Growth in six-figure households

More than 150,000 households in London and the South-East now have earnings in six figures, according to a survey today.

The research shows that the £100,000 income level - once enjoyed only by the wealthiest elite of the City and the professions - is fast becoming the norm for thousands of families.

Not surprisingly, the highest proportion of £100,000-plus households are based in the Square Mile, where almost nine per cent are over the magic mark.

In terms of numbers, however, Wandsworth - famously home to many wealthy, "nappy valley" families - has the most six-figure homes with 5,398, just under 4.5 per cent of the total.

It forms the central chunk of a "wealth corridor" stretching from the City, through Westminster and Kensington to Richmond and Kingston and beyond into Surrey. This corridor is one of the biggest concentrations of high earners in the world.

In London as a whole, a total of 80,973 households earn more than £100,000, with a further 75,035 spread throughout the South-East.

The research, one of the most detailed studies of household income to be carried out, also highlights the gulf between the rich and poor areas of Europe's wealthiest region.

In Elmbridge in Surrey 5.75 per cent of households earn more than £100,000 and average household income is £44,744.

However, on the Isle of Wight - just beyond the far end of the A3 - only 0.32 per cent have reached the six-figure barrier and incomes average only £24,704.

The local authority with the smallest number of £100,000 earners is the south coast resort of Hastings with just 163, or 97 per cent fewer than Wandsworth.

Of London's 33 boroughs, the "poorest" in terms of six-figure earning households is Barking and Dagenham with 291 or 0.43 per cent.

The research, commissioned by the NatWest Black Card, analysed millions of figures from government sources combined with data collected for lifestyle surveys. It shows that the vast majority of the best paid are still concentrated in the crowded south-east corner of the country.

It also suggests that with many senior public sector workers such as headteachers, doctors and council officials earning well over £50,000, the £100,000 household is no longer the exclusive preserve of a handful of bankers, lawyers and managing directors.

Jason Butler of Bloomsbury Financial Planning, which specialises in advising the wealthy, said: "The majority of high earners still prefer to be in the South-East.

"London offers the greatest business opportunities, particularly international business, and has a worldwide reputation.

"There is a huge pool of highly skilled professional and financial-related staff and highly paid jobs for them to do."