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What is the average net worth by age in the US?
Updated · by ROW Home Solutions
Short answer: according to the Federal Reserve's 2022 Survey of Consumer Finances, the median net worth was $39,000 for families whose head was under 35, $135,600 at 35–44, $247,200 at 45–54, $364,500 at 55–64, $409,900 at 65–74 and $335,600 at 75 and older. Averages (means) are much higher because a few very wealthy families raise them.
US net worth by age, 2022
| Age of family head | Median net worth | Mean (average) net worth |
|---|---|---|
| Under 35 | $39,000 | $183,500 |
| 35–44 | $135,600 | $549,600 |
| 45–54 | $247,200 | $975,800 |
| 55–64 | $364,500 | $1,566,900 |
| 65–74 | $409,900 | $1,794,600 |
| 75 and older | $335,600 | $1,624,100 |
| All families | $192,900 | $1,063,700 |
Source: Federal Reserve, "Changes in U.S. Family Finances from 2019 to 2022: Evidence from the Survey of Consumer Finances," Federal Reserve Bulletin, October 2023, Table 2. Survey year 2022, in 2022 dollars, rounded to the nearest $100 as published. Net worth includes home equity and retirement accounts. "Family" follows the survey's definition of a household unit.
Median vs. average: use the median
The mean (average) is pulled up a lot by a small number of very wealthy families. In 2022 the all-families mean ($1,063,700) was more than five times the median ($192,900). The median is the middle family: half had more, half had less. For "how am I doing?" the median is the more realistic comparison.
Why the numbers rise, then dip
Net worth usually builds through working years as people pay down mortgages and retirement accounts grow. It peaks in the 65–74 group in this survey, then falls a little for 75 and older as people spend savings in retirement.
How to check your own net worth
- Add up what you own: cash, retirement and brokerage accounts, crypto, your home and any rentals at a realistic sale price, and vehicles.
- Subtract what you owe: mortgages, auto and student loans, credit cards, other debts.
- Compare with the median for your age, but focus on your own trend: is your number higher than last year?
The free ROW Net Worth Analyzer does the math as you type, with no signup and no bank login, and keeps your numbers on your device. Save a snapshot each month to see your line over time. See also How much net worth should I have at 30, 40 and 50?
Limits of this comparison
- The data is from 2022. Prices, home values and markets have changed since then.
- Figures are national. Housing-heavy regions can look very different.
- Net worth here includes home equity, which doesn't pay your bills. The ROW tool also shows income-producing net worth.
Check your net worth in 60 seconds
The ROW Net Worth Analyzer is free, needs no signup, and keeps your numbers on your device. It shows your net worth, your income-producing net worth, months of reserves, a debt plan, and a chart you can track over time.
Open the free Net Worth AnalyzerQuick answers
What is the median net worth by age in the US?
Federal Reserve 2022 Survey of Consumer Finances medians: under 35, $39,000; 35–44, $135,600; 45–54, $247,200; 55–64, $364,500; 65–74, $409,900; 75 and older, $335,600 (2022 dollars).
What is the average net worth of an American family?
In the 2022 Survey of Consumer Finances, the mean net worth of all US families was $1,063,700, and the median was $192,900. The median is the better guide for most people.
Why is average net worth so much higher than median?
A small number of very wealthy families pull the average up. The median is the middle family, so it isn't skewed by them.
Does net worth by age include home equity?
Yes. The Federal Reserve figures include home equity and retirement accounts, minus all debts.
How can I check my own net worth for free?
Add what you own and subtract what you owe. The free ROW Net Worth Analyzer does this live with no signup and keeps your numbers on your device.