How Wealth Is Distributed in the US
Wealth in the United States is highly concentrated. A small share of households holds a large portion of total net worth, while many households hold little or no wealth. Net worth includes assets like homes and savings minus debts such as mortgages and loans.
Key Trends and Recent Data
Federal Reserve data shows that the top 10% of families own a large majority of financial assets, while the bottom 50% own a much smaller share. Gaps have widened over time, especially in stocks and real estate gains compared with wages and savings.
Where to Find Official Data
For detailed tables and reports, the Federal Reserve publishes the Survey of Consumer Finances, and the Census Bureau provides additional household wealth statistics. These sources offer breakdowns by income, race, age, and region.
