Introduction
The National Institute of Statistics and Geography (Inegi) recently released data from the Encuesta Nacional de Ingresos y Gastos de los Hogares (ENIGH) for 2024. The findings reveal significant income growth disparities across Mexico’s states, with Nuevo León, Querétaro, and the State of Mexico leading in average income increases.
Income Growth by State
Nuevo León experienced the highest income growth, with a 23.1% increase in average quarterly household income, followed by Querétaro (17.8%) and the State of Mexico (17.3%). The national average rose by 10.6% to 77,864 pesos trimestrally compared to 2022.
- Nuevo León: 119,033 pesos per household per quarter (highest income)
- Querétaro: 5th in Bajío region with 97,615 pesos per household per quarter
- State of Mexico: 74,162 pesos per household per quarter (highest regional growth but below national average)
- Ciudad de México: 2nd with 110,685 pesos per household per quarter (12.1% growth)
- Yucatán: 4th highest growth with 79,972 pesos per household per quarter (above national average)
Southern and southeastern states, including Veracruz, Oaxaca, Guerrero, and Chiapas, ranked lowest in average household income. Chiapas had the lowest income at 41,084 pesos per trimester and was the only state to experience a decrease in income (6.7%) compared to 2022.
Spending by Households
The ENIGH data also covers household expenditures. The national average spending per household was 47,674 pesos trimestrally on items such as food, transportation, housing, and utilities.
- Yucatán: 21% higher spending than in 2022
- State of Mexico: 16.1% higher spending
- Oaxaca: 16.0% higher spending
- Querétaro: 14.4% higher spending
- National average: 7.9% increase
In terms of spending per household, the Ciudad de México ranked first with 66,383 pesos per trimester, followed by Querétaro (61,593 pesos) and Nuevo León (59,192 pesos). Veracruz, Oaxaca, and Chiapas spent the least.
Chiapas’ Unique Challenges
Chiapas is the only state with a decrease in household income (6.7%) compared to 2022, totaling 41,084 pesos per trimester. Factors contributing to this decline include high informal employment (over 70%), insufficient private investment, and weak logistical and energy infrastructure.
- Informal employment reduces job stability and salary potential
- Insufficient private investment due to inadequate infrastructure
- Migration trends may intensify competition for lower-paying jobs
Lower incomes in Chiapas directly impact internal demand, as families with less purchasing power tend to restrict consumption to essential goods, limiting growth for higher-value businesses.
