Average Net Worth by Age in the US (2026)
The average American under 35 has a median net worth of $39,000. By 65–74, that figure reaches $409,900. But the gap between mean and median is enormous — driven by extreme wealth concentration at the top. Here's the full breakdown, what it means, and what's considered "on track" at every age.
Average Net Worth by Age — Full Data Table
Data from the Federal Reserve's 2022 Survey of Consumer Finances — the most comprehensive and authoritative source for US household wealth.
| Age Group | Median Net Worth | Mean Net Worth | Change from Prior Group |
|---|---|---|---|
| Under 35 | $39,000 | $183,500 | — |
| 35–44 | $135,600 | $549,600 | +$96,600 median |
| 45–54 | $247,200 | $975,800 | +$111,600 median |
| 55–64 | $364,500 | $1,566,900 | +$117,300 median |
| 65–74 | $409,900 | $1,794,600 | +$45,400 median |
| 75+ | $335,600 | $1,624,100 | −$74,300 median |
Source: Federal Reserve Survey of Consumer Finances, 2022. Published September 2023. Next update expected 2025.
Median Net Worth by Age — Visual
The bars below represent median net worth. Median is the figure at which half of Americans have more and half have less — a far more useful benchmark than the mean, which is skewed upward by ultra-high-net-worth households.
📌 Key Insight
Net worth peaks at age 65–74 ($409,900 median) and then declines as retirees begin drawing down savings. The biggest jump happens between the under-35 and 35–44 groups (+$96,600), driven by career progression, home equity accumulation, and compounding investment growth. The mean figures are 4–5x higher than medians across all age groups — a reflection of extreme wealth concentration among the top 1–10%.
Net Worth Benchmarks — "Am I On Track?"
These targets are based on the widely-used Fidelity savings benchmarks, which suggest building a multiple of your annual salary as a net worth target by each milestone age. We've used a $65,000 annual income as the baseline example.
What Counts Toward Net Worth?
Net worth is simply total assets minus total liabilities. The most common assets included are:
- Primary home equity — for most Americans, this is the largest single asset
- Retirement accounts — 401(k), IRA, Roth IRA, pension value
- Brokerage / investment accounts
- Savings and checking accounts
- Vehicles (at current market value, not purchase price)
- Business ownership stakes
- Other real estate
Common liabilities subtracted: mortgage balance, student loans, auto loans, credit card balances, personal loans.
Why Does Net Worth Decline After 75?
The drop from $409,900 (65–74) to $335,600 (75+) reflects normal retirement drawdown. Retirees spend savings on living expenses, healthcare, and long-term care — and many have already spent home equity via downsizing or reverse mortgages. This is the intended function of retirement savings: you accumulate during working years and spend it in retirement.
The decline is modest, which suggests many retirees are living primarily on Social Security and other income sources rather than drawing down investments rapidly.
How to Increase Your Net Worth
Net worth grows through four levers: earning more, spending less, eliminating debt, and investing the difference. In order of impact:
- Invest consistently in index funds — $500/month at 8% grows to $745,000 in 30 years
- Maximize tax-advantaged accounts first — 401(k) up to employer match, then max Roth IRA ($7,000/year in 2026)
- Pay off high-interest debt — eliminating 20% APR credit card debt is a risk-free 20% return
- Build home equity — principal payments and appreciation grow net worth passively
- Track it monthly — people who measure net worth consistently build wealth faster
Track Your Net Worth for Free
Empower's free dashboard connects all your accounts and calculates your real-time net worth — investments, home equity, debts, and all.
Try Empower Free → See All Net Worth AppsFrequently Asked Questions
According to the Federal Reserve's 2022 Survey of Consumer Finances, median net worth is: under 35: $39,000; 35–44: $135,600; 45–54: $247,200; 55–64: $364,500; 65–74: $409,900; 75+: $335,600. Median is more representative than mean, which is skewed by the ultra-wealthy.
The median net worth for Americans under 35 is $39,000, but a common benchmark is to have net worth equal to your annual salary by age 30. If you earn $60,000, a $60,000 net worth at 30 is considered on track. Being above the median for your age group means you're in the top half of your peers.
The median for 35–44 year-olds is $135,600. The Fidelity benchmark suggests 3× your annual salary by age 40. At $70,000 income, that's $210,000. Home equity is often the biggest contributor at this stage — but liquid retirement savings are more important for long-term compounding.
Because a small number of extremely wealthy households pull the average far above the typical American's experience. For 55–64 year-olds, the mean is $1,566,900 but the median is $364,500 — a 4x gap. Always use median when benchmarking your own net worth.
Net worth = total assets − total liabilities. Assets: home equity, 401(k)/IRA, brokerage accounts, savings, vehicles, business stakes. Liabilities: mortgage balance, student loans, auto loans, credit card debt. A positive number means you own more than you owe.
The most effective levers: invest consistently in index funds (even $200/month compounds significantly), pay down high-interest debt, maximize tax-advantaged retirement accounts (401k, Roth IRA), build home equity, and track your net worth monthly. Apps like Empower make tracking free and automatic.