Understanding where your net worth stands relative to others your age can provide useful context for financial planning — though benchmarks should be interpreted carefully, not as absolute targets.
Net worth is calculated by subtracting all liabilities (debts) from all assets (savings, investments, home equity, retirement accounts, vehicles, and other property).
The Federal Reserve's Survey of Consumer Finances (SCF), conducted every three years, is the most authoritative source of net worth data for American households.
An important nuance in interpreting this data: mean (average) net worth figures are dramatically skewed upward by a small number of extremely wealthy households, making median net worth — the figure at which half of households have more and half have less — a more meaningful benchmark for most people.
This guide breaks down Federal Reserve net worth data by age group and percentile, and explains what these figures mean for your financial planning.
For related benchmarks, see our guides on average net worth by age and net worth percentile by age.
Understanding Net Worth Data: Median vs. Mean
Before examining the numbers, it is essential to understand why median net worth data is more useful than mean (average) data for most people.
Because wealth distribution in the United States is highly concentrated, the top 1% of households hold a disproportionate share of total assets.
This concentration pulls mean net worth figures dramatically upward, making the average misleading as a benchmark for typical households.
For example, if nine households each have a net worth of $100,000 and one household has a net worth of $10 million, the mean is approximately $1.09 million — but the median is $100,000.
The median better represents the "typical" household in this group.
According to the Federal Reserve's 2023 Survey of Consumer Finances, the median net worth of all U.S. families was approximately $192,700, while the mean was approximately $1.06 million — a dramatic difference reflecting the concentration of wealth at the top.
Net Worth by Age Group: Median and Mean Benchmarks
The Federal Reserve's Survey of Consumer Finances is the primary data source for net worth by age in the United States.
The most recent survey (2022 data, published 2023) provides the following benchmarks.
Note that the next full SCF publication will be based on 2025 data and is expected in late 2026; the figures below reflect the 2022 survey, the most recent available as of early 2026.
Under Age 35
Median net worth: approximately $39,000. Mean net worth: approximately $183,000. Young households are typically in the wealth-accumulation phase, often carrying student loan debt, working to build emergency savings, and beginning retirement contributions.
Negative net worth is common in this age group for households with significant student loan or consumer debt.
The wide gap between median and mean reflects that a subset of young high earners — particularly in finance and technology — begin accumulating significant assets early, pulling the mean upward.
For specific savings guidance for this life stage, see our breakdown of savings targets at 25.
Ages 35 to 44
Median net worth: approximately $135,000. Mean net worth: approximately $549,000. This age range typically coincides with career advancement, home equity accumulation, and growing retirement account balances.
Home ownership — and the associated equity — begins to play a larger role in net worth for many households in this group.
Student loan debt may still be significant for some, particularly those with graduate or professional degrees.
Our guide to savings benchmarks at 30 covers what to target as you enter this decade.
Ages 45 to 54
Median net worth: approximately $247,000.
Mean net worth: approximately $975,000.
This is typically the peak earning decade for many workers, with mortgage balances declining, retirement accounts growing (with compound interest working significantly in their favor), and children approaching independence.
Net worth in this range varies enormously depending on whether households own a home, carry significant debt, or have maintained consistent retirement savings rates. Workers in this age range should review our guide on savings benchmarks at 40 to assess their trajectory.
Ages 55 to 64
Median net worth: approximately $364,000. Mean net worth: approximately $1.57 million. This is the final decade before traditional retirement age, and the range in net worth is perhaps the widest of any age group.
Some households in this range have accumulated over $1 million in retirement assets, while others approach retirement with minimal savings and rely primarily on Social Security.
According to the Social Security Administration, Social Security benefits remain the primary income source for many retirees — particularly those who did not accumulate significant private savings.
Ages 65 to 74
Median net worth: approximately $410,000. Mean net worth: approximately $1.79 million. Net worth often peaks in this age range as households have completed their earning years and accumulated assets, while distributions from retirement accounts have typically begun.
Home equity remains a significant component of net worth for homeowners in this age group.
Age 75 and Above
Median net worth: approximately $335,000. Mean net worth: approximately $1.62 million. Net worth declines modestly in this age range as households draw down retirement savings and, in some cases, incur significant healthcare or long-term care costs.
The decline in median net worth from the 65–74 peak also partially reflects survivorship effects — older households have had more time to deplete assets.
Net Worth by Percentile: Where Do You Fall?
Beyond age-group medians, the Federal Reserve SCF data allows for percentile analysis. The following represent approximate net worth thresholds for key percentiles across all age groups combined, based on the 2023 SCF publication:
- 25th percentile: Approximately $10,000–$12,000 (many households at or below this level have minimal assets or negative net worth)
- 50th percentile (median): Approximately $192,700
- 75th percentile: Approximately $500,000–$560,000
- 90th percentile: Approximately $1.9 million
- 95th percentile: Approximately $3.8 million
- 99th percentile: Over $11 million
These figures shift considerably when disaggregated by age, race, education, and homeownership status. The Federal Reserve's Financial Accounts of the United States (formerly the Flow of Funds) provides additional context on aggregate wealth distribution.
What These Benchmarks Mean for Retirement Planning
Net worth benchmarks are most useful when connected to retirement income planning.
A commonly cited rule of thumb suggests that retirees can sustainably withdraw approximately 3.5–4% of their retirement portfolio per year without depleting assets over a 30-year retirement (sometimes called the "4% rule," though this rule has been subject to ongoing academic debate and should not be applied rigidly).
Under this framework, a $500,000 retirement portfolio might support approximately $17,500–$20,000 in annual withdrawals, supplemented by Social Security benefits.
The CFPB's retirement planning resources and the CFPB's retirement planning tools can help individuals project their retirement income needs and assess gaps between current savings trajectories and their goals.
Social Security benefits — which the SSA estimates replace approximately 40% of pre-retirement income for average earners — are a critical component of most retirement income plans, and the age at which you claim benefits significantly affects their amount.
Common Retirement Savings Benchmarks
Financial planners often use multiples of annual salary as retirement savings benchmarks. Common targets include: 1x salary saved by age 30; 3x by age 40; 6x by age 50; 8–10x by age 60–65. These are guidelines, not universal prescriptions.
Actual retirement savings needs depend on planned retirement age, anticipated Social Security benefits, lifestyle expectations, health status, and other income sources such as pensions or rental income.
Many Americans fall below these benchmarks — Federal Reserve data consistently shows that a substantial share of households approaching retirement have less than $100,000 in retirement savings.
For detailed guidance on meeting these targets, see our guide on retirement savings goals and how to structure contributions across account types.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average net worth by age in the United States?
According to the Federal Reserve's 2023 Survey of Consumer Finances (based on 2022 data), median net worth by age group is approximately: under 35 — $39,000; 35–44 — $135,000; 45–54 — $247,000; 55–64 — $364,000; 65–74 — $410,000; 75 and above — $335,000.
Mean (average) figures are substantially higher due to the concentration of wealth among high-net-worth households.
Median figures are generally more representative of typical American households.
See also our companion guide to average net worth by age for additional context.
Is net worth the same as savings?
No. Net worth is a broader measure that includes all assets minus all liabilities.
Assets include savings accounts, checking accounts, investment and retirement accounts, home equity, vehicle value, business ownership interests, and other property.
Liabilities include mortgage balances, student loans, auto loans, credit card balances, and other debts.
Savings (liquid accounts) are one component of net worth but do not capture the full picture of a household's financial position. A high-yield savings account is one common vehicle for the liquid portion of net worth.
What is considered a good net worth at 40?
A commonly cited benchmark for age 40 is a net worth of approximately 2–3 times your annual salary.
Based on Federal Reserve data, the median net worth for households in the 35–44 age range is approximately $135,000.
Whether a particular net worth is "good" at 40 depends heavily on income, housing costs, debt levels, and retirement savings goals.
The most important factor at 40 is trajectory — whether you are consistently building net worth through savings and debt reduction — rather than a specific dollar figure. Our guide to 401(k) benchmarks at 40 covers retirement account targets specifically.
How does home equity affect net worth calculations?
Home equity — the difference between your home's current market value and your outstanding mortgage balance — is included in net worth calculations.
For many homeowners, particularly those in higher-cost markets who have owned their homes for many years, home equity represents the single largest component of net worth.
This can make net worth figures appear robust while liquid, investable assets remain limited.
Financial planners often evaluate retirement readiness using liquid investable assets separately from home equity, since home equity is less easily converted to income without selling or borrowing against the property.
Prospective homebuyers can estimate their equity potential by first understanding how much house you can afford.
Where can I find the most current net worth percentile data?
The Federal Reserve's Survey of Consumer Finances (SCF) is the authoritative source for U.S. household wealth data, published every three years. The 2023 SCF (based on 2022 data) is the most recent available as of 2026. The Fed makes SCF data and interactive tools available at federalreserve.gov.
The CFPB also references SCF data in its educational materials on savings and retirement planning.
Sources & References
- Federal Reserve. 'Survey of Consumer Finances, 2023.' FederalReserve.gov. — https://www.federalreserve.gov/publications/files/scf23.pdf
- Federal Reserve. 'Financial Accounts of the United States.' FederalReserve.gov. — https://www.federalreserve.gov/releases/z1/
- Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. 'Retirement Planning Tools.' ConsumerFinance.gov. — https://www.consumerfinance.gov/consumer-tools/retirement/
- Social Security Administration. 'Social Security and Retirement Income.' SSA.gov. — https://www.ssa.gov/policy/docs/workingpapers/wp114.html
- Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. 'Credit Reports and Scores.' ConsumerFinance.gov. — https://www.consumerfinance.gov/consumer-tools/credit-reports-and-scores/
Last updated: April 27, 2026