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

Average net worth in the U.S. is $1.06 million; the median is $192,700, according to the Federal Reserve.

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Updated Jun 9, 2026

What is the average net worth?

According to the 2022 Federal Reserve Survey of Consumer Finances, the average net worth of U.S. households is $1.06 million and the median net worth is $192,700. The median is a more accurate representation, because a few very rich households drive up the average.

» MORE: See the average retirement savings by age

🤔 Why is this data from 2022?

The Federal Reserve conducts and publishes the Survey of Consumer Finances every three years. The most current data available was collected in 2022 and released in 2023.

In February 2025, the Federal Reserve announced the start of the newest version of the survey, and expects to release the results in late 2026.

What is net worth?

Net worth is the current value of a person's assets minus the sum of their liabilities.

Net worth = Assets - liabilities

To estimate your net worth, add together the value of your assets (such as your home and cars if you own them, as well as money in savings, checking or investment and retirement accounts), and subtract your liabilities (such as a mortgage, student loans, car loans or credit card debt).

» MORE: Use our net worth calculator

Average and median net worth by age

Net worth usually grows as a person ages and as savings, investments and assets add up over time. It often dips in retirement, when people begin tapping into retirement savings, incur more medical expenses and take on the costs of assisted living.

Average net worth by age

Age of head of family	Average net worth
Under 35	$183,380.
35-44	$548,070.
45-54	$971,270.
55-64	$1,564,070.
65-74	$1,780,720.
75+	$1,620,100.
Source: Federal Reserve Board 2022 Survey of Consumer Finances. The Federal Reserve Board does the survey every three years. This most recent data was released in October 2023.

Median net worth by age

Age of head of family	Median net worth
Under 35	$39,040.
35-44	$135,300.
45-54	$246,700.
55-64	$364,270.
65-74	$410,000.
75+	$334,700.
Source: Federal Reserve Board 2022 Survey of Consumer Finances. The Federal Reserve Board does the survey every three years. This most recent data was released in October 2023.

4 ways to increase your net worth

Here are a few basic steps to building your net worth.

1. Track your spending

“Figuring out where your money is actually going is the first step,” says Chelsea Ransom-Cooper, a certified financial planner and chief financial planning officer at ZenithWealth Partners. “It doesn't matter how much you make, if your money isn't going to the right places, you can blow it.”

If you don't already have a budget, start tracking how much money comes in, and how much goes out, even if you have a high income.

Most budget frameworks will tell you to set aside a certain amount for needs, wants and savings/debt payoff.

Because net worth is what you own minus what you owe, cut down on what you owe. NerdWallet recommends paying down debts with the highest interest rates first. Another option you may consider is debt consolidation: rolling multiple debts into one payment.

» Want an app to do it for you? Best expense tracker apps to see where your money goes

2. Grow your money

“Immediately when that paycheck comes in, set up auto payments for all the things that are going to have a positive impact on your net worth,” Ransom-Cooper says. Any level of saving can add up, whether it’s stashing $200 or $20 per month.

“You’ll surprise yourself on how quickly you can build wealth,” Ransom-Cooper says.

If you have access to a 401(k) with an employer match, consider contributing at least enough of your paycheck to get the match. Your money, plus the match, will grow as you continue to work.

» Do a comparison: See the average 401(k) balance by age

3. Increase your income

Sometimes it might feel like you don’t have enough left over to save and/or invest. If you want to get more cash flow, we have a list of money-making ideas, including different side hustles.

4. Be patient

Factors beyond your control can affect your net worth, such as stock market swings and sudden changes in income. The goal should always be to try to pivot as necessary to get your finances back on track.

The tables above show that net worth can change with time.

Try to be as consistent as you can with your savings so that compound interest can do its job in helping your money grow over the long term.

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