WILLEMSTAD – Income disparities across Curaçao remain stark, with households in the island’s wealthiest neighborhoods earning up to seven times more than those in the poorest areas, according to new figures from the Central Bureau of Statistics (CBS) based on the 2023 population census (Senso).
In Mahaai, households earn an average of 22,948 guilders per month—the highest in the country—followed closely by Spanish Water (20,237 guilders) and Oostpunt (17,001 guilders). By contrast, in Scharloo, the average monthly household income is just 3,288 guilders, while in Fortuna it stands at 4,267 guilders.
Most Households Fall in Modest Income Bracket
The data shows that the largest share of households—around 15%—earn between 1,001 and 2,000 guilders per month, considered the modal income range. As incomes rise, the number of households in each bracket decreases.
Compared to the previous census in 2011, household incomes have increased across all family sizes. In relative terms, the largest gains were seen among single-person households, though in absolute figures, large households still report the highest total incomes.
Multiple Incomes Make a Difference
CBS notes that income levels are strongly influenced by the number of earners per household. Homes with a single income earner bring in significantly less than those with two or more earners. On average, household income nearly doubles when a second person contributes financially. While incomes continue to rise with each additional earner, the rate of increase slows after two contributors.
Household size also plays a role. Larger families often report higher total incomes, but this does not necessarily translate into higher per-person earnings. Still, income growth since 2011 has been observed across all household sizes, with the steepest increases among smaller households, particularly individuals living alone.
CBS says these findings highlight persistent inequality on the island, where location and household composition remain key factors in determining economic well-being.
