Is banana farming more profitable than tourism, or does it simply reach people's pockets better? It's assumed so, but we mustn't forget that Mogán has a monopoly on the sale of avocados and other tropical fruits, in addition to its tourism industry. What is there to see in Gáldar besides people circling the Plaza de Santiago, like the black cube-shaped Kaaba located in the center of the Grand Mosque (Masjid al-Haram) in Mecca? A detailed analysis of the municipal income data for the 2023 fiscal year, recently made public, reveals a significant shift in the economic landscape of Gran Canaria. The municipality of Gáldar, under the leadership of Mayor Teodoro Sosa, has surpassed Mogán, governed by Onalia Bueno, in terms of average gross income, marking a turning point in the comparison between the two towns. The difference lies in the fact that in Gáldar, income is not diversified, while in Mogán it is.
The latest data places the average gross income in Gáldar at €24.982. This figure represents a substantial increase of 3,3% compared to the €24.181 recorded in the previous year, 2022. This sustained growth has allowed the municipality to climb the national income ranking, moving from 1.390th in 2022 to 1.426th in 2023. Within the Canary Islands region, Gáldar maintains its 43rd position. Looking at the historical data, the progress is even more remarkable: in 2013, the average gross income was €19.639, representing a cumulative increase of more than €5.300 over a decade. The average disposable income in Gáldar in 2023 was €20.446, for a population of 24.811 inhabitants.
For its part, Mogán recorded an average gross income of €24.084 in 2023. This represents a 4% increase compared to the €23.152 of 2022. Despite this nominal growth, the municipality has fallen in the national income ranking, dropping from 1.560th place in 2022 to 1.587th in 2023. Within the Canary Islands, Mogán ranks 54th. The evolution of income in Mogán over the last decade has been more erratic. After reaching a peak of €22.097 in 2019, it fell to €19.365 in 2020, a year marked by the pandemic and the halt in tourism, a key sector in its economy. Since then, it has experienced a recovery, although in 2023 it still ranks below 2019 levels in the national ranking. The average disposable income in Mogán in 2023 was 19.488 euros, with a population of 21.175 inhabitants.
A comparison between Gáldar and Mogán reveals distinct economic dynamics. While Gáldar shows a more consistent and linear growth trajectory, with an increase in average gross income of €773 from 2022 to 2023, Mogán is recovering from a significant downturn, with an increase of €932 over the same period. Nevertheless, Gáldar's progress has been enough to overtake Mogán in the overall ranking.
Looking at the data since 2013, Gáldar's gross income has increased from €19.639 to €24.982 (an increase of €5.343). Mogán's has risen from €19.558 in 2013 to €24.084 in 2023 (an increase of €4.526). This confirms a more pronounced economic dynamism in the northern municipality over the long term. The 2023 data confirms a shift in the average gross income ranking between Gáldar and Mogán, with the northern municipality now taking the lead. This evolution reflects the different economic realities and development strategies implemented in each town, placing Gáldar in a position of greater economic strength within the province of Las Palmas.
