Overview
Why Average and Median Net Worth Are So Different
The Federal Reserve's SCF, published every three years, is the gold standard for U.S. household wealth data. The most recent edition (2022, released 2023) shows a dramatic split: the average net worth of all U.S. families is $1,063,700, while the median — the figure that splits the population in half — is just $192,700.
That nearly 5× gap is driven by extreme concentration at the top. The wealthiest 1% hold approximately 31% of all U.S. wealth. For most families, the median is a far better benchmark. If you're above the median for your age group, you're doing better than half of Americans.
💡 Key Definition: Net worth = total assets (home equity, retirement accounts, investments, bank accounts, vehicles) minus total liabilities (mortgage, student loans, auto loans, credit card debt). It is NOT the same as retirement savings — home equity is usually the largest component for most households.
The Data
Average and Median Net Worth by Age Group (2022)
All figures from the Federal Reserve Survey of Consumer Finances 2022. These are the most authoritative household wealth benchmarks available in the U.S.
| Age Group | Average Net Worth | Median Net Worth | Key Action |
|---|---|---|---|
| Under 35 | $183,500 | $39,000 | Focus on 401(k) match capture + eliminating high-interest debt |
| 35–44 | $549,600 | $135,600 | Fidelity benchmark: 3× salary. Maximize HSA + Roth IRA |
| 45–54 | $975,800 | $247,200 | Peak earning years. Catch-up contributions at 50+ |
| 55–64 | $1,566,900 | $185,000 | Final sprint. SECURE 2.0 super catch-up ages 60-63 |
| 65–74 | $1,794,600 | $409,900 | Retirement. Optimize withdrawal order + SS timing |
| 75+ | $1,624,100 | $335,600 | Drawdown phase. RMDs start at 73 |
Source: Federal Reserve Board, Survey of Consumer Finances 2022 (triennial survey). Values in 2022 dollars. The 2025 edition will be released in approximately 2026.
Retirement Lens
How Your Net Worth Maps to Retirement Readiness
Net worth and retirement readiness are related but not identical. A high net worth concentrated in illiquid assets (a paid-off home, for example) may not translate to retirement income. Here's how to think about the breakdown:
Home Equity
The largest asset for most households. Accessible via sale or reverse mortgage, but typically not a retirement income source.
Retirement Accounts
401(k), IRA, 403(b), TSP — the primary retirement income source. Average 401(k) balance: $148,153 (Vanguard 2025).
Other Investments
Taxable brokerage, business equity, rental property — variable and not always liquid.
Cash & Vehicles
Emergency reserves, checking/savings, vehicles. Important for liquidity but low-return.
📌 The Plootus Rule of Thumb: Your "retirement net worth" — the portion actually usable for retirement income — is typically 40–60% of your total net worth, depending on how much is locked in your home and illiquid assets.
Fidelity Benchmarks
Salary-Multiple Retirement Targets by Age
While net worth is the full picture, Fidelity's retirement-specific benchmarks (salary multiples) give you a clearer retirement readiness target. These apply to retirement savings specifically, not total net worth:
| Age | Fidelity Target | Example ($80K salary) | 2026 Limit (Standard) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 30 | 1× salary | $80,000 | $24,500 / $7,000 IRA |
| 40 | 3× salary | $240,000 | $24,500 / $7,000 IRA |
| 50 | 6× salary | $480,000 | $32,500 / $8,000 IRA (catch-up) |
| 60 | 8× salary | $640,000 | $35,750 (SECURE 2.0 super catch-up) |
| 67 | 10× salary | $800,000 | — |
Calculator
Net Worth Percentile Calculator
Enter your age and net worth to see how you compare to Federal Reserve benchmarks:
🧮 Where Do You Stand?
Frequently Asked Questions
- Federal Reserve Board, Survey of Consumer Finances 2022 (released October 2023) — triennial survey of U.S. household finances
- Federal Reserve Board, Economic Well-Being of U.S. Households 2024
- Fidelity Investments, How Much Should I Save for Retirement? — salary multiplier benchmarks
- Vanguard Group, How America Saves 2025 (~5M participants)
- IRS, Retirement Plan Contribution Limits 2026
- Social Security Administration, Monthly Statistical Snapshot, November 2025
- Plootus Research 2026
