Income and wealth statistics for households, 2009

In 2009, median after-tax income among Norwegian households was almost NOK 397 000 - about 1 per cent lower than the previous year (in fixed prices). The decrease in income was caused by lower wages and income from self-employment due to the financial crisis and a tighter labour market.

Most household groups faced lower average income from work in 2009. At the same time, total unemployment benefits rose from NOK 4.3 billion in 2008 to NOK 9.3 billion in 2009.

Income rise for elderly households

Elderly households, both singles and couples, were the only household groups with a real growth in median after-tax income from 2008 to 2009. The reduction in interest received due to lower interest rates, was more than compensated by favourable pension settlements. In addition, new old-age pensioners to a larger extent receive earnings-related pensions than older pensioners.

Tables:

• Table 1 Registered incomes for residents. Number of persons with amount. Amount in NOK million. 2007-2009
• Table 2 Registered incomes for households by type of household. Average in NOK. 2009
• Table 3 After tax income for households, by type of household 1990-2009. At constant prices. 1990=100