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Here’s the Average Net Worth of 80-Year-Old Americans (How Do You Compare?)

Is your net worth below the average? There are ways to improve it.

By Josh Koebert , Edited by Laura Hohenstein

Updated Sept. 1, 2026

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Once you reach your 80s, your financial concerns typically shift from accumulation and growth to preservation and legacy. You're now thinking about how your retirement savings stack up more than ever before.

You want to ensure you have the resources to live comfortably and handle any unexpected costs. A substantial net worth can help you meet your goals. So, what should this figure be? Of course, it's different for everybody, but comparing your net worth to average figures is a helpful benchmark.

If you come up a little short, we've got eight tips to help boost your bank account, even at age 80 and beyond.

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What is the average net worth of people in their 80s?

According to the Federal Reserve's most recent Survey of Consumer Finances, the average net worth for Americans aged 75 or older is $1,624,100, with a median figure of $335,600.

Why is there such a big difference between the average and the median? The average is skewed by the inclusion of billionaires and the ultra-wealthy. A few individuals with immense fortunes can pull the average way up, making it a less realistic benchmark for most people.

The median, on the other hand, is the midpoint. This means that half of all households in this age group have a net worth of $335,600 or more, while the other half have a net worth of less. For this reason, the median figure is a more accurate reflection of a typical 80-year-old's net worth.

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How is net worth calculated?

To calculate your net worth, add up the total value of your assets, then subtract the total amount of your liabilities.

Assets include your savings, real estate such as your home, and valuables like your car or jewelry. Liabilities are essentially your debt: the balance on your mortgage, credit cards, and the like.

How do you compare?

If your net worth is at or above the average or median, congratulations! You've done well with your finances and should feel pretty confident about retirement.

If you fall a bit short of your cohort, don't get discouraged. Too many people fall into the trap of thinking that, at their age, it's too late to tackle debt and build wealth.

The truth is that some financial practices remain evergreen. Here are eight steps you can take to improve your net worth at any age.

Resolve $10,000 or more of your debt

National Debt Relief could help you resolve your credit card debt with an affordable plan that works for you. Just tell them your situation, then find out your debt relief options.⁴ Please note that all calls with the company may be recorded or monitored for quality assurance and training purposes. Clients who are able to stay with the program and get all their debt settled realize approximate savings of 45% before fees, or 20% including our fees, over 24 to 48 months. All claims are based on enrolled debts. Not all debts are eligible for enrollment. Not all clients complete our program for various reasons, including their ability to save sufficient funds. Estimates based on prior results, which will vary based on specific circumstances. We do not guarantee that your debts will be lowered by a specific amount or percentage or that you will be debt-free within a specific period of time. We do not assume consumer debt, make monthly payments to creditors or provide tax, bankruptcy, accounting or legal advice or credit repair services. Not available in all states. Please contact a tax professional to discuss tax consequences of settlement. Please consult with a bankruptcy attorney for more information on bankruptcy. Depending on your state, we may be available to recommend a local tax professional and/or bankruptcy attorney. Read and understand all program materials prior to enrollment, including potential adverse impact on credit rating. "Debt-Free" applies only to enrolled credit cards, personal loans, and medical bills. Not mortgages, car loans, or other debts. Results vary.

Eliminate credit card debt

Credit card debt is a wealth-drainer at any age. With credit cards' exceedingly high interest rates, carrying a balance is a net worth killer. Prioritize paying off any credit card debt as quickly as possible.

This single step can free up a significant amount of cash flow and provide your financial health with an immediate boost.

Review and reduce recurring expenses

Take a close look at your monthly bank and credit card statements. You might be paying for subscriptions you no longer use, streaming services you forgot about, or a cable TV bundle with a bunch of channels you have no interest in.

Cutting these small, recurring costs can add thousands of dollars to your net worth every year.

Take on a part-time job

Retirement from your full-time career doesn't necessarily mean the end of work altogether. A low-stress part-time job can provide a valuable income stream while also offering social engagement and a sense of purpose.

Consider consulting in your former field or turning a hobby into a small business to make a natural transition.

Make Money: 8 things to do if you're barely scraping by financially

Rent out a room

If you're living in a house with more space than you need, renting out a spare bedroom can generate a considerable amount of monthly income.

Taking on a housemate can help cover your mortgage, property taxes, and other housing costs, significantly boosting your cash flow with an asset you already own.

Use senior discounts

One of the easiest ways to keep more money in your pocket is to take advantage of the many senior discounts businesses offer. These savings can add up over time if you take advantage of them.

Don't be afraid to ask for discounts at the grocery store, restaurants, travel agencies, movie theaters, and other businesses.

Switch to a high-yield savings account

Don't let your emergency fund or cash savings sit idle in a traditional account earning next to nothing. High-yield savings accounts offer better interest rates while keeping your money safe and accessible.

One of the key advantages of this strategy is its passive nature. All you have to do is deposit your cash and then let it work for you.

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Tap into home equity (with caution)

For many 80-year-olds, home equity is their most significant asset. A reverse mortgage or a home equity line of credit (HELOC) can convert that equity into cash.

However, these are complex financial products with potential risks and long-term impacts, including leaving your heirs with debts to pay off. While there is value in using your equity to pay down high-interest debt, consult with a trusted financial advisor before considering a reverse mortgage or a HELOC.

Sell your unwanted belongings

Downsizing and decluttering can do more than just free up space. It can also pad your bank account by converting unwanted belongings into cash.

Consider selling your old furniture, collectibles, jewelry, or electronics on Facebook Marketplace or eBay, as these platforms can quickly connect you with interested buyers.

Bottom line

By the time you reach your 80s, you may have been retired for years. Decades of hard work and diligent savings, along with a few crafty investments, could have prepared you for a stress-free retirement. If your net worth is a little shy of the median, though, there are still ways to shape up your finances and eliminate some money stress.

Or maybe you're not even thinking about retirement at all. Between 2015 and 2024, the number of Americans aged 65 and older who were still working increased by 33%. For many, staying in the workforce is a conscious choice rather than a financial requirement, as they continue to enjoy good health, a passion for their careers, and more time to prepare for retirement.

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