Net worth is simply total assets minus total liabilities. Assets include cash, investments, retirement accounts, home equity, vehicles, and other property. Liabilities include everything you owe: mortgage, auto loans, student loans, credit card balances, and other debt.
Source: Federal Reserve, 2022 Survey of Consumer Finances (2022 dollars). The survey is run every three years; check federalreserve.gov for newer results.
Age group
US median net worth (2022 survey)
Under 35
$39,000
35-44
$135,600
45-54
$247,200
55-64
$364,500
65-74
$409,900
75+
$335,600
Why median matters more than average
Average (mean) net worth is skewed upward by a small number of very wealthy households. Median — the middle value — is a far more honest benchmark for where a typical household actually stands.
What to do with this number
A single net worth snapshot matters less than the trend over time. Recalculate every 6-12 months and track whether the number is moving in the direction you want — debt paydown and consistent saving are the two levers you control directly.
Related reading
The table above shows the survey's published figures. For 2026 estimates rolled forward from that survey (so they run higher), see Net Worth by Age 2026, or model how your savings grow over time with the Compound Interest Calculator.
Last updated October 12, 2026
Frequently asked questions
What counts as an asset for net worth?
Cash and savings, investment and retirement accounts, home equity (market value minus mortgage), vehicles, and other property you own with resale value. Items with no real resale value, like furniture or clothing, are typically excluded.
What counts as a liability?
Any debt you owe: mortgage balance, auto loans, student loans, credit card balances, personal loans, and any other outstanding debt.
Is net worth the same as income?
No. Income is what you earn annually; net worth is a snapshot of everything you own minus everything you owe at a point in time. A high earner with heavy debt can have lower net worth than a modest earner who has saved consistently.
What is a good net worth for my age?
Compare against the US median for your age bracket shown above, and against the Fidelity benchmark of saving 1x salary by 30, 3x by 40, 6x by 50, and 10x by 67 for retirement readiness specifically.
How often should I recalculate my net worth?
Every 6 to 12 months is sufficient for most households. More frequent tracking rarely changes the picture meaningfully and can create anxiety over normal market fluctuations in investment account values.