What Is Net Worth?
Net worth is the simplest measure of personal financial health. It answers: if you sold everything you own and paid off everything you owe, what would you have left? Negative net worth means your debts exceed your assets — this is common for young adults with student loans and early-stage mortgages.
US Net Worth by Age (Median)
| Age Group | Median Net Worth | Mean Net Worth |
|---|---|---|
| Under 35 | $39,000 | $183,000 |
| 35–44 | $135,000 | $549,000 |
| 45–54 | $247,000 | $975,000 |
| 55–64 | $365,000 | $1,566,000 |
| 65–74 | $410,000 | $1,794,000 |
Source: Federal Reserve Survey of Consumer Finances, 2022.