Net Worth by Age: Benchmarks and How to Calculate Yours
Net worth is your total assets minus your total liabilities — the single number that represents your overall financial health. According to the Federal Reserve’s 2022 Survey of Consumer Finances, the median net worth for all American households is $192,700. Net worth typically grows with age, peaking at $409,900 for those aged 65–74, before declining as retirees draw down savings.
Quick Answer
- *According to the Federal Reserve (2022 SCF), the overall median U.S. net worth is $192,700, up 37% from 2019.
- *Median net worth by age: Under 35: $39,000 | 35–44: $135,300 | 45–54: $247,200 | 55–64: $364,500 | 65–74: $409,900.
- *The average net worth is $1.06 million — but the median is far more representative because billionaires skew the average.
- *According to Fidelity, households that consistently invest 15% of income starting in their 20s typically reach millionaire status by their late 50s.
Median Net Worth by Age (Federal Reserve Data)
The following data comes from the Federal Reserve’s 2022 Survey of Consumer Finances (SCF), the most comprehensive and authoritative household wealth survey in the United States. The SCF is conducted every three years; the next update is expected in late 2026.
| Age Group | Median Net Worth | Average Net Worth |
|---|---|---|
| Under 35 | $39,000 | $183,500 |
| 35–44 | $135,300 | $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 |
| All households | $192,700 | $1,063,700 |
Notice the massive gap between median and average in every age group. For the 65–74 bracket, the average ($1.79M) is over 4 times the median ($410K). This is because a small number of wealthy households pull the average dramatically upward. Use the median as your benchmark— it represents the typical household.
How to Calculate Your Net Worth
Net worth is straightforward: Assets − Liabilities = Net Worth
What Counts as Assets
| Asset Category | Examples |
|---|---|
| Cash and savings | Checking, savings, money market, CDs |
| Investment accounts | Brokerage, stocks, bonds, mutual funds |
| Retirement accounts | 401(k), IRA, Roth IRA, pension |
| Real estate | Home value, investment properties |
| Vehicles | Cars, boats (at resale value, not purchase price) |
| Other | Business equity, collectibles, crypto |
What Counts as Liabilities
| Liability Category | Examples |
|---|---|
| Mortgage | Remaining balance on home loan |
| Student loans | Federal and private student debt |
| Auto loans | Remaining car payment balance |
| Credit cards | Revolving balances |
| Other debt | Personal loans, medical debt, HELOC |
Example Calculation
A 35-year-old homeowner:
- Home value: $350,000
- Retirement accounts: $85,000
- Savings: $15,000
- Car value: $18,000
- Total assets: $468,000
- Mortgage balance: $280,000
- Student loans: $22,000
- Auto loan: $12,000
- Credit cards: $3,000
- Total liabilities: $317,000
Net worth: $468,000 − $317,000 = $151,000
This person is above the median ($135,300) for their age group (35–44).
Net Worth Targets by Age
While the Federal Reserve data shows where Americans actually are, financial advisors often suggest targets for where you should be. Here are common benchmarks from Fidelity and T. Rowe Price:
| Age | Fidelity Target | Target (at $75K salary) | How to Reach It |
|---|---|---|---|
| 30 | 1x salary saved | $75,000 | Save 15% starting at 25 |
| 35 | 2x salary saved | $150,000 | Maximize 401(k) match |
| 40 | 3x salary saved | $225,000 | Increase contributions with raises |
| 45 | 4x salary saved | $300,000 | Avoid lifestyle inflation |
| 50 | 6x salary saved | $450,000 | Catch-up contributions |
| 55 | 7x salary saved | $525,000 | Peak earning years + investing |
| 60 | 8x salary saved | $600,000 | Final push before retirement |
| 67 | 10x salary saved | $750,000 | Retirement-ready |
These are retirement savings targets specifically, not total net worth. Your total net worth (including home equity) may be higher.
How to Increase Your Net Worth
Increase the Gap Between Income and Spending
Net worth grows from two levers: earning more and spending less. Focus on increasing your savings rate. According to the Bureau of Economic Analysis, the U.S. personal savings rate was approximately 4.6% in 2024. Financial advisors recommend saving at least 15–20% of gross income.
Invest Consistently
Simply saving money is not enough — you need to invest it. Cash loses purchasing power to inflation (roughly 3% per year). Invested in the stock market, your money has historically grown at 7% per year after inflation. Over 30 years, $500/month in savings stays at $180,000, while $500/month invested at 7% grows to $566,765. See our beginner’s investing guide.
Pay Down High-Interest Debt Aggressively
Every dollar of debt reduced is a dollar added to your net worth. Prioritize high-interest debt (credit cards at 20%+) using the avalanche or snowball method.
Build Home Equity
For many Americans, home equity is the largest component of net worth. Making extra mortgage payments, choosing a 15-year mortgage, or simply staying in your home as it appreciates builds equity over time.
Track your financial health
Use our free Net Worth Calculator →Also useful: Savings Calculator · Retirement Savings by Age
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the median net worth by age in the US?
According to the Federal Reserve (2022 SCF): Under 35: $39,000; 35–44: $135,300; 45–54: $247,200; 55–64: $364,500; 65–74: $409,900; 75+: $335,600. The overall median for all Americans is $192,700.
How do I calculate my net worth?
Net worth = Total Assets minus Total Liabilities. Add up savings, investments, retirement accounts, home equity, and vehicle values. Subtract mortgage, student loans, credit cards, and other debts. The result is your net worth.
Why is the average net worth so much higher than the median?
The average ($1.06M) is much higher than the median ($192,700) because a small number of very wealthy households skew the average upward. The median represents the exact middle and is a more useful benchmark for most people.
Is it normal to have a negative net worth in your 20s?
Yes, a negative net worth in your 20s is common, especially with student loans. Many recent graduates start with negative net worth, which is expected and temporary as long as you actively pay down debt and build savings.