ENIGH 2024: Incomes Rise Among Low-Income Households, but the Gap with the Top Decile Remains Wide
Inegi has released the results from the 2024 ENIGH, confirming an improvement in average household income, with more pronounced gains at the bottom and middle of the distribution. Quarterly current income per household stood at 77,864 pesos, 10.6% higher than in 2022, though significant inequality persists: households in the top decile earn 14 times more than those in the lowest decile.
The survey divides households into ten income deciles. At the lowest end, decile I averaged 16,795 pesos per quarter; in the middle, decile V reached 54,308; and at the top, decile X posted 236,095 pesos. The gap between the extremes is 219,300 pesos every three months. Between 2022 and 2024, the largest percentage increases were observed at the lower and middle sections—with gains of up to 14.2%—while decile X rose by 6.4%. On a daily basis per earner, the top decile received around 1,191 pesos, compared to 85 pesos in the lowest decile.
By source of income, earnings from work increase as overall income rises, up to decile VIII (accounting for 70.5% of total income), and then decrease in the higher deciles, where returns on assets, interest, and other non-labor income play a bigger role. In decile I, labor income represents 42.5%, with the rest coming from transfers, aid, and other sources. This pattern matches greater asset ownership in higher-income households and underscores the role of social programs and remittances among low- and middle-income groups.
Average quarterly cash income was 30,160 pesos, 11.8% higher than in 2022. The gender gap persists: men averaged 36,047 pesos, compared to 23,714 pesos for women—a ratio of 1.52 to 1. By age, the 40-49 group recorded the highest average (38,454 pesos), while the 30-39 bracket saw the largest absolute increase in two years. Among youth ages 12 to 19, income rose 21% to 8,738 pesos per quarter. The gender gap widens with age, reaching a ratio of 1.8 to 1 among those 60 and older.
Recent income performance has taken place in a context of higher minimum wages, job creation in the formal sector, and slower inflation compared to 2022—all factors that have strengthened purchasing power for many households. At the same time, remittance flows remain at record highs, continuing to support consumption in regions with high emigration. Nevertheless, challenges remain: more than half of the workforce is in the informal sector, productivity growth is sluggish, and regional inequality is growing in areas attracting less investment.
Looking ahead, household income trends will depend on whether inflation continues to ease, developments in employment, and whether real wage increases can be sustained. The consolidation of nearshoring-related investments could boost compensation in northern states and the Bajío region, but without policies for talent development, caregiving, and labor mobility, the benefits may be confined to a few areas. Expanding formal employment, closing gender gaps, and strengthening financial inclusion would be key levers to turn recent gains into more durable and equitable income growth.
In summary, ENIGH 2024 shows tangible income gains for low- and middle-income groups, but the gap with the top of the distribution remains significant. Work continues to be the main income source up to the higher deciles, where asset income becomes more important. Keeping inflation in check, raising productivity, and promoting female workforce participation will be crucial to solidifying progress and translating it into lower inequality.
