in 2021 prices.
Analysis
South Africa recorded 84.69 international-$ in 2021 prices for threshold income per month marking the poorest decile, the median, and the richest decile (after tax) in 2023.
Compared with earlier readings it is down 8.4% over ten years.
Over the whole period, threshold income per month marking the poorest decile, the median, and the richest decile (after tax) in South Africa peaked at 113.77 international-$ in 2021 prices in 2017 and was at its lowest, 61.73 international-$ in 2021 prices, in 2008.
That places South Africa 47th out of 47 countries with data for 2023, putting it in the bottom quarter.
Threshold income per month marking the poorest decile, the median, and the richest decile (after tax) in South Africa, year by year
| Year | international-$ in 2021 prices | Change |
|---|---|---|
| 2008 | 61.73 international-$ in 2021 prices | — |
| 2010 | 69.85 international-$ in 2021 prices | +13.1% |
| 2012 | 92.46 international-$ in 2021 prices | +32.4% |
| 2015 | 105.72 international-$ in 2021 prices | +14.3% |
| 2017 | 113.77 international-$ in 2021 prices | +7.6% |
| 2023 | 84.69 international-$ in 2021 prices | -25.6% |
South Africa compared with similar countries
- South Africa's 84.69 international-$ in 2021 prices is below the median for upper middle income countries, which is 218.98 international-$ in 2021 prices, 39% of the median. (10 countries reporting)
Averages by decade
| Decade | Average | Lowest | Highest | Years |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2000s | 61.73 international-$ in 2021 prices | 61.73 international-$ in 2021 prices | 61.73 international-$ in 2021 prices | 1 |
| 2010s | 95.45 international-$ in 2021 prices | 69.85 international-$ in 2021 prices | 113.77 international-$ in 2021 prices | 4 |
| 2020s | 84.69 international-$ in 2021 prices | 84.69 international-$ in 2021 prices | 84.69 international-$ in 2021 prices | 1 |
Countries ranked near South Africa
More reference data data for South Africa
- Emission Totals - Indirect emissions (N2O) - Manure applied to Soils 0.5111 (2050)
- Emission Totals - Indirect emissions (N2O) - Manure left on Pasture 8.71 (2050)
- Emission Totals - Indirect emissions (N2O) - IPCC Agriculture 13.63 (2050)
- Emission Totals - Indirect emissions (N2O) - Crop Residues 0.7468 (2050)
- Emission Totals - Indirect emissions (N2O) - Agricultural Soils 13.63 (2050)
- Emission Totals - Emissions (N2O) - Manure applied to Soils 1.71 (2050)
- Emission Totals - Emissions (N2O) - Manure Management 1.49 (2050)
- Emission Totals - Emissions (N2O) - Manure left on Pasture 41.1 (2050)
- Emission Totals - Emissions (N2O) - IPCC Agriculture 63.65 (2050)
- Emission Totals - Emissions (N2O) - Crop Residues 4.07 (2050)
Frequently asked questions
- What is threshold income per month marking the poorest decile, the median, and the richest decile (after tax) in South Africa?
- Threshold income per month marking the poorest decile, the median, and the richest decile (after tax) in South Africa was 84.69 international-$ in 2021 prices in 2023, according to Luxembourg Income Study (2026) – with minor processing by Our World in Data.
- What is the highest threshold income per month marking the poorest decile, the median, and the richest decile (after tax) recorded in South Africa?
- The highest recorded value was 113.77 international-$ in 2021 prices in 2017.
- What is the lowest threshold income per month marking the poorest decile, the median, and the richest decile (after tax) recorded in South Africa?
- The lowest recorded value was 61.73 international-$ in 2021 prices in 2008.
- How does South Africa rank for threshold income per month marking the poorest decile, the median, and the richest decile (after tax)?
- South Africa ranks 47th out of 47 countries with data for 2023.
- Is threshold income per month marking the poorest decile, the median, and the richest decile (after tax) rising or falling in South Africa?
- Over the last ten years it is down 8.4%. The long-run trend across the full record is rising.
- Where does this South Africa data come from?
- The figures come from Luxembourg Income Study (2026) – with minor processing by Our World in Data, published as part of Threshold income per month marking the poorest decile, the median, and the richest decile (after tax). Statizoid updates them automatically from the source API.
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About this data
Level of income per month below which 10% of the population falls.