Average Income vs National Income: Key Differences Explained

Last Updated On -11 Dec 2025

If you are a commerce student and want to learn about the different features of average income and national income. The key differences are explained, which will inform others about policy decisions and economic analysis. Learn about the key differences between average income and national income in this article.

What is Average Income?

In a certain time period, especially within a year, the average income of a person can be calculated by dividing the total income of a country by the population. The average income gives an idea about how much each person in the country has to save or invest. In an underdeveloped economy, average income gives an idea of how a country functions.

Features

The average income reflects the economic situation of a country on an individual scale and its access to goods and services
The per capita income also shows the wealth distribution in a country, highlighting the income differences between people

What is National Income?

The businesses and people of a country produce services and products in a specific time, especially in a year within its borders. When the total income of all the produced goods and services is calculated, it is called national income. It also reflects the demand and supply of money in the economy.

Features

The national income reflects the economic performance of a country, its growth, deductions, and the impact of trade deficit on the economy.
The national income can be a scale on which a country’s production can be measured economically
Policymakers and governments use national income to evaluate spending and taxes to make decisions

Key Differences: Average Income vs National Income

Below is a tabular form of the key features of average income and national income, highlighting the way they are different from each other. You will also get to learn about the comparative advantage of trade from various types of income. Learn the key differences that reflect how it influences the standard of living, population growth, and income distribution.

Key Features	Average Income	National Income
Focus	Focuses on the income on an individual level It offers insights into the income distribution and living standards of a country and its people	Focuses on the aggregate economic output of a country Measuring income generation and the overall production of a country
Unit of Measurement	Not measured in monetary terms but on a per-person basis	Monetary terms used to measure, like euros and dollars
Calculation	Used to calculate the income of every person in the population of a country	There are several sectors, like services, government, manufacturing, and agriculture, where the national income is calculated
Policy Implications	The Per Capita Income is integral to evaluating the inequality, social welfare, and poverty data It helps the government intervene and redistribute policies	The data from the National Income helps the government It formulates the policies, assessment of monetary and fiscal measures
Indication	Indicates the standard of living of the population The disparities in a country	Indicates the overall output of a country and its economic performance It also refers to aggregate demand and economic growth

Wrapping Up!

In conclusion, the average income and the national income differ in terms of income distribution. However, they deal with it differently when it comes to income generation and overall production. Furthermore, they provide insights into how they function around each other, interrelating effectively.

Frequently Asked Questions on Average Income vs National Income

Which country has the highest average income?

Currently the countries like Singapore, Bermuda, Luxembourg, and Switzerland have some of the highest average incomes.

What are the three methods of measuring national income?

The three methods that can be used to measure national income are:

Production method or value-added formula summing up the value at different stages of production
Income method, adding up incomes like interest, rent, profit, or wages
Expenditure method, summing up the final services and goods

What is another term for national income?

Another term previously used for the national income term and process is called the Gross National Product (GNP); however, it is currently called Gross International Income (GNI).

How do I calculate average income?

The total income of a country is divided by the number of people or units in the formula for average income. It represents the individual income or earnings living in a particular region, group, or country.