Americans 75 and older became the wealthiest age group in the US, Fed data shows

Families headed by someone 75 or older are now the wealthiest in the US, according to the Federal Reserve's Survey of Consumer Finances released last week, as reported by Morning Brew.

Median family net worth overall rose 2% to $215,900 between 2022 and 2025, adjusted for inflation, but the gains were uneven: wealth for the 75-plus group grew 37%, while it fell 23% for families under 35.

The 75-plus group's median net worth rose to about $505,000, up from $367,000 in 2022, and its mean net worth grew 10% to $1.96 million. NYU economics professor Edward Wolff told the Wall Street Journal the trend reverses the old pattern of older people spending down savings — many bought homes and stocks years ago that have since surged in value.

Not everyone is benefiting: the survey found nearly 20% of families reported a late loan payment in the past year, up from 12.2% in 2022, as inflation squeezes lower-wealth households.