By Sohaib Shams
The net worth required to enter the top 10% of U.S. households has risen to $1.8 million, according to Visa, reflecting surging asset values over the past two years.
About 12.2 million households now meet that threshold, with 1,000 new millionaires added daily in 2024 alone. The top 1% saw average net worth growth of $1.8 trillion last year, compared to $1,157 for the bottom 50%, per the Center for American Progress.
Regional Thresholds Vary
Regional differences exist: the West requires $2 million, the Northeast $1.9 million, the South $1.8 million, and the Midwest $1.7 million. The average U.S. household net worth is about $660,000, according to the UBS Global Wealth Report 2026.
Top 10% households spend more on wants such as apparel, airline travel, and lodging. Net worth is calculated as the sum of assets — including homes, cars, retirement accounts, and investments — minus debts like mortgages, student loans, and credit card balances.
Steps to Build Net Worth
Financial experts recommend starting with a budget to ensure income exceeds expenses, then building an emergency fund covering three to six months of costs. Paying down high-interest debt, maximizing workplace 401(k) matches, and investing surplus money are key strategies to grow net worth over time.
