This graph shows where people of different ages are placed in the household income rankings.
2017-18: People aged 64 and over are found towards the lower end of the household income scale. 41% of all older people are in the lowest 20% income group. Adults of working-age – aged between 25-64 – are located higher up the income rankings, with 48% in the highest two income groups.
Young people – aged between 15-24 – are located in the middle to upper half of the distribution (with 45% in the middle and fourth 20%). This generally reflects the income of their parents, who are likely to be in their peak wage-earning years. Children under 15 years are more likely to be located in the lower to middle parts of the distribution (with 47% in the second and middle 20%). This generally reflects the younger age of their parents, and the fact that parents with young children are likely to have less paid work.
2015-16: 39% of all older people are in the lowest 20% income group. Adults of working-age – aged between 25-64 – are located higher up the income rankings, with 48% in the highest two income groups.
Young people – aged between 15-24 – are located in the middle to upper half of the distribution (with 44% in the middle and fourth 20%). Children under 15 years are more likely to be located in the lower to middle parts of the distribution (with 47% in the second and middle 20%).