Palma ratio (before tax) in South Africa
South Africa: Palma ratio (before tax) was 18.12 in 2014. ▲ Rising
Palma ratio (before tax) in South Africa, 1993–2014
Source: World Inequality Database (WID.world) (2026) – with major processing by Our World in Data.
Analysis
In 2014, palma ratio (before tax) in South Africa stood at 18.12. That is the highest value across all 6 years on record.
That represents a change of up 111.1% over ten years.
Over the whole period, palma ratio (before tax) in South Africa peaked at 18.12 in 2014 and was at its lowest, 4.95, in 1993.
South Africa ranks 2nd of 113 countries on this measure, in the top 10%.
Averages by decade
| Decade | Average | Lowest | Highest | Years |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1990s | 4.95 | 4.95 | 4.95 | 1 |
| 2000s | 9.02 | 8.07 | 10.41 | 3 |
| 2010s | 15.02 | 11.93 | 18.12 | 2 |
Countries ranked near South Africa
More reference data data for South Africa
- Spring temperature anomalies 0.191 °C (2026)
- Summer temperature anomalies 1.36 °C (2026)
- Temperature anomalies by month 0.6318 °C (2026)
- Universal right to vote in practice 2 (2025)
- Autumn temperature anomalies 1.18 °C (2025)
- Winter temperature anomalies 0.2153 °C (2025)
- Consumer price index 209.92 2010 = 100 (2025)
- Universal right to vote 2 (2025)
- Competitive elections 1 (2025)
- Men's universal right to vote 1 (2025)
Frequently asked questions
- What is palma ratio (before tax) in South Africa?
- Palma ratio (before tax) in South Africa was 18.12 in 2014, according to World Inequality Database (WID.world) (2026) – with major processing by Our World in Data.
- What is the highest palma ratio (before tax) recorded in South Africa?
- The highest recorded value was 18.12 in 2014.
- What is the lowest palma ratio (before tax) recorded in South Africa?
- The lowest recorded value was 4.95 in 1993.
- How does South Africa rank for palma ratio (before tax)?
- South Africa ranks 2nd out of 113 countries with data for 2014.
- Is palma ratio (before tax) rising or falling in South Africa?
- Over the last ten years it is up 111.1%. The long-run trend across the full record is rising.
- Where does this South Africa data come from?
- The figures come from World Inequality Database (WID.world) (2026) – with major processing by Our World in Data, published as part of Palma ratio (before tax). Statizoid updates them automatically from the source API.
Download this data
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About this data
The Palma ratio is a measure of inequality that divides the share received by the richest 10% by the share of the poorest 40%. Higher values indicate higher inequality. Inequality is measured here in terms of income before taxes and benefits.