Median income

Calculation

Data for India, China, and Indonesia were only presented stratified by rural urban. We calculated an overall estimate by taking the weighted average of urban and rural sectors with weights determined by percent urban population of total population. Percent urban population was from WHO estimates.

Definition

Income of a person in the 50th percentile of the income distribution for a country. Estimates are based on either consumption or income data from the country. Data are reported in 2011 PPPs.

Relevance

Median income provides an estimate of the average income of a person in a country. Higher median income increases a population's food security and access to food. As incomes rise, individuals and households spend a smaller proportion of income on food expenditure. More disposable income may lead to increased purchases of foods seen as desirable or convenient and eating outside of the home.