SINGAPORE: Singapore households were better off last
year, as the median monthly household income per member rose to
S$1,990, from S$1,850 in 2010.
In nominal terms, that was an increase of 7.9 per
cent. In real terms, it was a 2.7 per cent rise.
Household income from work refers to the total
income received by all members of a household from employment and
business.
The figures are for resident households with at least one working
member. It excludes the salaries of maids, rental income and
dividends.
The Department of Statistics (DOS) said in its latest report, 'Key
Household Characteristics and Household Income Trends, 2011',
released on Tuesday that the increase was the sharpest for the
lower-income group.
The lowest 10 per cent of households saw the highest percentage
growth in average monthly household income per member.
The increase was 11 per cent in nominal terms and 5.8 per cent in
real terms.
As for total household income, median monthly household income from
work increased from S$6,340 in 2010 to S$7,040 in 2011 - an 11 per
cent growth in nominal terms, or 5.6 per cent in real terms.
The top 10 per cent of households saw the highest percentage growth
in average monthly household income of 14 per cent in nominal
terms, or 7.9 per cent in real terms.
Between 2001 and 2011, the median monthly household income from
work per household member of resident employed households rose by
20 per cent in real terms. Most of the gains came between 2006 and
2011.
On a total household income basis, the median monthly household
income from work rose by 22 per cent in real terms between 2001 and
2011.
The Department of Statistics said the profile of households
remained relatively stable.
The number of resident households was relatively unchanged at 1.15
million in 2011, compared with 2010.
The average household size was 3.5 persons, which was unchanged
since 2006.
Similarly, the distribution of resident households by type of
dwelling was relatively stable.
Four-room HDB flats remain the most common type of dwelling for
resident households in 2011.
The proportion of resident households with at least one working
person (i.e. resident employed households) increased from 90 per
cent in 2010 to 91 per cent in 2011.
- CNA/cc
