Net worth is everything you own (cash, investments, home, retirement) minus everything you owe. Here's the typical net worth by age in the United States, based on the Federal Reserve's Survey of Consumer Finances.
Net Worth by age in the U.S.
| Age | Median | Average |
|---|---|---|
| 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+ | $335,600 | $1,624,100 |
About these numbers
Median is the middle household — half are above, half below. The average is pulled way up by the ultra-wealthy, which is why it's so much higher than the median. For a realistic comparison, the median is the better benchmark.
How to improve your number
- Pay down high-interest debt first — it instantly raises net worth.
- Invest consistently; compound growth does the heavy lifting over decades.
- Owning a home builds equity, a big part of most households' net worth.
- Track it yearly — watching the number climb is motivating.
See how saving grows your net worth
Use our free calculator to plan your next move.
Open the calculator →Frequently asked questions
What counts as net worth?
Net worth = total assets (cash, investments, retirement accounts, home value, cars) minus total liabilities (mortgage, loans, credit-card debt).
Should I compare to the median or average?
The median is more realistic for most people. The average is skewed upward by a small number of extremely wealthy households.
Is it bad if I'm below average?
Not at all — most people are below the average because of that skew. Compare to the median for your age, and focus on steady progress.
Figures use U.S. comparison data based on Federal Reserve Survey of Consumer Finances and Bureau of Labor Statistics datasets.