Average vs. Median Net Worth
The average is skewed by ultra-wealthy outliers. The median (middle person) is a better benchmark for most people.
Net Worth by Age (2026 Data)
| Age Range | Average | Median |
|---|---|---|
| Under 25 | $76,000 | $9,000 |
| 25-29 | $120,000 | $30,000 |
| 30-34 | $259,000 | $82,000 |
| 35-44 | $549,000 | $135,000 |
| 45-54 | $975,000 | $247,000 |
| 55-64 | $1,566,000 | $364,000 |
| 65-74 | $1,794,000 | $410,000 |
| 75+ | $1,624,000 | $335,000 |
*Source: Federal Reserve Survey of Consumer Finances (adjusted for 2026)*
Why the Gap Between Average and Median Is Huge
At age 35-44, the average is $549K but the median is $135K. This means a small number of wealthy people pull the average way up. If you're at the median, you're doing better than half of Americans your age.
How Net Worth Breaks Down
For the typical American household:
| Asset | % of Net Worth |
|---|---|
| Home equity | 35-40% |
| Retirement accounts | 25-30% |
| Other investments | 10-15% |
| Vehicles | 5-8% |
| Cash/savings | 5-10% |
| Other assets | 5-10% |
Home equity and retirement accounts make up 60-70% of net worth for most people. This is why owning a home and contributing to retirement accounts are the two biggest wealth builders.
How to Calculate Your Net Worth
Net Worth = Assets - Liabilities
Assets (What You Own)
- Cash and savings accounts
- Investment and retirement accounts
- Home value (current market estimate)
- Car value
- Other property
- Business value
Liabilities (What You Owe)
- Mortgage balance
- Student loans
- Car loans
- Credit card debt
- Other debts
Net Worth Milestones by Age
By 30: Positive Net Worth
Having a net worth above $0 puts you ahead of many 30-year-olds (student loans can keep you negative). Target: Your annual salary saved.
By 40: $100,000+
You should have a solid emergency fund, growing retirement accounts, and possibly home equity.
By 50: $500,000+
Peak earning years. Max out retirement contributions and build investment portfolio.
By 60: $1,000,000+
Approaching retirement. You should have 8-10x your salary saved.
5 Fastest Ways to Build Net Worth
- Max out employer 401(k) match — Free money
- Pay off high-interest debt — Every $1 of debt repaid improves net worth by $1
- Buy a home (when ready) — Forced savings through equity building
- Invest consistently — Even $200/month in index funds
- Increase income — Then invest the difference (don't inflate lifestyle)
Calculate Your Net Worth
Use our [net worth calculator](/net-worth-calculator) to add up all your assets and liabilities, and see exactly where you stand.