Income & Wealth Building
Average Net Worth by Age in America (2026): How Do You Compare?
See median and average net worth by age in America using the latest Federal Reserve data, why the two numbers differ so much, and how to grow your own net worth in 2026.
The average net worth by age in America ranges from under $40,000 for households under 35 to nearly $2 million for those in their late 60s and early 70s, according to the Federal Reserve’s Survey of Consumer Finances. But averages can be misleading — a handful of ultra-wealthy households pull the “average” figure far above what a typical family actually owns. The median, which represents the household squarely in the middle, tells a very different and more realistic story.
This guide breaks down median and average net worth by age group using the latest available Federal Reserve data, explains why the gap between the two numbers is so large, and shows you exactly how to calculate and grow your own net worth in 2026.
Average and Median Net Worth by Age in America (2026)
The most recent data comes from the Federal Reserve’s 2022 Survey of Consumer Finances (SCF), released in 2023. It remains the most authoritative snapshot of American household wealth — the Fed began fielding its newest survey in 2025, with updated results expected in late 2026. Here’s how net worth breaks down by age bracket, in 2022 dollars:
| Age Group | Median Net Worth | Average (Mean) 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 |
Across all age groups, the median U.S. household net worth was $192,900, while the average was roughly $1.06 million. That million-dollar gap between the median and the average is the single most important thing to understand about net worth statistics.
Why the Median Matters More Than the Average
Average net worth by age is skewed heavily upward by a small number of extremely wealthy households. If Warren Buffett moved into your neighborhood, the “average” net worth on your street would jump into the billions overnight — even though nothing changed for you or your neighbors. The median avoids that distortion because it simply represents the household in the exact middle of the distribution: half of families have more, half have less.
For most people benchmarking their own progress, the median figures in the table above are the more honest comparison point. If your net worth is close to or above the median for your age group, you’re ahead of at least half of American households in that bracket.
What’s Driving Net Worth at Each Life Stage
The jump in net worth between age brackets isn’t random — it tracks closely with major financial milestones.
Under 35: Student loan debt, early career salaries, and minimal home equity keep net worth low. Many households in this bracket have more debt than assets in their early twenties.
35–44: Net worth roughly triples from the previous bracket as retirement accounts compound, home equity builds, and incomes typically climb through this decade.
45–54: Often the highest-earning years. Mortgage balances shrink, 401(k) and IRA balances grow substantially, and many households reach their highest income-to-debt ratio.
55–64: Pre-retirement households benefit from decades of compounding and, frequently, a paid-off or nearly paid-off mortgage.
65–74: Net worth peaks in this bracket, as retirement savings hit their maximum before withdrawals begin in earnest.
75 and older: Net worth declines modestly as retirees draw down savings for living expenses, healthcare, and long-term care.
How to Calculate Your Own Net Worth
Net worth is a simple formula: total assets minus total liabilities.
Assets to include: cash and savings, checking accounts, retirement accounts (401(k), IRA), brokerage accounts, home equity, vehicle value, and any other property or valuables.
Liabilities to include: mortgage balance, credit card debt, student loans, auto loans, medical debt, and any other outstanding balances.
Subtract liabilities from assets, and you have your net worth. Many people are surprised to find their number is negative in their 20s or early 30s — that’s normal, and the SCF data above confirms it’s the typical starting point, not a warning sign.
How to Increase Your Net Worth at Any Age
Regardless of where you fall relative to the median, the levers for building net worth are the same at every age:
Pay down high-interest debt first. Credit card balances and payday loans carry interest rates that outpace almost any investment return, so eliminating them functions like a guaranteed return on your money.
Maximize retirement account contributions. Employer 401(k) matches are free money, and Roth or traditional IRA contributions compound tax-advantaged for decades. See how your balance stacks up in our breakdown of the average 401(k) balance by age.
Build home equity strategically. For many households, home equity is the single largest asset on the balance sheet. Extra principal payments and avoiding cash-out refinancing both help preserve it.
Automate savings and investing. Consistent contributions to index funds or retirement accounts, even in small amounts, take advantage of dollar-cost averaging and compound growth over time.
Track your number annually. Recalculating your net worth once a year turns an abstract goal into a measurable trend you can act on. Pairing this habit with some of these smart saving habits for financial independence can meaningfully accelerate your progress.
Comparing yourself to the median net worth by age is a useful benchmark, but it isn’t a verdict. Net worth is a snapshot, not a permanent grade — and the households at the top of every age bracket generally got there the same way: paying down debt, saving consistently, and letting compound growth do the rest of the work over time.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average net worth by age in America?
According to the Federal Reserve’s 2022 Survey of Consumer Finances, average (mean) net worth is about $183,500 under age 35, $549,600 for ages 35–44, $975,800 for ages 45–54, $1,566,900 for ages 55–64, $1,794,600 for ages 65–74, and $1,624,100 for ages 75 and older.
What is the median net worth by age in the U.S.?
Median net worth is $39,000 under age 35, $135,600 for ages 35–44, $247,200 for ages 45–54, $364,500 for ages 55–64, $409,900 for ages 65–74, and $335,600 for ages 75 and older.
Why is average net worth so much higher than median net worth?
A small number of extremely wealthy households pull the average (mean) far above what a typical household owns. The median isn’t affected by these outliers, which is why most financial experts consider it the more accurate benchmark.
What is a good net worth for my age?
A reasonable target is meeting or exceeding the median net worth for your age bracket, since that means you have more wealth than at least half of households your age. Some financial planners also suggest a target of one to two times your annual salary saved by your mid-30s, rising to roughly six times your salary by retirement age.
Is it normal to have a negative net worth in your 20s?
Yes. Student loans, low early-career income, and minimal savings mean many people in their 20s and early 30s have more debt than assets. Federal Reserve data confirms this is the typical starting point, not a red flag.
How do you calculate net worth?
Add up all your assets — cash, retirement accounts, investments, home equity, and vehicles — then subtract all your liabilities, including mortgages, credit card debt, student loans, and other outstanding balances. The result is your net worth.
Does net worth include home equity?
Yes. Home equity (your home’s market value minus any remaining mortgage balance) is typically the largest single asset for many American households and should be included in a net worth calculation.
At what age does net worth typically peak?
According to the latest Federal Reserve data, both median and average net worth peak in the 65–74 age bracket, just as retirement savings reach their maximum before regular withdrawals begin.
How often should I calculate my net worth?
Once a year is enough for most households. Recalculating too frequently can create unnecessary anxiety around normal market fluctuations, while an annual check-in is enough to spot meaningful trends.
When will updated net worth by age data be available?
The Federal Reserve began fielding its newest Survey of Consumer Finances in 2025, with results expected in late 2026. Until then, the 2022 survey remains the most current official data available.
