Current Fort Knox Gold Holdings
As of the latest public data, Fort Knox stores approximately 4,582 metric tons of gold, making it one of the largest single-site gold repositories in the world. The United States Bullion Depository, operated by the United States Mint, holds the bulk of the nation's physical gold reserves. This figure is confirmed by the U.S. Treasury and the U.S. Mint, which regularly publish audit summaries and inventory reports. For the most recent official breakdown, see the United States Mint's gold reserve page United States Mint gold reserve.
The gold at Fort Knox is primarily held as standard gold bars conforming to strict U.S. Mint specifications for weight and purity. Most bars weigh 400 troy ounces, and the total inventory represents a significant portion of the global official gold reserves held by governments. The depository is located at Fort Knox, Kentucky, and access is tightly controlled by the U.S. Army and the Treasury. The facility is not open to public tours, and detailed inventory data is released periodically rather than in real time.
Valuation and Market Context
Using the spot price of gold in early 2025, the Fort Knox gold holdings are valued at roughly $550 billion to $600 billion, depending on the exact market price at the time of calculation. This valuation places the stored gold among the most valuable concentrated physical assets held by any single government. The U.S. holds the largest gold reserves of any country, and Fort Knox accounts for a major share of that total.
Gold at Fort Knox is not used for day-to-day monetary policy operations but serves as a strategic reserve and a symbol of national financial stability. The U.S. Treasury and Federal Reserve coordinate on gold policy, and the physical metal remains a key part of the country's balance sheet. For broader context on U.S. gold reserves and their role in global markets, see the World Gold Council's official reserves overview World Gold Council gold reserves.
Security, Audits, and Access
Physical Security and Storage
Fort Knox uses layered physical security, including armored vaults, armed military personnel, and restricted airspace. The depository is designed to withstand extreme threats, and its exact layout and security protocols are classified. Gold is stored in secure vaults within the building, and inventory is tracked through a combination of manual and automated systems.
Audits and Reporting
The U.S. Mint conducts periodic inventories and audits of the gold stored at Fort Knox, with results reported to Treasury officials and, in summary form, to the public. Independent audits are also performed in accordance with federal standards, and findings are included in annual reports. The most recent comprehensive audit and inventory release can be found in the U.S. Treasury's official financial reports U.S. Treasury Office of the Treasurer.