Chart: Just 1 in 100 Americans pocket nearly 20% of the U.S.’s entire income

income distribution in the united states

New data is now available from top income researchers Thomas Piketty and Emmanuel Saez. The data show that for 2011, 90 out of 100 Americans earned just half of the income in the United States. The other half was shared among the top 10% – with the plurality being funneled directly to the top 1%.

In 2011, the top 1% enjoyed average incomes in excess of $1 million – while the bottom 90% averaged just over $30,000. However, it’s worth noting the rich aren’t gaining nearly as fast as the ultra-rich. In 2011, the top 0.01% pulled down an average of more than $24 million per earner.

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