Generation X just overtook Baby Boomers as the largest holders of housing wealth, with an average of $1.31 million in property compared to Boomers' $1.30 million according to KPMG analysis. When considering net worth by age, data points like this one are fun to search and share –  but keep in mind that everyone’s wealth building path looks different. 

As we break down in our guide, data shows massive variation within every age group, which means your financial success depends far more on alignment with your specific situation than hitting some arbitrary benchmark.

Continue reading for a deep dive on the following topics:

• How much wealth people have at each age (and why the averages might surprise you)

• What shapes how you build wealth through the ages

• Answers to FAQs to improve your financial strategy

Wealth By Each Age Group

Net worth varies dramatically across age groups. Keep in mind that everyone's financial journey is unique, and these numbers represent averages—not targets you must hit. Your personal situation, career path, family circumstances, and financial priorities all influence your wealth-building path more than where you fall compared to these benchmarks.

20s: Average Net Worth $113,084 / Median Net Worth $7,638 The data shows wide variation in this group. Ranging from new graduates with student loans to early entrepreneurs building businesses.

30s: Average Net Worth $317,171 / Median Net Worth $35,649 This decade shows continued wealth variation as people navigate different career paths, family situations, and financial priorities.

40s: Average Net Worth $791,616 / Median Net Worth $125,370 The gap between average and median widens here. This highlights how different life choices and circumstances create varied financial outcomes.

50s: Average Net Worth $1,406,887 / Median Net Worth $288,263 The data shows the largest dollar gaps between average and median. Which reflects how individual circumstances and choices create vastly different wealth outcomes by this decade.

60s: Average Net Worth $1,703,727 / Median Net Worth $439,154 This group shows peak average wealth. However, the significant gap between average and median continues to demonstrate how different everyone's financial path can be.

70s+: Average Net Worth $1,626,996 / Median Net Worth $367,286 The data shows varied approaches to wealth management in retirement, with some maintaining growth strategies while others focus on preservation and spending.

How to Build Wealth at Your Age

Building wealth isn't about hitting specific numbers by certain ages—it's about creating habits and strategies that work for your unique situation. Here are some insights that apply regardless of where you're starting.

Constants That Matter at Every Age:

• Spend less than you earn consistently

• Automate your savings to remove the decision-making

• Invest in diversified portfolios appropriate for your timeline

• Review and adjust your strategy as life changes

Life Events That Shape Your Wealth Journey: Major transitions often create opportunities or challenges that affect your financial strategy. Marriage might mean combining different financial approaches, while having children introduces new priorities like education savings. Career changes, inheritance, or health issues can also shift your wealth-building timeline and goals. Read our guide on financial life events and the impact they have on your wealth building strategy here.

Your Financial Picture is Bigger Than Age: Understanding your complete financial situation means looking beyond just age-based benchmarks. Your income level, career trajectory, family responsibilities, and personal values all influence what wealth building looks like for you. Someone earning $150,000 in an expensive city faces different challenges than someone earning $75,000 in a lower-cost area, regardless of their age.

For a deeper understanding of how income and wealth work together to define your financial position, check out our guide on determining your unique financial landscape here.

And, if you are looking for specific information about lessons from America's wealthy, read our guide.

Frequently Asked Questions About Net Worth By Age Groups

How is net worth calculated? According to this source, "net worth is everything you own, or your assets, minus everything you owe, or your debts. It is calculated by subtracting what you owe to creditors from what you currently own."

How do I know if I'm on track financially? Your progress matters more than age-based comparisons. Focus on whether you're moving toward your specific goals consistently, whether that's debt payoff, emergency savings, or investment growth.

How can I increase my net worth quickly? The fastest ways are paying off high-interest debt, increasing your income, and automating your savings. For instance, eliminating credit card debt immediately improves your net worth dollar-for-dollar, while automatic transfers ensure consistent wealth building.

How does net worth relate to my income? Net worth and income represent different aspects of your financial picture. You might have high income but low net worth due to a career change, or moderate income but substantial net worth from years of consistent saving. Understanding both helps create a complete view of your financial situation.

Is it too late to start building wealth in my 40s or 50s? It’s never too late to start building wealth. Even starting in your 40s or 50s, you still have 20-25 years until retirement, which is plenty of time for compound growth to work in your favor.

When should I consider getting a financial advisor? Key moments often include major life changes (marriage, kids, career transitions), complex financial situations (equity compensation, inheritance, multiple income sources), or when you need year-round tax strategy rather than just annual filing. Research shows professional guidance can help increase net returns by up to 3% annually through strategic planning and behavioral coaching. For detailed guidance on timing, check out our comprehensive guide on the right time for a financial advisor here.

The Aligned Perspective: Net Worth By Age Group

Searching "net worth by age" is really asking "Am I doing okay financially?" The answer isn't found in comparing yourself to averages—it's about finding financial guidance that aligns with your unique situation and goals.

Whether you're starting from scratch or hitting your peak earning years, success comes from finding financial guidance that truly fits you. At Datalign, we connect you with that right fit, an advisor who helps you feel confident about your financial future, regardless of what age bracket you fall into. Because when your strategy perfectly aligns with your life stage and goals, everything starts to feel possible.