18 Million U.S. Households Now Hold Top Wealth Status, Fed Data Reveals

New Fed data shows 18 million U.S. households led by seniors have the highest net worth, with gains driven by stock market growth and retirement assets.

Editorial Desk

October 10, 2026 One Min Read

POLICY WIRE — Washington, D.C. — New Federal Reserve data highlights a growing wealth gap in the United States, revealing that 18 million households headed by individuals aged 75 or older now hold the highest median net worth of any demographic group.

The findings come from the Fed’s triennial Survey of Consumer Finances, which tracks financial health across U.S. families. According to the report, the median net worth for this age group reached $504,000 in 2025, marking a significant increase over previous years.

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These households also saw the largest rise in annual income, with earnings jumping 24% since 2022 to $67,000. The report attributes this growth to strong performance in retirement accounts and broader market gains. Meanwhile, younger families faced declining wealth, with those under 35 experiencing a 23% drop in median net worth to $33,000 between 2022 and 2025.

Reporting by Policy-Wire (PW)

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