Average and Median Net Worth by Age: How Do You Compare?

Average and Median Net Worth by Age: How Do You Compare?

How much is enough? When it comes to your personal finances, it's easy to wonder: Am I doing better or worse than most people my age? That’s where understanding net worth by age becomes a powerful financial benchmark.

As a financial journalist with over a decade of experience covering personal finance, wealth trends, and digital payments, I’ve reviewed hundreds of financial reports, interviewed certified financial planners, and analyzed behavioral data from platforms like Empower, NerdWallet, and the Federal Reserve. This guide distills key data, real-life case studies, and expert insight into a practical roadmap anyone can use to benchmark and improve their personal wealth.

What Is Net Worth?

Your net worth is the total value of everything you own (assets), minus what you owe (liabilities). It’s one of the most accurate snapshots of your financial health. You can use a net worth calculator by age to estimate your position compared to national averages.

Average and Median Net Worth by Age (2025 Data)

The average net worth of Americans tends to be skewed upward by the wealthiest individuals. That’s why we also look at the median net worth, which reflects the middle point of the population and gives a more realistic view of household wealth.

Updated with the latest data from the Federal Reserve’s 2022 Survey of Consumer Finances, here are the figures as of 2025:

Age Group

Average Net Worth (USD)

Median Net Worth (USD)

Under 35

$183,500

$39,000

35–44

$549,600

$135,600

45–54

$975,800

$247,200

55–64

$1,566,900

$364,500

65–74

$1,794,600

$409,900

75+

$1,624,100

$335,600

Source: Federal Reserve, published October 2023

Median vs Average Net Worth: Why It Matters

Many people ask, what is the average net worth of an American? The average American net worth is much higher than the median net worth US due to extreme wealth at the top. For example, a few billionaires drastically lift the average, even though most people have far less.

So if you're thinking, am I rich for my age?—it’s more accurate to compare yourself to the median net worth by age rather than the average.

info age

Net Worth Comparison by Age: How Do You Stack Up?

Use this chart as a net worth comparison tool. A simple net worth by age calculator can help you visualize where you fall within your age group or percentile.

People also ask:

  • How much net worth by age is considered healthy?
  • What should my net worth be at 30 or 50?
  • What is the average net worth of a 60 year-old couple?

Your answers will vary based on location (e.g., average net worth by age California vs national figures), lifestyle, family size, and income.

Average Household Net Worth by Age

In addition to individual figures, household net worth by age gives a broader view of how families build wealth together. For married couples or families, benchmarks like average net worth of married couples by age or family net worth by age may be more relevant.

Expert Insights: What Financial Advisors Say

Financial professionals agree that tracking your net worth by age is a key part of building long-term financial health:

“Net worth is your financial scorecard. It's the clearest way to understand whether your money habits are leading to growth or stagnation.” – Paul Deer, CFP® (Empower)

“Once you start calculating your net worth, you realize how powerful it is as a tool for making smarter decisions with your money.” – Lauren Schwahn, NerdWallet (NerdWallet)

Experts recommend:

  • Tracking your net worth every 6 months;
  • Reducing high-interest debt as a priority;
  • Investing consistently through retirement accounts;
  • Using automated tools like a net worth by age calculator to monitor your growth over time.

These recommendations are drawn from certified financial advisors and backed by research in long-term asset accumulation and behavioral finance.

Real-World Use Cases & Feedback from Everyday People

Here's how people are using net worth benchmarks in real life:

  • Marcus, 32, from Austin, TX: “Using a net worth calculator by age helped me realize I was ahead of the average net worth of a 30 year old. That gave me the confidence to start investing more aggressively.”
  • Dana, 45, a single parent from New Jersey: “I checked my net worth against national data and saw I was below the median net worth for my age. Instead of feeling discouraged, I worked with a coach to pay off my debt faster. Tracking it every quarter has changed my mindset.”
  • Ava and Luis, 64, from California: “We used household net worth by age charts to check how we were doing as a couple. It turned into a game — now we sit down together every six months to check our numbers.”

💡 Try This: Choose a benchmark age (e.g., 40, 50, or 65) and compare your current net worth to both the average and median. Set a goal to move one bracket higher within the next 2 years — and track your progress monthly.

What Should My Net Worth Be?

There’s no single answer, but many financial experts suggest the following formula:

Net Worth Goal = Your Age × Your Annual Income × a factor between 0.5 and 1.5

This gives a personalized benchmark for what should my net worth be by age.

This framework is also used by leading financial institutions and advisors as a rule-of-thumb calculation to plan for milestones such as retirement or early financial independence.

Net Worth Trends in America

  • The average net worth USA continues to grow, but inequality is widening.
  • The median American net worth rises slowly, often impacted by inflation, housing costs, and student debt.
  • Wealth by age varies dramatically depending on education, region, and race.

These insights are consistent with findings from Pew Research, the U.S. Census Bureau, and economic reports from the Federal Reserve Board.

Tools to Help You Calculate & Compare

  • Net worth by age chart
  • Net worth percentile calculators
  • Net worth goals by age breakdown
  • US net worth by age graph

These tools can help answer questions like:

  • How does my net worth compare?
  • What’s a good net worth by age?
  • What is a typical net worth by age in the US?

All calculators and datasets referenced in this article are based on public federal data and validated by trusted financial institutions.

Final Thoughts: Are You Ahead or Behind?

Don't let numbers discourage you. Instead, let them inform your strategy. Whether your goal is to join the top 5 percent net worth by age or simply build steady security, tracking your progress is key.

Your net worth by age isn’t just a statistic—it’s a story of your financial growth. And you’re the author.

Tip: Revisit your net worth every 6–12 months. Update your values and re-calculate to stay on track with your goals.

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To build your net worth, start with budgeting, pay down debt, automate savings, and invest consistently. Focusing on these core strategies will improve your financial situation and position you above the 50th percentile in your age range.

Each age cohort shows clear differences in assets and liabilities. For example, the net worth of Americans aged 45–54 is typically double that of those in the 35–44 age bracket, due to home equity, retirement savings, and reduced credit card debt.

It’s recommended to review your net worth every 6–12 months. Many financial advisors suggest reassessing after major life events or at the start of a new stage of life.

According to October 2023 data, American net worth peaks between ages 65–74, with an average net worth of $1.79 million. The median net worth, however, is closer to $409,900.

Investment accounts like 401(k)s, IRAs, and brokerage accounts contribute significantly to long-term financial health. They increase in market value over time and are essential in a solid retirement plan.

Not always. While higher income helps, poor money management or high spending can result in low or negative net worth. To grow your net worth, it's crucial to save and invest, regardless of income level.

Net worth tends to increase with age, peaking near retirement age (65–74). This reflects decades of saving, investing, and home ownership. The average net worth by age group confirms that wealth over time accumulates with consistent habits.

A negative net worth means your liabilities are greater than your assets. It's common for young adults with student loans or credit card debt. Focus on creating a financial plan to reduce debt and build your net worth over time.

While it varies, having positive net worth and contributing regularly to retirement savings like an IRA or 401(k) is a good start. The average net worth of Americans under 35 is $183,500, though the median is much lower.

For American households, net worth is a key indicator of financial stability. According to data from the Federal Reserve's 2022 Survey of Consumer Finances, it’s tracked every three years to understand financial trends across different age groups.

To calculate your net worth, subtract your total liabilities (debts, loans, credit card balances) from your total assets (bank accounts, investment accounts, property). It’s simply assets minus your liabilities.

The average net worth is the total net worth of a group divided by the number of people. The median net worth by age represents the midpoint—half of the population has more, and half has less. Because of extreme wealth at the top, the average is usually higher than the median.

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