Average Net Worth at 31: Key Figures and Benchmarks
The average net worth at 31 for U.S. households is around $150,000, while the median is closer to $30,000, according to the latest Federal Reserve Survey of Consumer Finances. These figures reflect assets minus debts for households headed by someone age 30 to 34. For individuals, the average net worth at 31 is lower because many are early in their careers, with student loans and credit card balances reducing liquid wealth. The Federal Reserve data is updated every three years and remains the most cited source for age-based net worth benchmarks. You can check the latest release on the Federal Reserve Board website here. Financial planners use these averages to set realistic savings targets and track progress against peers.
Net worth at 31 varies sharply by income, education, and homeownership. Households in the top 10% of income often report a net worth above $500,000 by age 31, while those in the bottom 25% may be near zero or in negative territory. The median net worth at 31 for college graduates is roughly double that of non-graduates, reflecting higher earning power and access to employer retirement plans. Homeownership remains a major driver of net worth, with owners at age 31 typically holding over $150,000 in housing equity alone. The U.S. Census Bureau provides detailed tables on income and net worth by age and education here. These benchmarks help benchmark personal progress against broad demographic groups.
How Net Worth at 31 Compares Across Demographics
By race and ethnicity, the average net worth at 31 for White households is substantially higher than for Black and Hispanic households, according to the Federal Reserve's latest Survey of Consumer Finances. The median net worth for White households in the 30 to 34 age bracket often exceeds $100,000, while Black and Hispanic medians are typically below $20,000. These gaps are driven by differences in home equity, retirement account balances, and intergenerational wealth transfers. The Brookings Institution has published analyses of racial wealth gaps using the same Fed data here. Understanding these disparities helps contextualize individual net worth at 31 within broader economic trends.
Gender also influences net worth at 31, with men reporting higher median balances than women in the same age bracket. This difference is partly explained by the gender pay gap, career interruptions, and lower rates of full-time employment in high-paying fields. Women who work full time year round still earn less on average than men, which compounds over time and affects savings and investment growth. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics publishes weekly earnings data by gender and age that underpin these net worth gaps here. Financial literacy programs and employer-sponsored retirement plans can help narrow these gaps over time.
Factors That Drive Net Worth at Age 31
Income level, savings rate, and debt management are the primary drivers of net worth at 31. High earners who save 20% or more of their gross income and avoid high-interest consumer debt tend to build assets faster. Employer-matched retirement accounts, such as 401(k) plans, accelerate growth through tax advantages and compound returns over decades. The Investment Company Institute tracks retirement account ownership and balances by age