What the Data Shows
Between 2009 and 2011, net worth increased 28 percent for the bottom 93 percent of the population. This period followed the Great Recession and the subsequent recovery phase. The increase was driven mainly by rising home values and modest gains in financial assets for many households.
Why the Bottom 93 Percent Matters
Most Americans fall into the bottom 93 percent by net worth. Their financial health shapes consumer spending, debt levels, and overall economic stability. When this large group gains wealth, it can signal broader improvements in household balance sheets and credit conditions.
Comparing Wealth Gains Across Groups
While the bottom 93 percent saw a 28 percent net worth increase, the top 7 percent often experienced much larger gains. These differences highlight how asset ownership and market exposure affect recovery speed. The Federal Reserve tracks these trends in its Survey of Consumer Finances.
