Wealth Disparities Among Spanish Municipalities Highlighted in Latest INE Data

According to data released by Spain’s National Statistics Institute (INE), the wealthiest municipalities in Spain have an average income four times higher than that of the poorest areas. The 2022 data identifies Pozuelo de Alarcón (Madrid), Matadepera (Barcelona), and Boadilla del Monte (Madrid) as the municipalities with the highest average incomes for residents—Pozuelo’s per capita income reaching nearly $32,570 annually. In contrast, Huesa (Jaén), Iznalloz (Granada), and El Palmar de Troya (Seville) are the municipalities with the lowest per capita income, all under $8,680 per year.

The INE’s Atlas of Household Income Distribution for 2022 shows continuity in wealth concentration, as the top five wealthiest municipalities, including Sant Just Desvern and Sant Cugat del Vallès in Barcelona, remain unchanged from 2021. Conversely, Andalucía hosts the five municipalities with the lowest per capita incomes: Albuñol (Granada) and La Mojonera (Almería) join the aforementioned three at the bottom of the income list. Albuñol is a new addition to this group, while the others retained their positions from the prior year.

Geographically, income disparity is also evident across Spanish regions. The INE’s report reveals that 88% of Basque Country municipalities rank among Spain’s wealthiest 25%, with per capita incomes exceeding $16,360, closely followed by Navarre at 75%. On the other end of the spectrum, Murcia has 84% of its municipalities falling in the lowest 25%, with incomes below $12,520, followed by Extremadura at 83%.

Among provincial capitals, San Sebastian, Madrid, and Barcelona have the highest per capita incomes, each averaging over $19,540 annually. In contrast, Melilla, Alicante, and Ceuta have the lowest average per capita incomes, each below $10,640.

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