Net worth in the United States in 2018 reflected a complex mix of economic expansion and uneven distribution across households. During that year, rising wages and strong financial markets boosted balance sheets for many families, yet key disparities persisted across age, race, and region.
The following overview draws on data from major federal surveys to provide a clear, structured picture of average US net worth in 2018. Each section focuses on a specific dimension, supported by tables and concise explanations.
| Measure | 2018 Value (USD) | 2013 Value (USD) | Change Since 2013 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Household Net Worth | 97,300 | 79,400 | +22.6% |
| Mean Household Net Worth | 676,800 | 561,800 | +20.5% |
| Median Retirement Account Balance | 63,000 | 48,000 | +31.3% |
| Homeownership Rate | 64.8% | 64.5% | +0.3pp |
| Average Student Loan Debt | 47,000 | 23,000 | +104.3% |
Financial Wealth Trends Across Age Groups
Younger Adults Under 35
Households headed by someone under 35 in 2018 experienced mixed outcomes, with employment gains but limited homebuying power. Median net worth remained relatively low, driven largely by student loan balances and renting behavior.
Middle-Aged Adults 35 to 54
Adults in this prime earning window typically held higher retirement balances and greater home equity in 2018. However, obligations such as mortgages and child-related expenses continued to weigh on overall liquidity.
Older Adults 55 and Older
As people approached retirement, average net worth increased substantially in 2018, supported by rising account values and paid-off mortgages. Yet market volatility posed ongoing risk for those nearing withdrawal dates.
Racial and Ethnic Disparities in Net Worth
White Households
White households recorded the highest median and mean net worth in 2018, benefiting from longer employment histories, higher homeownership rates, and larger retirement balances.
Black Households
Black households faced persistent gaps in median net worth, with many reporting limited access to asset-building opportunities and higher exposure to economic shocks.
Hispanic Households
Hispanic households also experienced significant disparities, influenced by factors such as industry concentration, immigration-related financial pressures, and lower homeownership rates.
Regional Variations in Household Wealth
Housing Markets and Cost of Living
Geographic location strongly influenced net worth in 2018, as high home values in coastal regions raised reported assets for owners while also increasing living costs for renters.
Employment and Industry Mix
States with diverse industries and strong wage growth generally showed healthier balance sheets, whereas regions dependent on volatile sectors faced greater income instability.
Key Takeaways on Net Worth in 2018
- Median household net worth rose significantly between 2013 and 2018, reflecting broader economic recovery.
- Mean net worth grew but remained far above median levels due to the outsized impact of top earners.
- Retirement savings expanded as more workers participated in employer plans and markets increased.
- Racial and ethnic gaps persisted, highlighting structural barriers to wealth accumulation.
- Regional differences in housing and employment shaped how financial stability was experienced across the country.
FAQ
Reader questions
How is average net worth different from median net worth in 2018 data?
The average net worth represents the mean across all households and is heavily influenced by very wealthy families, while the median net worth indicates the midpoint value and better reflects typical household experiences.
What caused the increase in retirement account balances between 2013 and 2018?
Higher contribution rates, prolonged employment, and strong equity market performance combined to grow retirement balances for many workers between 2013 and 2018.
Why does student loan debt show such a large percentage increase from 2013 to 2018?
Rising tuition costs, expanded enrollment, and limited refinancing options led to higher balances and increased student loan debt relative to earlier years.
Does homeownership guarantee higher net worth in 2018?
While owning a home generally contributes to higher net worth, factors such as mortgage debt, property taxes, and market conditions mean that homeowners can still face financial strain.