In the first quarter of 2023, the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) reported a notable rise in real household income per capita, marking a 0.9% increase and surpassing the growth in real GDP per capita, which stood at 0.3%.

This recent uptick is not an isolated event but part of a continuing trend, representing the third consecutive quarter of growth and the most significant quarterly rise since the early pandemic days of Q1 2021, when incomes were buoyed by assistance programs.

However, the economic landscape painted by the OECD is not uniformly rosy. The data, which spans 21 countries, reveals a dichotomy where 11 countries experienced income growth, while ten saw declines. Among the G7 economies, Italy and the United States enjoyed increases in real household income per capita, with Italy leading the charge with a 3.3% surge.

This growth is attributed to the stabilization of energy prices, which had previously spiked, thereby improving real-term household incomes. Conversely, Canada faced the steepest decline at -2.2%, partially due to a reduction in government transfers compared to the previous quarter.

The United States’ 1.7% gain in real household income per capita was primarily due to a decrease in taxes payable after a rise in 2022. This was supported by wage and salary increases, deferred tax payments from 2020, and robust capital gains. Other OECD countries like Poland, Denmark, Belgium, and the Netherlands also recorded significant increases in real household income per capita.

The OECD’s comprehensive data underscores the varied factors influencing economic well-being across member countries. From government policy shifts to global market dynamics, the intricate interplay of these elements shapes the financial health of nations.

Factors Influencing Household Income Growth

• Government Transfers: Changes in government assistance programs have a direct impact on household income, as seen in Canada.
• Taxation Policies: Tax decreases in the United States have bolstered household income, demonstrating the influence of fiscal policy.
• Energy Prices: Fluctuations in energy costs have a tangible effect on real household income, particularly in countries like Italy.
• Wage Dynamics: Wage and salary trends, along with capital gains, play a crucial role in household income levels.

The OECD’s latest figures offer a mixed but cautiously optimistic picture of economic well-being, with household income growth outpacing GDP in several member countries. This data is vital for policymakers and economists alike, providing insights into the health of the global economy and the standard of living across the OECD.