In France, 7.5% Classified as Rich Amid Growing Income Inequality, New 2026 Reports Reveal

Recent comprehensive reports published in June 2026 by the Observatoire des inégalités provide an in-depth analysis of the characteristics and trends of wealth in France, revealing that 7.5% of the population—approximately 4.8 million people—are considered rich. To be classified as such, individuals must earn at least €4,292 per month after tax, equating to double the median living standard. For couples, this threshold rises to €6,400, and for couples with two children over 14 years old, €10,700.

Despite a decrease of around 400,000 wealthy individuals since 2010, incomes within this group have grown significantly, with the average income of the top 0.1% increasing by 56% between 2016 and 2022, compared to only 7% for the bottom 90%. The total wealth of the 500 richest people in France has multiplied by 6.6 times over the last 20 years. Additionally, 11% of households are classified as wealthy based on assets, with property valued at over €820,000, and around two million households are millionaires.

The report outlines that 88% of the wealthy own their primary residence, 74% of employed rich individuals are senior executives or business owners, and 73% are over the age of 45. There is a significant concentration of wealth among certain professions, including corporate executives and medical specialists. The emergence of a "socio-professional elite," as described by sociologists, marks a new dimension of power and cultural wealth, including educational capital transmitted across generations.

The Observatoire calls for establishing an official wealth threshold in public statistics and initiating broader public debate on income inequality and contribution capacities. It also raises concerns about the societal impact of extreme wealth accumulation by families such as Hermès, whose fortune amounts to €163 billion. The report emphasizes that labeling individuals as rich or poor is a factual observation, urging policymakers to address salary disparities, especially for essential but underpaid professions.

Louis Maurin, director of the Observatoire des inégalités, advocates for continued research and the development of public policy measures to protect France’s social model amid rising wealth disparities and public debt.