Disposable income per person in Northern Ireland saw the largest increase of any UK region in 2024, according to recent figures. This rise is partly attributed to a general increase in real wages across the Northern Ireland private sector during the same period.
The average real disposable income per person across the UK rose by 3.1%, with Northern Ireland experiencing a notable share of this growth. While the exact percentage for Northern Ireland's increase is not specified, the figures indicate it was the most substantial rise among all UK regions. The lowest increase was recorded in the north east of England at 2.2%.
Northern Ireland's overall real disposable income per person stands at £22,258, placing it in the middle tier of UK regions, slightly below the north west of England. Several other regions, including the West Midlands, Yorkshire, Wales, and the north east of England, reported lower disposable incomes. London remains an outlier with an average disposable income exceeding £36,000 per head, though significant variations exist within the city's boroughs.
The UK average disposable income is £26,490 per head, with only London, the south east of England, and the east of England surpassing this figure. Over the past decade, Northern Ireland's relative standing within the UK has improved, largely due to a weaker performance in Wales and some English regions.
Within Northern Ireland, the local distribution of disposable income varies. Lisburn and Castlereagh reported the highest average disposable income per head at £24,515, while Derry and Strabane had the lowest at £20,375.
Real disposable income is defined as the amount of money individuals have available for spending or saving after accounting for taxes and including benefits received. IMAGE6 IMAGE2
