The median American household has a net worth of about $192,700, the exact midpoint: half of households have more and half have less. It’s a far better guide to the typical family than the average, which a few very wealthy households push several times higher. Figures are our calculation from the Federal Reserve’s latest Survey of Consumer Finances.
Where the 50th Percentile Sits
| Percentile | Net Worth at or Above |
|---|---|
| 25th | $27,000 |
| 50th (median) | $192,700 |
| 75th | $659,000 |
| 90th (top 10%) | $1,936,900 |
| 95th (top 5%) | $3,795,600 |
| 99th (top 1%) | $13,615,400 |
| 99.9th (top 0.1%) | $62,125,100 |
Source: Federal Reserve, 2022 Survey of Consumer Finances, public data (2022 dollars). Families grouped by the age of the household head; percentiles computed from the survey's weighted records.
The 50th Percentile by Age
| Age of Household Head | 50th (median) Percentile Net Worth |
|---|---|
| Under 35 | $39,000 |
| 35–44 | $135,300 |
| 45–54 | $246,700 |
| 55–64 | $364,300 |
| 65–74 | $410,000 |
| 75 and older | $334,700 |
| All households | $192,700 |
Source: Federal Reserve, 2022 Survey of Consumer Finances, public data (2022 dollars). Families grouped by the age of the household head; percentiles computed from the survey's weighted records.
The median rises about tenfold between households under 35 and those aged 65 to 74, then dips after 75 as retirees draw down savings. Use the net worth percentile by age calculator to compare yourself with your own age group.
What the Median Looks Like
The median is the household exactly in the middle: half have more, half have less. For a typical middle household, net worth is mostly home equity plus retirement accounts, which is why homeowners have a median net worth of $396,200 and renters just $10,400 (Federal Reserve Bulletin, October 2023, Table 2).
How to Move Up
- Keep contributing steadily to retirement accounts, raising the rate with each raise
- Build home equity if buying makes sense where you live
- Keep debt low relative to income
- Invest outside retirement accounts once tax-advantaged space is used
- Avoid lifestyle inflation as income grows
Related
- 25th percentile net worth
- 75th percentile net worth
- Net worth percentile calculator
- Average net worth by age
Part of the net worth guide.
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