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SINGAPORE: Singapore's household income has been increasing by about 1.8 percent a year over the past five years.

On average, it rose from $4,940 a month in 2000 to $5,400 in 2005.

According to the 2005 General Household Survey, the top 30 percent of households had their income increased by an average of between 2.2 and 2.8 percent a year.

But the lowest 30 percent actually saw theirs decline over the same period.

With rising income, many people have upgraded to bigger HDB flats or private housing.

26.9 percent live in 5 room and executive flats, compared to 23.7 percent in 2005, while 9.4 percent live in private flats or condominiums, up from six percent previously.

The number living in private houses rose slightly from 5.1 to 5.5 percent.

The mid-decade survey by the Department of Statistics also highlighted the transport, travel and housing patterns of Singaporeans.

Public transport was the favoured mode of transportation for Singaporeans and they preferred taking the MRT to work and to school.

As for travel, 1.4 million Singaporeans made at least one trip overseas last year, mainly for holidays. - CNA /dt