What age group holds the most wealth?
Most wealth still held by older Americans
The highest average American net worth belongs to those aged 65 to 74 at $1,794,600. Americans 55 to 64 years old have the second-highest average net worth at $1,566,900.
In 2022, the median net worth of Americans younger than 35 was $39,040, while the median net worth of Americans aged 65 to 74 was $410,000. Americans at retirement age had a median wealth 10.5 times that of those in the younger-than-35 age group. The average American net worth picks up after age 35.
As of 2019, individuals under 40 years old held just 4.9 percent of total U.S. wealth despite comprising 37 percent of the adult population. Conversely, individuals over age 54 made up a similar share of the population and held 71.6 percent of total wealth.
Age | Top 1% Net Worth |
---|---|
18-24 | $653,224 |
25-29 | $2,121,910 |
30-34 | $2,636,882 |
35-39 | $4,741,320 |
Baby boomers currently hold 50% of all wealth in the United States spread across various asset classes, according to Fed data, followed by Gen X (29.5%), the silent generation (11.9%), and millennials (8.5%).
The term upper class refers to a group of individuals who occupy the highest place and status in society. These people are considered the wealthiest, lying above the working and middle class in the social hierarchy.
Age Range | Median Net Worth | Average Net Worth |
---|---|---|
55-64 | $212,500 | $1,175,900 |
65-74 | $266,400 | $1,217,700 |
75+ | $254,800 | $977,600 |
Race/Ethnicity of Household Head | 2021 Median Household Income (2022 dollars) | 2022 Median Household Income |
---|---|---|
Asian* | $109,400 | $108,700 |
White, not Hispanic | $84,110 | $81,060 |
Hispanic (any race)* | $62,520 | $62,800 |
Black* | $52,080 | $52,860 |
How wealth varies by race and ethnicity. Asian households overall had more wealth than other households two years since the start of the pandemic. In 2021, Asian households had a median net worth of $320,900, compared with $250,400 for White households.
What percentile is a $3 million net worth?
The 95th percentile, with a net worth of $3.2 million, is considered wealthy, facilitating estate planning and possibly owning multiple homes. The top 1%, or the 99th percentile, has a net worth of $16.7 million and represents the very wealthy, who enjoy considerable financial freedom and luxury.
For example, the top 1 percent of households hold 30.6 percent of the total wealth, according to the Federal Reserve. But just the top 0.1 percent own 14 percent of the total wealth, giving them a stunning average of more than $1.52 billion per household.
Generational wealth refers to financial assets passed from one generation of a family to another. Those assets can include cash, stocks, bonds, and other investments, as well as real estate and family businesses.
Based on that figure, an annual income of $500,000 or more would make you rich. The Economic Policy Institute uses a different baseline to determine who constitutes the top 1% and the top 5%. For 2021, you're in the top 1% if you earn $819,324 or more each year. The top 5% of income earners make $335,891 per year.
In 2023, the top 1% of household net worth in the U.S. started at $13.7 billion. An individual would need to earn an average of $407,500 per year in order to join the top 1%, and a household would need an income of $591,550. The median household income was $74,580 in 2023 and $45,440 for individuals.
Age of family head (or reference person) | Median net worth | Average net worth |
---|---|---|
Less than 35 | $39,000 | $183,500 |
35-44 | $135,600 | $549,600 |
45-54 | $247,200 | $975,800 |
55-64 | $364,500 | $1,566,900 |
The World Happiness Report is out and Finland has once again been declared the happiest country in the world. However, the report reveals that Gen Z (aged 15-24) are unhappy.
Younger American (millennial and Gen Z) families represented 33.1% of households and owned 9.3% of total family wealth (72% less wealth) in 2023. The baby boomers' shortfall was the smallest of the generations. SOURCES: Distributional Financial Accounts and Institute for Economic Equity calculations.
Collectively, baby boomers benefited a great deal from America's economic growth over the second half of the 20th century. The economy boomed in their childhoods as the U.S. became a superpower, and as adults, they had an easier time buying low-cost housing than their children or grandchildren would.
Middle class: Those in the 40th to 60th percentile of household income, ranging from $55,001 to $89,744. Upper middle class: Households in the 60th to 80th percentile, with incomes between $89,745 and $149,131. Upper class: The top 20% of earners, with household incomes of $149,132 or more.
What should my net worth be at 55?
Age Range | 75th Percentile Net Worth |
---|---|
Under 35 | $153,000 |
35-44 | $415,000 |
45-54 | $800,000 |
55-64 | $1.122 million |
The Pew Research Center defines the middle class as households that earn between two-thirds and double the median U.S. household income, which was $65,000 in 2021, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.
1,821,745 Households in the United States Have Investment Portfolios Worth $3,000,000 or More.
It's possible to retire with $600,000 in savings with careful planning, but it's important to consider how long your money will last. Whether you can successfully retire with $600,000 can depend on a number of factors, including: Your desired retirement age. Estimated retirement budget.
$700k can last you for at least 25 years in retirement if your annual spending remains around $40,000, following the 4% rule. However, it will depend on how old you are when you retire and how much you plan to spend each month as a retiree.
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