How rich are the top 10 percent UK?

We’ve all heard about the top 10 percent – the "rich elite" that seems to live in a different world. But, how rich are the top 10 percent in the UK, really? It’s a question that often comes up in discussions about inequality, especially when we look at the ever-widening wealth gap in countries like the UK. We’re not just talking about a bit more disposable income here; we’re talking about a whole different level of wealth, where the rules of daily life seem to change entirely.

Now, I know what you're thinking: “Is this even relevant to me? Why does it matter what the top 10 percent earn?” Well, it does matter. Understanding the financial divide can give us insight into how society works – who gets access to what, and who doesn’t. Plus, it’s also useful to know if the financial gaps are widening or narrowing, especially when we start thinking about our own economic mobility.

So, let’s dive into the numbers and what they really mean for the average person living in the UK.

What does it mean to be in the top 10 percent?

In simple terms, being in the top 10 percent of income earners in the UK means you're part of the wealthier class of society. But to truly get a sense of this group, we need to break it down: to be in the top 10 percent, you need to earn a lot more than the average person. Specifically, for the UK, data from 2020 and 2021 suggests that the threshold to be in the top 10 percent of earners starts at around £60,000 annually before tax.

Okay, so £60,000 sounds like a lot, right? But is it really that much in the grand scheme of things? You might be thinking, “I know people who earn less than that and they’re doing fine,” and you wouldn’t be wrong. Many people are comfortable with salaries below that threshold. But here’s the thing – £60,000 puts you well above the average income in the UK, which sits somewhere closer to £30,000 to £35,000 per year, depending on where you live.

What about wealth, not just income?

Income isn’t the only thing we need to think about when discussing the wealth of the top 10 percent. Because wealth – that’s assets like property, investments, and savings – is where the real difference lies.

The wealthiest 10 percent in the UK aren’t just getting by with their salaries; they also have significant assets. Reports show that the wealthiest 10 percent of households hold about 44 percent of the country’s total wealth. That means, if you’re in the top 10 percent, you likely own multiple properties, have large retirement savings, or are sitting on investments that continue to appreciate. This is where the numbers start to diverge dramatically, and the top 10 percent become, well, much richer than the average person.

To give you a clearer picture, the average wealth of the top 10 percent household in the UK is roughly £1.2 million. Yes, you read that right – it’s not just about having a decent paycheck, it’s also about having real assets that can grow over time. The middle-class household? Their average wealth comes in at around £250,000, a far cry from the numbers in the top 10 percent.

How does this compare to other countries?

I know what you're thinking: “But are they really that much richer compared to other countries?” Well, yes, in some ways. The UK has a high level of wealth inequality, which puts the top 10 percent in a position where they hold a significant portion of the nation’s total wealth. If we compare the UK to other European countries, the wealth divide in the UK is among the widest, especially when you consider how much the wealthiest households control compared to the rest.

Countries like Denmark or Norway have more egalitarian wealth distribution, meaning the wealth gap isn’t as wide. But the UK? It’s one of the countries where being in the top 10 percent actually means having a disproportionately large share of wealth.

What do the top 10 percent spend their money on?

Now, if you’re picturing these high earners as people who just hoard all their wealth, you might be surprised. The truth is, the top 10 percent do spend a lot, but on different things. Luxury goods, private schooling, international holidays, exclusive memberships – these are just a few things the wealthier households tend to splurge on.

Take a moment to think about this: imagine the freedom of not worrying about a £3,000 holiday or paying private school fees. For these families, it's just part of the lifestyle. Of course, not all top earners go on these kinds of holidays, but the luxury options are much more accessible to them than to the average person.

So, should I be jealous of the top 10 percent?

Great question. Honestly, I think it's totally natural to feel a little frustrated or even envious when you see these numbers. You might ask yourself, “How did they get there? How can I get there?” The truth is, many people in the top 10 percent have access to opportunities that others don’t, whether it’s better education, networking, or simply having more resources to invest in opportunities.

But here’s the kicker: you don’t need to be in the top 10 percent to live comfortably and securely. Financial security isn’t always about being super rich; it’s more about managing what you have, making smart investments, and having a good savings plan. But, yes, the top 10 percent have more flexibility to take risks and are often more comfortable in their financial future, no matter what happens.

Conclusion: How rich is the top 10 percent UK?

In the end, the top 10 percent in the UK are significantly richer than most of the population. They earn more, they have more assets, and they generally have access to opportunities that allow their wealth to grow over time. But that doesn’t mean there’s no room for others to thrive. While the gap may be wide, there are still paths to financial stability and success for those who aren't in that elite group.

So, while it might be tempting to compare your own financial situation to the top 10 percent, remember: wealth isn’t the only measure of success. Sometimes, it’s about how you manage what you have, and the opportunities you create for yourself. The top 10 percent? Sure, they’re rich—but don’t forget, it’s the balance and choices that matter most.

Is 165 cm normal for a 15 year old?

The predicted height for a female, based on your parents heights, is 155 to 165cm. Most 15 year old girls are nearly done growing. I was too. It's a very normal height for a girl.

Is 160 cm too tall for a 12 year old?

How Tall Should a 12 Year Old Be? We can only speak to national average heights here in North America, whereby, a 12 year old girl would be between 137 cm to 162 cm tall (4-1/2 to 5-1/3 feet). A 12 year old boy should be between 137 cm to 160 cm tall (4-1/2 to 5-1/4 feet).

How tall is a average 15 year old?

Average Height to Weight for Teenage Boys - 13 to 20 Years

How to get taller at 18?

Staying physically active is even more essential from childhood to grow and improve overall health. But taking it up even in adulthood can help you add a few inches to your height. Strength-building exercises, yoga, jumping rope, and biking all can help to increase your flexibility and grow a few inches taller.

Is 5.7 a good height for a 15 year old boy?

Generally speaking, the average height for 15 year olds girls is 62.9 inches (or 159.7 cm). On the other hand, teen boys at the age of 15 have a much higher average height, which is 67.0 inches (or 170.1 cm).

Can you grow between 16 and 18?

Most girls stop growing taller by age 14 or 15. However, after their early teenage growth spurt, boys continue gaining height at a gradual pace until around 18. Note that some kids will stop growing earlier and others may keep growing a year or two more.

Can you grow 1 cm after 17?

Even with a healthy diet, most people's height won't increase after age 18 to 20. The graph below shows the rate of growth from birth to age 20. As you can see, the growth lines fall to zero between ages 18 and 20 ( 7 , 8 ). The reason why your height stops increasing is your bones, specifically your growth plates.