Median and Average Net Worth in 2018
In 2018, U.S. household net worth data from the Federal Reserve showed a median net worth around $97,300 and an average net worth above $690,000, reflecting the outsized effect of high-value assets on the mean.
Wealth Distribution and Inequality
Net worth was unevenly distributed, with the top 10% of families holding roughly 70% of total wealth, while the bottom 50% held a small share, highlighting persistent inequality in household balance sheets.
Notable Trends and Context
Rising stock market values and home prices boosted many families' net worth during 2018, though gains were concentrated among higher-income households. For broader context on wealth and inequality, see the Federal Reserve's Survey of Consumer Finances at https://www.federalreserve.gov/econres/scf.htm
