Median Net Worth by Race
Median net worth measures the midpoint where half of households have more and half have less. In the United States, white households typically hold a much higher median net worth than Black households. The gap reflects differences in income, homeownership, inheritance, and access to credit. Recent data show the ratio remains wide, with white median net worth several times larger than Black median net worth.
Key Drivers of the Gap
Homeownership is a major factor because housing often represents the largest share of household wealth. Black households have historically faced barriers to homeownership, including discrimination in lending and appraisal practices. Lower incomes, higher unemployment rates, and fewer opportunities to build retirement savings also contribute. In addition, intergenerational wealth transfers, such as inheritances and family financial support, tend to be smaller in Black households, limiting the ability to invest and grow assets over time.
Sources and Further Reading
For detailed tables and methodology, see the Federal Reserve’s Survey of Consumer Finances at https://www.federalreserve.gov/econres/notes/feds-notes/wealth-inequality-by-race-and-ethnicity-in-the-united-states-2019.htm. Researchers and policymakers continue to study how structural factors shape these outcomes and what interventions may reduce disparities over time.
