U.S. Net Worth Peaks at $1.4M for 50-Somethings, Data Shows

The average American aged 50-59 has a net worth of $1.4 million, according to an October 2025 report by financial services firm Empower, citing anonymized user data. This figure rises to $1.6 million for those aged 60-69, reflecting decades of compound growth in stocks and real estate. Empower’s data aligns with the 2022 Federal Survey of Consumer Finances, which reported $1.1 million for ages 50–54 and $1.4 million for 55–59. The median net worth for 50-somethings is $192,964, underscoring that extreme wealth among a few skews the mean upward. Stock market gains—up 256% over the past decade—and rising home equity are key drivers. By age 60, many have paid off mortgages, reduced childcare costs, and accumulated retirement savings. Despite declining net worth in retirement, many retirees benefit from sustained market performance, enabling them to live off investment returns.