PER CAPITA INCOME CLIMBS 9.3% IN 2025

Average per capita income in 2025 was estimated at VND5.9 million (approximately US$225) per month, marking a 9.3 percent increase from 2024, according to preliminary findings of the Household Living Standards Survey 2025 conducted by the National Statistics Office (NSO).

Part of the income growth stemmed from State payments to public officials and employees who retired or resigned under the restructuring of the political system's organizational apparatus.

NSO Director Nguyen Thi Huong noted that Viet Nam's income structure is becoming more progressive and sustainable, as wages and wage-like earnings account for an increasing share of total household income.

Besides rising incomes, household living standards remained stable throughout 2025. Household income showed a more positive and steady pattern compared to 2024. Survey results indicated that 31.3 percent of households reported higher income, 65 percent saw no change, while only 2.8 percent experienced a decline, and 0.9 percent were uncertain.

The NSO attributed income growth and stable living conditions to several factors.

Improved production and business performance across all three economic sectors helped generate jobs and boost earnings for workers and households.

Social security policies and programs were implemented promptly and effectively, positively affecting living standards. These included continued allowances and support for people who rendered services to the nation, the poor, disadvantaged groups and social protection beneficiaries.

Emergency relief and post-disaster assistance were also delivered in a timely manner, with total support reaching VND92.4 trillion, an increase of VND22.6 trillion, or 32.4 percent, compared to 2024.

The nationwide program to eliminate temporary and dilapidated houses was highlighted as a key initiative. In addition, average worker income rose by 8.9% year-on-year, employment remained stable, and the unemployment rate stayed low and improved compared to 2024, reflecting a more positive labor market and higher household earnings.

Policies targeting public officials, employees, workers and the armed forces in the context of streamlining the political system also contributed to income growth and the creation of new livelihoods for part of the population. Ongoing support for free health insurance and medical examination cards for eligible groups further helped ease healthcare-related financial pressures.

Nevertheless, the NSO noted that a small proportion of households continued to face difficulties. Among the 2.8 percent of households reporting lower income in 2025, the main causes were job loss or temporary work suspension (37.5 percent), reduced production or business scale (24.1 percent), rising input costs (21.2 percent) and declining product prices (19.5 percent).

Natural disasters, including floods, storms and droughts, continued to damage housing and livelihoods, increasing vulnerability, particularly in rural, mountainous and coastal areas.

To sustain income growth and further improve living standards in 2026, the NSO recommended that the Government and local authorities continue to effectively implement social security programs, enhance job quality and employment opportunities, ensure timely support for vulnerable groups, and strengthen disaster preparedness and climate change adaptation through early warning systems, safe residential planning and support for livelihood transitions.

Source: VCCI