What Is Net Worth
Net worth is the total value of assets minus liabilities. For wealthy households in the USA, it includes financial investments, real estate, and business equity. Net worth is used to measure economic strength and compare wealth across groups.
Distribution of Wealth in the USA
Wealth in the USA is highly concentrated. The Federal Reserve reports that the top 10 percent of families hold a large share of aggregate household wealth. The upper tier of the distribution includes households with net worth in the millions and tens of millions.
Sources of Wealth for the Wealthy
Major sources include business ownership, financial investments, and real estate holdings. Many wealthy households build wealth through equity in private or public companies, retirement accounts, and portfolios. Inheritances and capital gains also contribute to wealth accumulation.
Key Data and Context
Surveys such as the Survey of Consumer Finances provide data on net worth distribution. The Federal Reserve publishes detailed tables on wealth by percentile. For current figures and methodology, see the Federal Reserve's Survey of Consumer Finances at https://www.federalreserve.gov/econres/survey-consumer-finances.htm
