Wealthy Russian families tend to diversify their income, pulling money from several different streams rather than relying on a single source. This pattern is highlighted by a study conducted by the Higher School of Economics, which sheds light on how affluent households manage earnings across categories and over time. The findings help explain how the top tier of earners maintain financial stability through multiple channels and how these choices compare with broader societal income trends in Russia today.
According to the research, the most common components of income for affluent households include salaries from the primary job, which 69% report as part of their earnings, and interest from bank deposits, cited by 54%. These two sources represent a foundation of regular cash flow that supports more varied earnings overall. The study also notes that a significant portion of the wealthy pool relies on broader financial instruments as part of their strategy for preserving and growing wealth.
Experts categorize families with total income starting around 101 thousand rubles as wealthy, with the average income for these households around 227 thousand rubles. This range illustrates the concentration of substantial earnings within a relatively defined bracket, while also showing the scale at which many affluent families operate within the modern Russian economy. Beyond salaries, the third most common income source for the wealthy is business activity conducted by the family itself, reported by 48% of affluent households. This reflects a continued emphasis on entrepreneurship and enterprise as a driver of wealth, rather than dependence on external transfers alone.
Income derived from rental properties and securities is observed in about 30% of wealthy families, signaling the importance of asset-based income streams in sustaining wealth over time. The study also notes that only around a quarter of these households receive transfers through government programs or private donations. This suggests that while transfers exist, they represent a smaller portion of total income for the upper tier and that wealth preservation relies more on earnings and investments than on subsidies.
When looking at the income of individuals within the Russian population, the main sources are employment and entrepreneurial activity. Employment accounts for about 61% of individual income, while entrepreneurial activities contribute roughly 28%. The data indicate that a large share of respondents perceive their earning capacity as stable, with more than half reporting no recent changes and about a third noting improvements in their ability to earn money. This paints a picture of steady financial momentum for many people, even after broader economic fluctuations have affected the country in recent years.
Looking at broader labor market dynamics, the country has faced periods of talent shortages across various sectors. Despite these pressures, many individuals and families continue to adapt by exploring multiple income streams, investing in assets, and pursuing new business opportunities. The overall picture suggests that income diversification is a common strategy among households aiming to maintain a strong financial footing and to respond to changing economic conditions.