Question 1

What is the average net worth by age in the US?

Accepted Answer

According to the Federal Reserve Survey of Consumer Finances, median net worth by age in 2026: under 35: ~$39,000; 35–44: ~$135,000; 45–54: ~$247,000; 55–64: ~$364,000; 65–74: ~$410,000; 75+: ~$335,000. Average net worth is significantly higher because wealthy outliers skew averages up. Median is the more useful benchmark — it reflects what the typical American at each age actually has.

Question 2

What should my net worth be at 40?

Accepted Answer

Fidelity's benchmark: your net worth should equal roughly 3× your annual salary by age 40. On a $80,000 salary, that's $240,000. The Federal Reserve median for 35–44 year-olds is about $135,000 — so if you're at $240,000 at 40 on $80k, you're well ahead of the median. The more important number: are you on track to replace 70%–80% of your pre-retirement income? Run your specific numbers in our Retirement Calculator.

Question 3

Should I include my home in my net worth?

Accepted Answer

Yes — net worth is total assets minus total liabilities, and your home equity (market value minus mortgage balance) is a real asset. But track it separately from liquid/investable assets. Home equity isn't accessible without selling or borrowing, so many financial planners look at two numbers: total net worth (including home) and investable/liquid net worth (excluding home equity). Both are useful — they answer different questions.

Question 4

How do I increase my net worth fast?

Accepted Answer

Net worth = assets − liabilities. You can increase it by adding to assets (investing, saving) or reducing liabilities (paying down debt). The fastest legitimate moves: (1) max employer 401(k) match — instant 50%–100% return; (2) pay off high-interest debt — eliminating 22% APR credit card debt is a guaranteed 22% return; (3) avoid new consumer debt — every car loan or credit card balance directly lowers net worth. The math is simple; execution is the hard part.

Question 5

Is $1 million net worth still considered wealthy in 2026?

Accepted Answer

By most measures, yes — but context matters. $1 million in investable assets (excluding home equity) at 4% safe withdrawal rate generates $40,000/year in retirement income. Comfortable but not extravagant in high-cost areas. $1 million in net worth puts you well above the US median at any age but below the top 10% of wealth holders (roughly $1.9M+ in 2026 per Federal Reserve data). In terms of retirement security, target 25× your annual spending — at $60,000/year expenses, that's $1.5M.

Net Worth Calculator

What You Should Know

Charts & Projections

Portfolio Mix

Growth Scenarios

Wealth Over Time

Overview

US Net Worth Benchmarks by Age (2026)

The Two Net Worth Numbers That Matter

Building Net Worth Systematically

Frequently Asked Questions

Sources & Methodology

Mark

Age Group	Median Net Worth	Average Net Worth
Under 35	~$39,000	~$183,000
35–44	~$135,000	~$549,000
45–54	~$247,000	~$975,000
55–64	~$364,000	~$1,566,000
65–74	~$410,000	~$1,794,000