Whether you feel “rich” often depends less on a number and more on context—your stage in life, your goals, and your financial security.
A $500,000 net worth sounds like a major milestone—and for many families, it is. But averages vary widely across countries and regions. For example, in Switzerland, the average wealth per adult is approximately US$687,000, while in Taiwan it is closer to US$312,000(1), according to UBS.
Likewise, $500,000 at age 25 looks very different than $500,000 at age 60. Young people generally make money and invest at an earlier age, while older people have more time for income growth and compound interest to take on the heavy lifting.
Looking at average net worth by age can provide useful perspective—not as a scorecard, but as a benchmark to help you measure progress and set realistic goals. With that in mind, Empower’s latest report shows the following (2).
If you’re in your 20s, you’re just getting started. You may be just starting out in your career and haven’t had enough time to enjoy the compounding effects of capital markets. Since many people are just starting out, even modest savings can put you in a relatively strong position compared to national benchmarks.
According to Empower, the average net worth of a person in their 20s is $139,243 as of January 2026. However, this number may be affected by some outperforming companies. Median net worth is a fairer measure, but the median net worth for this group is much lower. By 2026, it will be just $6,600. In other words, if you own a modest car worth more than $7,000 and have little to no debt, your income is above the median for your age group.
Don’t underestimate the value of building even a small amount of wealth in your 20s. Every $1,000 you save and invest in the market will be worth many times more in retirement simply because of compound interest over the long term.
All the skills and experience you gained in your 20s should start to pay off in your 30s. For many, income begins to accelerate in their 30s as experience and skills compound.
For many, increased income comes with relatively low expenses. According to Pew Research, approximately 12% of people in this age group have a partner with similar income but no children(3). The report calls this group “double-income,” “childless,” or “DINK.”
For families without major expenses such as childcare or a large mortgage, this stage can provide greater flexibility in saving and investing.
This is reflected in the huge jump in net worth for this age group in Empower data. As of January 2026, the average net worth of adults in their 30s was $325,952, and the median net worth was $23,093. Both are significantly higher than previous age groups.
Read more: The average American net worth is a surprising $620,654. But that makes almost no sense. Here are the numbers that matter (and how to make them soar)
Your 40s can be a tough time financially. According to the National Association of REALTORS® (4), by the end of 2025, the typical age of a first-time home buyer will be 40 years old. This means many adults face expensive mortgages for the first time at this age.
Savings typically slow during this phase as competing financial priorities pile up, given the rising costs of child care and elder care for aging parents.
Fortunately, compound growth can offset shortfalls in current contributions, allowing you to grow your wealth in the face of headwinds. The average net worth of people in their 40s is $750,578, and the median net worth is $68,698.
The final stages of your career can make or break your retirement plans. According to Empower, the average adult in their 50s has a net worth of $1,364,050 and is relatively ready to live a comfortable retirement.
However, the median net worth of $180,227 paints a very different picture. The gap between the average and median suggests many households will have more limited balances in retirement — which may require careful planning around Social Security, pension and spending needs.
Social Security benefits and pensions can cover some of the gap, but if you want to maintain financial security, it might be worth reviewing your savings strategy, tax planning and retirement timeline to make up for any gaps.
A solid plan, followed rigorously, can be a game-changer in your 50s.
Americans in their 60s and 70s are the wealthiest by both measures, according to Empower. The average net worth is $1,577,907 and $1,456,151 respectively, while the median net worth is $274,564 and $220,067 respectively.
If you’re in this age group and still earning a seven-figure net worth income, you’re in pretty good shape. If your savings don’t match your retirement goals, you may want to consider delaying retirement or making unconventional lifestyle changes (such as moving to another country) to live comfortably.
Averages can provide perspective, but your financial plan should be tailored to your goals, timeline, and risk tolerance. If you do this, you’re ahead of where many people started.
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UBS (1); Empowerment (2); Pew Research Center (3); National Association of Realtors (4)
This article provides information only and should not be considered advice. It is provided without any warranty of any kind.
