Real disposable income per person in Northern Ireland increased by 4.1% during 2024, outpacing every other UK region according to new data released by the Office for National Statistics. The growth was substantially driven by inflation-linked increases in benefits, pensions and the minimum wage, combined with rising real wages in the private sector.
The figures measure the amount households retain for spending or saving after paying taxes and receiving benefits. Northern Ireland's outsized growth reflects its demographic composition: the region has a notably high proportion of workers earning minimum wage and residents receiving state benefits, meaning that when payment rates rise, the economic impact is magnified compared to other areas.
How does Northern Ireland's performance compare nationally?
Across the entire UK, real disposable income per person grew by 3.1% in 2024, according to the ONS regional bulletin released on 19 August 2026. The North East of England recorded the weakest performance at 2.2%, while Northern Ireland's 4.1% gain positioned it at the top of the regional rankings.
In absolute terms, Northern Ireland's average real disposable income per person stood at £22,258 in 2024, placing it marginally below the North West of England. The West Midlands, Yorkshire, Wales and the North East all recorded lower average disposable incomes than Northern Ireland. London remains a significant outlier, with average disposable income exceeding £36,000 per head, though substantial variations exist between individual London boroughs.
The UK average disposable income per head was £26,490, with only London, South East England and East of England surpassing this threshold. Northern Ireland's standing within the UK hierarchy has strengthened over the past decade, though this improvement has been partly offset by weakening performance in Wales and several English regions.
What are the regional variations within Northern Ireland?
Disparities in disposable income exist across Northern Ireland's local areas. Lisburn and Castlereagh recorded the highest average disposable income per head at £24,515, while Derry and Strabane had the lowest at £20,375, reflecting a gap of over £4,000 between the most and least affluent areas.
The broader economic context shows that UK gross disposable household income grew 7.4% in nominal terms between 2023 and 2024, with Northern Ireland's growth at 8.1%, indicating stronger nominal gains before accounting for inflation. Northern Ireland accounted for 2.4% of total UK gross disposable household income in 2024, amounting to £42,911 million.
This improvement in household finances comes as Ulster University's Economic Policy Centre has forecast Northern Ireland's economy to outperform the UK average over the next five years, with growth projected at 1.6% for the current year. Additionally, Northern Ireland's average house price has surpassed £200,000 for the first time since 2007, driven by strong employment growth and limited housing supply.
Key Facts
- Northern Ireland's real disposable income per person rose 4.1% in 2024, the highest growth rate among all UK regions
- The UK average growth was 3.1%, with the North East recording the lowest increase at 2.2%
- Northern Ireland's average disposable income per head of £22,258 ranks below the UK average of £26,490, with only London, South East and East of England exceeding the national figure
- Within Northern Ireland, Lisburn and Castlereagh has the highest average disposable income at £24,515, while Derry and Strabane has the lowest at £20,375
- The region's growth was driven by inflation-linked increases in benefits, pensions, minimum wage and rising private sector wages
