20+ American Net Worth Statistics [2026]: Average US Net Worth By Age, Education, Race

Research Summary: With the financial landscape continuously evolving, Americans are increasingly curious about their net worth. Understanding net worth is essential, as it encompasses various financial facets of our lives, making it challenging to grasp the complete picture.

Moreover, factors such as age, education, and ethnicity play significant roles in shaping average net worth, often reflecting underlying systemic inequalities.

To provide insight into the average net worth in the US across these dimensions, we have compiled the latest statistics. Based on our thorough analysis:

• The average American net worth stands at $748,800.

• The median American net worth is $121,700.

• Average American net worth by age:

  • Less than 35 – $76,300

  • 35-44 – $436,200

  • 45-54 – $833,200

  • 55-64 – $1,175,900

  • 65-74 – $1,217,700

  • 75+ – $977,600

Average American Net Worth by Age

Age remains a critical factor distinguishing Americans with varying net worth levels. Generally, older Americans tend to have more established careers and accumulated assets, leading to higher average net worth. Below are some key statistics illustrating these trends:

Average And Median Net Worth By Age

• Americans aged 65-74 have the highest average net worth of $1.21 million.

  This age group, often nearing retirement, reflects individuals who have amassed wealth over their careers. Conversely, those aged 75+ tend to have lower average net worth due to retirement resource consumption.

• Americans under 35 possess the lowest average net worth of $76,300.

  Factors such as student loans and limited assets, particularly in real estate, contribute to this disparity among younger Americans.

• The median net worth of those aged 65-74 is 78% lower than their average net worth.

  This trend is prevalent across all age groups, indicating that wealthy individuals significantly influence average calculations. A more realistic depiction shows that most Americans have a net worth below $300,000.

Average American Net Worth by Race

Unfortunately, net worth in America varies significantly by race. Various historical and systemic factors contribute to these discrepancies, which are highlighted in the following statistics:

Average And Median Net Worth By Race

• White Americans have the highest average net worth of $983,400.

  This figure starkly contrasts with Black Americans, who average 570% less, and Hispanic Americans, who average 380% less. The disparity is similarly pronounced in median incomes.

• Black Americans report the lowest median net worth at $24,100.

  In comparison, White Americans possess a median net worth of $188,200, emphasizing systemic barriers that hinder wealth accumulation for Black Americans.

• Multi-racial Americans experienced the most significant increase in average net worth.

  Between 2016 and 2019, multi-racial Americans saw a 20% rise in their average net worth.

• Hispanic Americans faced a notable decrease in average net worth.

  Hispanic Americans experienced a 19% decline in average net worth from 2016 to 2019, while White and Black Americans saw minor decreases.

Average American Net Worth by Education

Education serves as a double-edged sword. While higher education levels correlate with increased salaries, they often lead to higher debt levels. Here are some critical insights into education and net worth:

Average And Median Net Worth By Education

• Americans with college degrees have an average net worth of nearly $1.52 million.

  This figure significantly exceeds the average net worth of those without a degree, highlighting the financial benefits of obtaining higher education.

• College graduates earn 1,000% more than those without a high school diploma.

  With an average net worth of $1.52 million, college graduates far outpace their peers who lack a high school diploma, who average only $137,800.

Average American Net Worth Over Time

American net worth has experienced significant fluctuations over the years, often linked to economic downturns, inflation, and rising living costs. Here are some statistics illustrating these changes:

• Median American net worth increased by 34% from 2010 to 2019.

  In 2010, the median American net worth was $90,730, influenced by the 2008 housing market crash. By 2019, this figure rose to $121,700.

  Median Net Worth Over Time

  Year	Median net worth
  2019	$121,760
  2016	$103,480
  2013	$89,390
  2010	$90,730
  2007	$149,360
  2004	$126,210
  2001	$125,270
  1998	$112,770
  1995	$96,490
  1992	$88,850
  1989	$93,600

• Median net worth for those aged 55-64 decreased by over 37% between 2004 and 2019.

  In contrast, the median net worth for those aged 35 and under has stagnated since 1989, while median income for those 75+ has seen slight increases.

  Median Net Worth By Age Over Time

  Year	Less than 35	35-44	45-54	55-64	65-74	75+
  2019	$13,900	$91,300	$168,600	$212,500	$266,400	$254,800
  2016	$11,700	$63,500	$131,930	$199,210	$238,240	$281,580
  2013	$11,490	$51,670	$115,690	$181,990	$254,890	$214,140
  2010	$10,960	$49,910	$138,030	$210,550	$243,510	$255,560
  2007	$14,450	$109,430	$228,370	$313,170	$295,520	$263,180
  2004	$19,250	$94,150	$196,710	$341,630	$257,850	$221,110
  2001	$16,900	$113,370	$193,990	$267,590	$257,070	$225,810
  1998	$14,310	$99,870	$166,130	$201,160	$230,410	$197,860
  1995	$20,030	$86,970	$154,750	$192,820	$185,230	$155,250
  1992	$16,610	$79,910	$139,980	$203,440	$176,450	$155,350
  1989	$16,170	$112,480	$195,120	$195,260	$154,340	$144,300

• The median net worth for college graduates has decreased by 27% since 2007.

  Although median incomes across all education levels have declined since 2007, college graduates have experienced the most significant impacts.

  Median Net Worth By Education Over Time

  Year	No high school diploma	High school diploma	Some college	College degree
  2019	$20,500	$74,000	$88,800	$302,200
  2016	$24,270	$70,240	$70,240	$310,680
  2013	$19,050	$57,540	$55,350	$304,190
  2010	$19,210	$67,160	$67,160	$292,120
  2007	$40,860	$99,370	$120,120	$400,200
  2004	$27,930	$92,730	$107,260	$365,490
  2001	$36,700	$83,770	$119,800	$350,530
  1998	$33,030	$85,170	$119,770	$270,990
  1995	$38,390	$86,350	$83,880	$201,890
  1992	$33,430	$68,650	$102,790	$196,470
  1989	$48,090	$72,990	$92,800	$253,050

• White and Black Americans have experienced the most significant declines in net worth during the 2008 recession, averaging -28%.

  All racial groups faced hardships during the housing market crash, yet these trends suggest that White Americans were disproportionately affected, although Hispanic Americans also suffered a -25% decline.

  Median Net Worth By Race Over Time

  Year	White	Hispanic/Latino	Black
  2019	$188,200	$36,200	$24,100
  2016	$181,870	$22,040	$18,240
  2013	$155,830	$15,150	$14,360
  2010	$152,880	$19,500	$18,730
  2007	$211,730	$26,050	$26,050
  2004	$191,110	$20,800	$27,660
  2001	$177,500	$16,900	$27,870
  1998	$150,960	$15,460	$24,380
  1995	$128,200	$20,870	$18,230
  1992	$124,600	$12,140	$17,700
  1989	$143,560	$9,940	$8,550

Average American Net Worth by Other Factors

In addition to the primary factors discussed, several other elements influence net worth. From geographic location to gender disparities, consider the following statistics:

• Homeowners in the US have an average net worth over 1,050% higher than renters.

  The average net worth for homeowners is $1.10 million, compared to just $95,600 for renters.

• Men’s median net worth is 120% higher than women’s.

  Men in the US have a median net worth of $12,188, while women have a median net worth of only $5,541.

• Hawaii boasts the highest median net worth at $373,200.

  This figure exceeds the median net worth of any other state by over $100,000. Conversely, Mississippi has the lowest median net worth at $40,280.

Average And Median Net Worth By State

Average American Net Worth Breakdown

Bank account balances provide vital insights into Americans’ financial habits and savings. Here are some important statistics:

• The average bank account balance in the US is $10,545.

  This figure varies significantly by age, with individuals under 35 averaging $11,250, while those aged 65-74 average $60,410.

  Average Bank Account Balance By Age

  Age ranges	Average bank account balance
  Less than 35	$11,250
  35-44	$27,910
  45-54	$48,200
  55-64	$57,670
  65-74	$60,410
  75+	$55,320

• The average retirement (401k) account balance in the US is $141,542.

  This amount also varies significantly by age, with those under 25 having an average retirement account balance of only $6,264, compared to $279,997 for those aged 65 and older.

  Average Retirement Account Balance By Age

  Age range	Average retirement account balance
  Less than 25	$6,264
  25-34	$37,211
  35-44	$97,020
  45-54	$179,200
  55-64	$256,244
  65+	$279,997

Average American Debt Breakdown

Debt is a common aspect of life for many Americans, encompassing various forms such as student loans, car payments, and mortgages. Here are some key insights into average debt levels in the US:

• The average American carries $90,460 in debt.

  Generation X (ages 40-55) has the highest average debt at $135,841, while Generation Z (ages 18-23) averages only $9,593.

  Average Personal Debt By Generation

  Generation	Average debt
  Gen Z (ages 18-23)	$9,593
  Millennials (ages 24-39)	$78,396
  Gen X (ages 40-55)	$135,841
  Baby Boomers (ages 56-74)	$96,984
  Silent Generation (75+)	$40,925

• The average household debt in the US is $167,463.

  Approximately 80% of Americans hold some form of debt, underscoring its significance in net worth calculations.

Net Worth FAQ

1. How do you calculate net worth?

   You calculate net worth by subtracting total liabilities from the total value of all assets. In simpler terms, net worth represents what you own after accounting for what you owe (typically in debt).

   For instance, if Charlie has $500,000 in assets (such as a house, property, and vehicles) and owes $350,000 in debt, his net worth is $150,000.

2. What counts toward your net worth?

   Assets and liabilities contribute to net worth. Here’s a detailed breakdown of these categories:

   Examples of assets:

   • House

   • Cars

   • Boats

   • Planes

   • Business property

   • Investments

   • Cash

   Examples of liabilities:

   • Credit card debt

   • Student loans

   • Mortgage

   • Car loans

   • Personal loans.

3. What net worth qualifies as rich in the US?

   A net worth of at least $2.2 million can be considered rich in the US. Specifically, individuals with $1 million or more are categorized as High Net Worth (HNW) individuals, while those with $5 million to $10 million are considered very high net worth, and those with $30+ million are classified as ultra-high net worth individuals.

   Whether you perceive yourself as “rich” based on net worth also depends on factors such as your location and cost of living.

4. What is a good net worth by age?

   A good net worth by age can vary, but median net worth figures provide valuable insights into average Americans. Here is the median net worth by age, offering a glimpse into the financial standing of most Americans:

   • Less than 35 – $13,900

   • 35-44 – $91,300

   • 45-54 – $168,600

   • 55-64 – $212,500

   • 65-74 – $266,400

   • 75+ – $254,800

   Median net worth is often a more useful metric for assessing your financial health, as it is less impacted by the wealthiest individuals in the country.

Conclusion

Understanding net worth offers a crucial perspective on the health of your finances, allowing for comparisons across age, gender, location, and other demographics.

However, the disparities highlighted by net worth statistics also reveal significant inequalities within the US.

While it may be expected for younger Americans to earn less than their older counterparts, the stark contrast in average net worth between Black and Hispanic Americans compared to White Americans and the differences between men and women are deeply concerning.

By examining these statistics, we can better identify issues and inequalities in our society and strive for a more equitable financial landscape.

References

1. First Republic – Average American Net Worth by Age, Education, and More

2. Insider – The average net worth in America by age, race, education, and location

3. The Motley Fool – Average Net Worth of Americans by Age, Education, and Race

4. Bankrate – The average 401(k) balance by age

5. CNBC – The average American has $90,460 in debt—here’s how much debt Americans have at every age

Author

Jack Flynn

Jack Flynn is a writer for Zippia. In his professional career he’s written over 100 research papers, articles and blog posts. Some of his most popular published works include his writing about economic terms and research into job classifications. Jack received his BS from Hampshire College.