Household net worth, or wealth, is an important part of economic well-being in the United States. Through the Census Bureau data, you will find wealth statistics for various demographic and socioeconomic groups.

Household net worth or wealth is an important defining factor of economic well- being in the United States. In times of economic hardship, such as unemployment, illness, or divorce, a person’s or household’s financial assets (e.g., savings accounts) are an additional resource that can be used to help pay expenses and bills. For individuals and households with a householder 65 years and older, wealth is also an important source of post-retirement income.

The Survey of Income and Program Participation (SIPP) collects detailed wealth data as part of its normal operation. The SIPP has a large sample size (approximately 17,500 households in the latest survey year) that allows comparisons of the assets of small groups, especially those that tend to be under-represented in other surveys (such as low-income households).

The Census Bureau provides data tables detailing wealth and debt estimates at the nation and state levels. They include information on major contributors to wealth such as home equity and retirement accounts, as well as common types of debt such as vehicle and credit card debt.

Because the SIPP’s sample design uses an address list that is updated repeatedly through extensive listing procedures, the SIPP enjoys a high degree of population coverage, which makes its statistical estimates valid representations of the population.

The SIPP’s design also allows the reliable measurement of household median net worth, the percentage of households holding a particular type of asset, and the distribution of the net worth of households by asset type.

Understanding the financial well- being and economic security of veterans is a topic of specific interest to many veteran advocates and organizations, including the Department of Veteran Affairs and Small Business Administration.

Given that the Department of Defense is the largest employer of young men in the nation, understanding the impact of service on life-course outcomes such as wealth is essential for veterans, those currently serving, and future recruits.

To access the list of tools available, go to our Data Tools and Apps. For ACS data, access the data.census.gov tool. Other available information is accessible at Census Survey Explorer.