BEIJING – China has achieved significant progress in narrowing its longstanding urban-rural income disparity, according to official data released Wednesday. The income ratio between urban and rural residents has decreased substantially from 2.56:1 in 2020 to 2.31:1 in 2025, marking a notable improvement in economic equality across the nation.
Han Wenxiu, head of the Office of the Central Rural Work Leading Group, disclosed at a press conference that Chinese farmers recorded a per capita disposable income of 24,456 yuan (approximately $3,517) in 2025, representing a solid 6 percent year-on-year increase. This growth trajectory has been accompanied by consistent enhancements in basic living conditions throughout rural communities.
The announcement follows the release of China’s annual “No. 1 central document” on Tuesday, which established key priorities for advancing agricultural modernization and comprehensive rural revitalization throughout 2026. The policy directive underscores the government’s continued commitment to addressing regional development disparities.
Zhu Weidong, deputy head of the office, emphasized that maintaining steady income growth for agricultural workers remains a paramount objective. China’s multifaceted approach includes promoting county-level industries, stabilizing employment opportunities for migrant workers, and revitalizing rural resources to create diversified income streams for farming communities.
The narrowing gap reflects China’s sustained policy focus on rural development, which has accelerated since the nation declared victory in eliminating extreme poverty in 2021. These efforts align with broader initiatives to achieve balanced regional development and common prosperity across the country.