What Is Average Per Capita Net Worth?
Average per capita net worth is the total net worth of a country divided by its population. It gives a rough sense of the wealth each person would have if the nation's assets were spread evenly. In the United States, this figure includes financial assets, real estate, and business equity minus debts.
How Is It Measured?
Net worth is calculated by subtracting liabilities from assets for households and nonprofit organizations. Data comes from the Federal Reserve's Survey of Consumer Finances and the Flow of Funds Accounts. Dividing the aggregate net worth by the resident population yields the per capita estimate.
Why Does It Matter?
Average per capita net worth helps compare wealth across countries and track long-term trends. It is used by researchers, policymakers, and investors to gauge economic health and inequality. Because averages can be skewed by large holdings, they are often reviewed alongside median figures.
For the latest figures and methodology, see the Federal Reserve Board's Survey of Consumer Finances at Federal Reserve Survey of Consumer Finances.
