Question 1

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

Accepted Answer

According to the Federal Reserve Survey of Consumer Finances 2022: Under 35 — $39,000; Ages 35–44 — $135,300; Ages 45–54 — $247,200; Ages 55–64 — $364,500; Ages 65–74 — $409,900; Ages 75+ — $335,600. These are median (50th percentile) figures. The mean is much higher because of top-end wealth skewing the average.

Question 2

What data does this calculator use?

Accepted Answer

This calculator uses the Federal Reserve's Survey of Consumer Finances (SCF), the gold standard for US household wealth data, published in October 2023 using 2022 data. The SCF is conducted every three years by the Federal Reserve and is the primary source cited by academic research, financial planning textbooks, and government reports on wealth distribution.

Question 3

Why is the mean net worth so much higher than the median?

Accepted Answer

Wealth distribution is extremely right-skewed: a small number of very wealthy households pull the mean far above what a typical household has. For example, in the 35–44 age group, the median is $135,300 but the mean is $549,600 — more than 4x higher. The median is almost always the more relevant benchmark because it represents the 'typical' household, not the average distorted by billionaires.

Question 4

Is a higher percentile always better?

Accepted Answer

Percentile rank shows relative position, not financial health. A 60th percentile net worth at 28 might be excellent; the same percentile at 58, approaching retirement, might be insufficient for your goals. Net worth percentile is a useful diagnostic tool for context, but your actual target depends on your FIRE number, retirement income, social security estimates, and expected expenses — not just your peer ranking.

Net Worth Percentile Calculator

How We Work It Out

Real-World Examples

35-year-old with $135,000 net worth

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

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