Beijingers earn more, but 60% earn below average
(Xinhua)
Updated: 2004-02-06 15:47

The per capita disposable income ofBeijingers increased by 11.4 per cent last year, reaching 138,83 yuan (about US$1,673), but 60 per cent of them earn less than this.

An annual report from the municipal statistics bureau shows that the annual income of the rich families has risen by 11.6 per cent from 2002, compared to a 7.6 per cent increase for low-income families, Thursday's Beijing Youth Daily reported.

Though the poor report a growing income, the city's income gap has expanded by 2,600 yuan (some US$313) since 2002, to 22,835 yuan (some US$2,751). The income of the poor stood at 6,174 yuan (some US$744), with the poor/rich income ratio at 1:47.

The municipal government spent more on its social security system last year, which accounts for the income growth of the poorest. The social relief payment tripled in 2003, and the retirement pension increased by 9.2 per cent.

Beijing's per capita disposable income was ranked third place in Chinese mainland, following those of Guangzhou and Shanghai, the statistics show.

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