Average Net Worth by Age (US & Europe)
Your net worth tells a bigger story than your salary ever could. Here’s how the numbers stack up by age across the US and Europe — and what it takes to be considered wealthy.
Net worth — your assets minus your liabilities — provides a fuller picture of financial health than income alone. While a high salary can boost net worth over time, saving, investing, and avoiding debt matter just as much. Below are the latest 2026 benchmarks for the US and major European economies.
Average Net Worth by Age in the US
- Under 35: $14,000 (median) — Student loans, entry-level salaries, and limited home equity suppress net worth in this bracket.
- 35–44: $91,000 — Career earnings rise; many begin building home equity and retirement savings.
- 45–54: $168,000 — Peak earning years; 401(k) balances and home values accelerate growth.
- 55–64: $213,000 — Pre-retirement accumulation phase; most have maxed out contributions for decades.
- 65–74: $266,000 — Retirement accounts compound; many downsize homes, freeing equity.
- 75+: $255,000 — Slight decline as retirement withdrawals draw down assets.
Wealth Thresholds: What It Takes to Be Rich
- Top 25% (upper middle class): $200,000+ — You have significant home equity, retirement savings, and investment assets.
- Top 10% (wealthy): $800,000+ — Near-retirement or well-invested; includes many dual-income professional households.
- Top 5% (affluent): $1.5M+ — Strong investment portfolios, real estate holdings, and business equity.
- Top 1% (rich): $4M+ — About 1.3 million US households; includes business owners, executives, and inherited wealth.
Average Net Worth in Europe
- United Kingdom: $150,000 average — Driven by London property values and pension assets.
- France: $120,000 — High homeownership rates and strong savings culture.
- Germany: $100,000 — Lower homeownership (under 50%) but robust state pensions.
- Italy: $90,000 — High homeownership (70%+) but concentrated in less liquid property.
- Spain: $70,000 — Lower incomes and high unemployment historically have constrained wealth building.
How to Calculate Your Net Worth
- Assets: Cash and savings accounts, investment portfolios (401k, IRA, taxable), home equity (estimated market value minus mortgage), vehicles, business interests, and other valuables.
- Liabilities: Mortgage balance, student loans, credit card debt, car loans, personal loans, and any other outstanding obligations.
- Formula: Total Assets − Total Liabilities = Net Worth. Tracking annually helps you measure progress toward financial independence.
Related Resources
Average Salary in the US
Compare your income to national averages by age, state, industry, and education level.
Savings by Age
See recommended savings benchmarks and how much you should have saved at every stage of life.
How Long to Become a Millionaire
Calculate how long it takes to reach $1M based on your savings rate and investment returns.
FAQs
What is a good net worth for my age?
A common rule of thumb is to aim for a net worth roughly equal to your annual salary by age 30, 3× by 40, 6× by 50, 8× by 60, and 10× by 67. These targets account for income growth and compounding over a career.
How does US net worth compare to Europe?
The US has higher median net worth ($192,000 for ages 65–74) than most European countries (UK $150k, Germany $100k). However, European nations generally offer stronger social safety nets, which reduces the amount of personal wealth needed for retirement security.
Why is median net worth so low for Americans under 35?
Student loan debt (average $37,000 per borrower), low homeownership rates, and early-career salaries all suppress net worth for this cohort. Many in this age group have negative net worth due to education loans.
What is the fastest way to increase net worth?
Increase your savings rate, invest in diversified assets (especially low-cost index funds), avoid high-interest debt, and build career skills to grow your income. Home equity from a reasonably priced property also helps, but it’s less liquid than financial assets.