Income (the flow of resources to a consumer entity) is an important measure of a household’s economic well-being. However, it does not tell the entire story. To get a more complete picture of well-being, one must examine wealth (the level of resources available at any point in time).

Using data collected by the Survey of Income and Program Participation (SIPP) between January and April 1991, this Brief takes a look at median household net worth (wealth), i.e., the value of assets covered in the survey minus any debts. (The box on the back of this Brief details the types of assets and debts covered.) Data for different types of households are compared in this Brief. In addition, the 1991 figures are compared with similar data collected by SIPP in Spring 1988.

Others in Series

Publication

Housing of Lower-Income Households

September 1994

This brief examines various demographic, financial, and housing characteristics of low-income and near low-income households.

Publication

Housing in Metropolitan Areas — Renter Financial Characteristics

September 1994

This brief examines the characteristics of rental housing in America’s metropolitan areas (MA’s).

Publication

Housing in Metropolitan Areas — Movers and Stayers

September 1994

This brief examines which metropolitan areas had the highest areas of householders who moved into their homes during the 15 months prior to the 1990 census.

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Related Information

Wealth and Asset Ownership Publications

Well-Being Publications

Survey of Income and Program Participation Publications

Page Last Revised - October 8, 2021

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