Personal Net Worth Calculator
Your net worth is the single most important number in your financial life. Unlike your salary, which tells you how much money is coming in, your net worth tells you how much of that money you actually keep.
Why Your Net Worth Matters in the USA
In a country with high costs of living, varying state taxes, and no universal benefit system, knowing your 'bottom line' is critical. Your net worth helps you:
Assets: What Goes On Your Balance Sheet
Assets are everything you own. Include both liquid (easy to convert to cash) and illiquid (harder to convert) assets.
Liabilities: What Goes On Your Debt Sheet
Liabilities are everything you owe. List all debts, not just minimums.
How to Improve Your Net Worth
Net worth growth is a function of earning, saving, and investing. Here are proven strategies:
Average Net Worth by State (2025/2026 Estimates)
Net worth varies dramatically across the USA. These estimates include all residents, from billionaires (skewing averages up) to those with negative net worth.
| State | Average Net Worth | Median Net Worth (Household) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Connecticut | $920,000 | $115,000 | Highest in nation; finance hub (NYC metro) |
| Washington | $842,000 | $125,000 | Tech wealth (Seattle), real estate appreciation |
| California | $855,000 | $108,000 | Silicon Valley, high property values |
| Massachusetts | $780,000 | $110,000 | Boston area, healthcare/finance industry |
| New York | $750,000 | $105,000 | NYC wealth concentration |
| Texas | $520,000 | $75,000 | Oil/energy wealth, lower taxes |
| Florida | $450,000 | $65,000 | Retiree influx, no state income tax |
| National Average | $450,000 | $60,000 | Heavily skewed by top 1% |
| Mississippi | $310,000 | $45,000 | Lowest in nation; economic challenges |
| Arkansas | $325,000 | $48,000 | Low cost of living, lower wages |
"Good" Net Worth by Age - US Benchmarks
Financial advisors suggest aiming for certain milestones. Remember: these are targets, not guarantees. Your timeline depends on income, cost of living, and market returns.
| Age | Target Net Worth (Benchmark) | Strategy |
|---|---|---|
| 25 | 0.5x annual salary | Get out of debt, build emergency fund |
| 30 | 1x annual salary | Max out retirement contributions, invest |
| 35 | 2x annual salary | Aggressive investing, real estate acquisition |
| 40 | 3x annual salary | Real estate wealth accumulation |
| 45 | 5x annual salary | Solid retirement position, diversified assets |
| 50 | 8x annual salary | FIRE on the horizon |
| 55 | 10x annual salary | Approaching retirement |
| 65+ | 25x annual salary | Retire comfortably |
Liquid vs. Total Net Worth
Two ways to measure your net worth depending on your goals and needs.
Personal Net Worth FAQ
Q:Is a 401(k) included in net worth?
Yes. Your 401(k) balance is an asset and counts toward your net worth. However, keep in mind that for a traditional 401(k), you will owe taxes upon withdrawal, so some people calculate a 'Tax-Adjusted Net Worth' by reducing the 401(k) value by ~25-40% to account for future taxes.
Q:Should I include my primary residence in my net worth?
Most financial experts say yes—your home is likely your largest asset. However, 'Liquid Net Worth' excludes your home because you can't easily spend that money without selling or borrowing against it (HELOC). For retirement planning, include it. For emergency liquidity, calculate both total and liquid net worth.
Q:What is a 'Good' Net Worth by Age 30 in the US?
A common benchmark is to aim for a net worth equal to your annual salary by age 30. For someone earning $60,000/year, that would be $60,000 net worth. This assumes you started working at 22. If you started later or had debt, adjust your expectations accordingly.
Q:Does my net worth include cryptocurrency?
Yes, but be cautious. Crypto is highly volatile. Include your current market value of all holdings. However, some people choose to exclude crypto or heavily discount it due to volatility and tax complications. Do what feels right for your financial picture.
Q:How often should I recalculate my net worth?
Quarterly or annually is standard. More frequently than that and normal market fluctuations will frustrate you. Monthly is fine if it keeps you motivated. Annually is best for true long-term planning. Track the trend over years, not weeks.
Q:Is it bad to have negative net worth?
No—it's common, especially early in your career or after major life events (student loans, medical debt, recent home purchase). Negative net worth just means you owe more than you own. The key is the *trajectory*: is it improving year-over-year?
Q:Should I count my car in net worth?
Yes, but at its current market value (use Kelley Blue Book), not the price you paid or what you owe. If you have a $10,000 loan on a $8,000 car, your car asset is $8,000. The $2,000 negative equity counts as debt.