Northern Ireland saw the largest increase in real disposable income per person of any UK region in 2024, according to new figures from the Office for National Statistics. The measure rose 4.1 percent, compared with a UK average increase of 3.1 percent.

The increase was likely driven by inflation-linked rises in benefits, pensions and the minimum wage, the ONS said. Northern Ireland has a comparatively high share of people receiving benefits and earning the minimum wage, so changes to those payment rates tend to have a larger effect there.

Real private sector wages in Northern Ireland also rose during 2024, which the figures are likely to reflect.

Despite the strong growth, Northern Ireland's average disposable income per person of £22,258 remains below the UK average of £26,490. Only London, the south east of England and the east of England sit above the UK average. London tops the list at more than £36,000 per head, though there are wide variations between its boroughs.

At £22,258, Northern Ireland is marginally below the north west of England. Disposable income is lower in the West Midlands, Yorkshire, Wales and the north east of England. The north east of England recorded the smallest increase in 2024 at 2.2 percent.

Local figures show that Lisburn and Castlereagh has the highest average disposable income per head in Northern Ireland at £24,515, while Derry and Strabane has the lowest at £20,375.

Over the past decade, Northern Ireland's relative position within the UK has improved. That is largely because disposable incomes have weakened in Wales and some English regions.