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US Leads World in New Millionaires, Median Wealth Declines
3 Aug
Summary
- US added over 441,000 millionaires in 2025, nearly half of global new millionaires.
- Despite gains, US median wealth per adult ranked 28th globally.
- Nearly 79% of US personal wealth is in financial assets, increasing stock market dependence.
In 2025, the United States experienced an unprecedented increase in millionaires, with over 441,000 new individuals joining their ranks. This figure represents nearly half of all new millionaires globally, bringing the total U.S. millionaire population to approximately 23.6 million, over 40% of the world's total.
This significant growth at the top contrasts sharply with the financial standing of typical Americans. The U.S. median wealth per adult was estimated at around $69,000, placing it 28th globally. This disparity is partly attributed to the structure of American wealth, where nearly 79% is held in financial assets like stocks and retirement accounts.
Consequently, wealth gains in the U.S. are heavily influenced by stock market performance, which saw a strong year in 2025. While rising home values also contributed to some individuals crossing the million-dollar threshold, these gains did not reflect broader economic prosperity. Billionaire wealth also saw substantial growth, increasing by nearly 25% over the past year.
