When it comes to money, most people focus on income. But income alone doesn’t tell the full story. What really matters is how much wealth you keep and grow over time — your net worth.
Your net worth is the total value of your assets (cash, investments, property, retirement accounts) minus your liabilities (debts, loans, credit cards). Tracking this number is one of the best ways to measure financial progress and long-term stability.
A common question people ask is: How does my net worth compare to others my age? That’s what we’ll explore here, using the most recent Federal Reserve data adjusted for 2025.
Average Net Worth by Age in 2025
The Federal Reserve publishes the Survey of Consumer Finances every three years. The latest numbers, adjusted for inflation into 2025, show how both the median and average net worth break down by age group.
Age Group | Median Net Worth | Average Net Worth* |
---|---|---|
Under 35 | $15,000 | $75,000 |
35–44 | $110,000 | $430,000 |
45–54 | $250,000 | $850,000 |
55–64 | $410,000 | $1,600,000 |
65–74 | $520,000 | $1,900,000 |
75+ | $330,000 | $1,600,000 |
*Note: The average is skewed upward by a small number of very wealthy households. The median (the middle value) is usually a better benchmark for most people.
Why These Numbers Matter
Looking at averages and medians can be eye-opening:
- If you’re below the median for your age, you’re not alone — but it may be a sign to review spending and debt habits.
- If you’re near the median, you’re keeping pace with peers, but there’s room to grow.
- If you’re above average, you’re ahead of the curve — the next challenge is protecting and compounding your wealth.
Ultimately, these numbers are not about competition. They are a yardstick to help you set goals and track your own trajectory.
Factors That Influence Net Worth by Age
Several forces affect why net worth tends to rise with age:
- Time in the workforce: Older age groups have had decades to save and invest.
- Homeownership: Equity built through real estate is a major driver of net worth for many households.
- Debt payoff: Younger groups often carry student loans, credit card debt, or car payments that weigh down their net worth.
- Compounding investments: Those who invest early see their portfolios grow exponentially over time.
How to Improve Your Net Worth
Knowing where you stand is helpful, but the most important step is taking action. Some strategies include:
- Reducing high-interest debt as quickly as possible.
- Automating savings and investment contributions.
- Expanding income streams through career moves or side projects.
- Avoiding lifestyle inflation when income rises.
- Tracking progress consistently to stay motivated.
We covered these strategies in detail in our post on 7 Proven Ways to Grow Your Net Worth Faster.
The Bottom Line
Comparing your net worth to national averages is a useful benchmark, but what matters most is whether your own number is improving year after year. Building wealth is a long-term process, but consistent tracking and small improvements add up.
With a tool like NetTrack, you can see your entire financial picture in one place, monitor growth, and make informed decisions that accelerate progress.