The Nordic Statistics Database has launched an updated social integration and income landing page, providing a visual overview of key indicators across the Nordic countries. The section brings together data on aspects such as day care participation, income levels, poverty and inequality, social protection, and sickness absence. The statistics are presented through interactive graphs and filters that allow users to customise the visualisations according to their needs.
Nordic income levels continue to rise, but at different speeds
Income levels are rising across the Nordic Region, but growth trajectories differ. Norway reported the highest mean income level in 2024, followed by Denmark, Sweden and Finland. Iceland experienced strong gains before 2009 but saw a sharp decline linked to the financial crisis and has since seen slower growth.
Compared to the EU average, all Nordic countries remain clearly above the broader European trend.
About the figure
Mean equivalised net income
The graph shows the mean equivalised net income among 25-64-year-olds over time. The mean equivalised net income is retrieved by calculating the total income (including social transfers) of a household after tax and other deductions, that is available for spending or saving, divided by the number of household members converted into equivalised adults.
The currency is converted from national currency to euro in Purching Power Standards (PPS), which eliminates the impact of differences in price levels among the Nordic countries.
See more: Nordic Statistics Database (INCO01)
Gender pay gaps are narrowing, but inequalities persist
The gender pay gap continues to decline across the Nordics, particularly in Iceland and Sweden, which reported gaps of 10–11% in 2023. At the same time, Denmark and Norway are at 13-14%, while Finland’s gap was closer to 17%. Iceland has recorded the sharpest decline, moving from one of the highest gaps in 2008 to the lowest in the region by 2023. However, while the figures show a gradual reduction in the gender pay gap across the Nordic countries, income disparities between men and women still persist. Understanding these differences helps to assess wage-setting systems, sectoral labour patterns, and gender equality initiatives.
About the figure
Gender pay gap
The graph shows the gender pay gap, which represents differences in average gross hourly earnings of male and female employees, expressed as a percentage of average gross hourly earnings of male employees. A pay gap above 0 percent implies that men have higher gross hourly earnings than women on average.
The indicator is not adjusted according to individual characteristics that may explain part of the earnings difference. The gender pay gap is a consequence of various inequalities (structural differences) in the labour market such as different working patterns, differences in institutional mechanisms and systems of wage setting. Consequently, the pay gap is linked to several legal, social, and economic factors which go far beyond the single issue of equal pay for equal work.
See more: Nordic Statistics Database (INCO05)
Access the data
The social integration and income landing page provides a consolidated entry point for understanding welfare outcomes, income distribution, and social support patterns in the Nordic Region. Its interactive design supports analysis for policymakers, researchers, and practitioners working with social affairs, labour markets, or welfare systems. The database also offers direct access to underlying datasets, metadata, and downloadable tables.
Take a closer look and browse more data on aspects such as:
