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The average 50-something is now worth $1.5 million
USA Today • • business
Key Points:
- The average net worth of Americans increases significantly with age, reaching $1.5 million for those in their 50s and nearly $2 million for those in their 60s, driven largely by rising stock and home values.
- While average net worth figures show substantial wealth accumulation, median net worth is much lower, with the median American household at $216,100 in 2025, indicating that wealth is concentrated among the very rich.
- Younger Americans, particularly those in their 20s and 30s, have seen declines or stagnation in net worth due to lower earnings, student debt, and delayed homeownership, with median ages for first-time homebuyers rising to 40.
- Wealth accumulation peaks in the 60s as many Americans retire and begin drawing on savings, while those in their 70s typically start spending down their nest eggs, though wealthier retirees may still generate substantial income from investments.
- The COVID-19 pandemic period saw record growth in household wealth, with the median net worth rising 37% between 2019 and 2022, though growth slowed to 2.5% from 2022 to 2025 after inflation adjustments.
