The Federal Reserve's 2025 Survey of Consumer Finances gives us the clearest picture of where Americans stand financially by age. Median net worth rose across all age groups, driven by home equity appreciation and equity market gains. But the averages hide a dramatically skewed picture — a small number of ultra-wealthy households pull mean net worth far above what most people experience.
Always compare to median, not mean. Mean US net worth is approximately $1,063,700 — pulled up by billionaires. Median net worth is $192,700. The median is the honest benchmark.
Median net worth by age in 2026
Fidelity retirement benchmarks vs reality
Fidelity recommends: 1x salary by 30, 3x by 40, 6x by 50, 8x by 60, 10x by 67. At a $75,000 salary, that means $75,000 by 30, $225,000 by 40. Most Americans are behind these benchmarks — but factoring in average Social Security income ($21,000/year, equivalent to a $525,000 portfolio at 4% withdrawal) closes much of the gap.
The biggest factors that determine net worth
Home equity represents 40-60% of net worth for households 35-65. Starting retirement contributions early matters enormously — $5,000/year from age 22 produces $1,535,000 by 67; starting at 32 produces only $759,000. Avoiding high-rate debt (a $25,000 balance at 20% APR costs $5,000+/year in interest). Savings rate matters more than income level — 25% savings on $80,000 beats 5% savings on $150,000 over 20 years.
Use our Retirement Planner to model this.