China's rural per capita disposable income increases 40 times in 70 years
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The per capita disposable income of rural residents was 14,617 yuan in 2018, 40 times higher than in 1949, according to a recent report. 

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File photo: VCG

“Report on Achievements in Economic and Social Development in 70 years” was released by the National Bureau of Statistics of China on August 7.

Since 1949, rural residents’ income has continued to grow rapidly, and the income gap between urban and rural areas has narrowed significantly. The report indicated that the ratio of per capita disposable income of urban and rural residents was 2.69 in 2018, which was 0.64 lower than that in 1956.

At the same time, the consumption level of rural residents continues to improve, and Engel's coefficient keeps declining. The per capita consumption expenditure in 2018 was 12,124 yuan, 32.7 times higher than in 1949. The Engel’s coefficient was 30.1 percent, 38.5 percentage points lower than in 1954.

With household consumer goods constantly being upgraded, mobile phones, computers and cars have become more prevalent. Rural residents own 257 mobile phones, 26.9 computers, 22.3 cars, 65.2 air conditioners, 68.7 water heaters and 17.7 microwave ovens per 100 households. The per capita housing area reached 47.3 square meters, an increase of 39.2 square meters over 1978.

(Compiled by Lu Yuchen)