US Wealth Inequality by the Numbers
The wealthiest 10% of US households hold roughly 70% of total household wealth, while the bottom 50% hold about 2% to 3%. The Federal Reserve’s Survey of Consumer Finances tracks these disparities using net worth data across income and demographic groups.
Top 1% Share and Concentration
The top 1% own a growing share of aggregate wealth, often exceeding 30% in recent years. This concentration has risen since the 1980s, driven by asset price gains, capital income, and inheritance, while wage growth for lower-income households has lagged behind productivity gains.
Median Household Net Worth and Trends
Median US household net worth remains well below the mean, reflecting the outsized wealth of the top tail. Middle-class net worth has been pressured by housing costs, student debt, and slower equity returns, while the top tier benefits from diversified portfolios and lower tax rates on capital gains.
For deeper analysis and data tables, see the Federal Reserve’s Survey of Consumer Finances at Federal Reserve Survey of Consumer Finances.
