As an expert in economic disparities and social stratification, I am often asked about the composition of the top 1% in terms of wealth and income. The question of how many people are in the 1% is a complex one, as it involves a variety of factors including the definition of wealth, the criteria for inclusion, and the methodology used for calculation.

The 1% is a term often used to describe the wealthiest segment of society. In the United States, this group has been a focal point of discussions surrounding economic inequality. The reference you provided from 2010 gives us a snapshot of the situation at that time, stating that there were approximately 1,170,000 households in the top 1% of wealth holders. This figure is derived from the total number of US households, which was around 117 million at the time.

However, the economic disparity issue is not solely about the top 1%. It extends to even more exclusive groups within that percentile. The reference also mentions the top one-hundredth of the top percentile, which would amount to about 30,000 people and 12,000 households. This ultra-wealthy group represents a significant concentration of wealth and power within the broader economic landscape.

It's important to note that the composition of the 1% can change over time due to various factors such as economic growth, market fluctuations, changes in tax policies, and shifts in the distribution of wealth. Additionally, the criteria for being in the 1% can vary depending on the source of the data and the methodology used to calculate wealth or income.

To understand the current number of people in the 1%, one would need to look at the most recent data from reliable sources such as the Federal Reserve's Survey of Consumer Finances, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) tax data, or reports from economic research institutions. These sources provide updated figures and insights into the distribution of wealth and income in the United States.

Moreover, the concept of the 1% is not limited to the United States. Many countries around the world have their own definitions and data regarding the wealthiest segments of their populations. The global context of wealth inequality is also an important consideration when discussing the 1%.

In conclusion, while the 2010 data provides a historical perspective on the 1% in the United States, it is essential to consider the dynamic nature of wealth distribution and the evolving criteria for inclusion in this group. Economic disparities are a multifaceted issue that requires ongoing analysis and a nuanced understanding of the factors that contribute to the concentration of wealth at the top of the economic ladder.

read more >>

In 2010, the number of US households was 117 million so there were 1,170,000 households in the top 1%. But the problem of economic disparity lies not nearly so much with the "one percenters" as with the top one-hundredth of that top percentile, about 30,000 people and 12,000 households.read more >>