News & Trending Money News

Here's the Average Net Worth of 86-Year-Old Americans (How Do You Compare?)

At 86, your net worth reflects a lifetime of choices and changing needs.

By Kristin Hitchcock

Edited by Amanda Machado

Updated Jan. 28, 2026

As you enter your mid-80s, your financial picture reflects a lifetime of decisions: saving, investing, homeownership, debt management, and how you approached retirement plan choices. Many 86-year-olds are drawing down savings rather than accumulating assets, so understanding how your net worth compares to peers can sharpen your financial perspective and help guide estate, long-term care, or legacy planning.

Let's look at the most up-to-date wealth data available and what it means if you're age 86.

Get instant access to hundreds of discounts

Over 50? Join AARP today— because if you’re not a member you could be missing out on huge perks like discounts on travel, dining, and even prescriptions.

Get 25% off membership — just $15 for your first year with auto-renewal — and a free gift if you join today.

Become an AARP member now

What "net worth" really means

Net worth isn't income or spending power. It's your total assets minus liabilities. In other words, it's everything you own (house, investments, savings) minus everything you owe (mortgages, credit card debt, loans).

Net worth grows over time with consistent saving and investing. But in retirement, assets are often drawn down for living expenses and health care, which is reflected in older age groups' data.

Who really has the cheapest auto insurance in your area? Check your zip code here.

The Benchmark: Americans in their 80s

According to financial data capturing U.S. households in 2025, the average net worth for Americans in their 80s is about $1.36 million, while the median net worth is roughly $234,000. These figures illustrate two very different realities.

The average is pulled up by a minority of very wealthy households. The median tells you where half of the people are above, and half are below, which is a more typical portrait of the financial average.

For 86-year-olds specifically, these aren't exact Federal Reserve figures, but they're the best available national benchmarks for the 80s age range and reflect general wealth patterns in retirement.

Average vs. median

The average and median tell two very different stories:

Average tends to be much higher due to wealthy outliers (think retirees with significant investment portfolios, paid-off homes, or inheritance).
Median is typically lower because most people have more modest assets and may be drawing on those resources in their 80s.

So if you see figures above the median, it likely means you're above the financial position of many peers. But even at the median, you're right in the middle of the distribution.

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.¹ <p>Clients who complete the program and settle all debts typically save around 45% before fees or 20% including fees over 24–48 months, based on enrolled debts. “Debt-free” applies only to enrolled credit cards, personal loans, and medical bills. Not mortgages, car loans, or other debts. Average program completion time is 24–48 months; not all debts are eligible, and results vary as not all clients complete the program due to factors like insufficient savings. We do not guarantee specific debt reductions or timelines, nor do we assume debt, make payments to creditors, or offer legal, tax, bankruptcy, or credit repair services. Consult a tax professional or attorney as needed. Services are not available in all states. Participation may adversely affect your credit rating or score. Nonpayment of debt may result in increased finance and other charges, collection efforts, or litigation. Read all program materials before enrolling. National Debt Relief’s fees are based on a percentage of enrolled debt. All communications may be recorded or monitored for quality assurance. In certain states, additional disclosures and licensing apply. ©️ 2009–2025 National Debt Relief LLC. National Debt Relief (NMLS #1250950, CA CFL Lic. No. 60DBO-70443) is located at 180 Maiden Lane, 28th Floor, New York, NY 10038. All rights reserved. <b><a href="https://www.nationaldebtrelief.com/licenses/">Click here</a></b> for additional state-specific disclosures and licensing information.</p>

Why net worth can dip after retirement

It's common for net worth to grow steadily through working years, peak around the 60s, and then slowly decline as people retire. Several forces contribute:

Withdrawals from retirement savings to cover living expenses
Health care and long-term care costs rise with age
Reduced income flow compared to pre-retirement earnings

So an 86-year-old's net worth might be lower than it was at 70, even if they've managed their finances well, simply because resources are being used rather than added to.

How 86-year-olds typically hold wealth

Most net worth for retirees is tied up in a few key assets, like home equity, retirement accounts, and savings. Many older Americans own their homes outright, making real estate a large part of their net worth. It's not cash in the bank, but it's valuable and can be part of estate planning or legacy gifting.

Many retirees also have IRAs, 401(k)s, pensions, and taxable investments. Withdrawing these strategically over time can help avoid unnecessary taxes, protecting net worth. Having liquid assets also provides flexibility, especially for health care or unexpected expenses in later years.

Where Social Security fits in

Most 86-year-olds rely on Social Security as a core income source. Recent reports note that about 67% of retired adults depend on Social Security to cover essential expenses, especially those with lower savings or modest investment portfolios. That means for many, net worth provides a safety net and spending resource rather than just a wealth benchmark.

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

How to interpret this data

Here's how to use this information realistically. If your net worth is above the average, you likely have more financial flexibility than most peers, but don't assume guaranteed outcomes. If your net worth is near the median, you're in line with many Americans who balance limited retirement income with savings, which is common.

If your assets are below the median, focus on spending strategies that preserve quality of life rather than chasing benchmarks. Comparisons can inform your estate planning and discussions with financial or legal advisors.

It's never too late to refine your financial picture

Even in your 80s, there are steps you might consider:

Revisit withdrawal strategies to manage tax impacts
Talk with a financial planner about legacy and long-term care planning
Consider downsizing if housing costs are burdensome
Review beneficiaries and estate documents to avoid unintended outcomes

Good planning isn't just about having a high net worth. It's about making sure your resources support the retirement you want.

Bottom line

By age 86, net worth usually reflects a lifetime of saving, investing, and then gradually spending those resources to support daily life and health care needs. Compared with national benchmarks for Americans in their 80s, some households will be well above the average, many will sit closer to the median, and others will have far less, but in every case, the more important question is whether your money is supporting the life you want to live now.

Nearly 1 in 3 Americans aged 85 and older live alone, which can change both spending patterns and planning priorities, especially around housing and long-term care. Taking stock of your assets, income sources, and expenses can help you make choices that support a stress-free retirement, even if your net worth isn't especially high by national standards.

More from FinanceBuzz:

Benefits

Card Details

$0 annual fee
Intro APR on purchases and balance transfers
Apply Now

INTRO OFFER: Unlimited Cashback Match for all new cardmembers. Discover will automatically match all the cash back you’ve earned at the end of your first year! There’s no minimum spending or maximum rewards. You could turn $150 cash back into $300.
Earn 5% cash back on everyday purchases at different places you shop each quarter like grocery stores, restaurants, gas stations, and more, up to the quarterly maximum when you activate. Plus, earn unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases.
Redeem cash back for any amount. No annual fee.
Get a 0% intro APR for 15 months on purchases. Then 17.49% to 26.49% Standard Variable Purchase APR applies, based on credit worthiness.
Terms and conditions apply.

Discover <span class='whitespace-nowrap'>it<sup>®</sup></span> Cash Back

4.7

Apply Now

on Capital One’s secure website

Read Card Review

Intro Offer

Discover will match all the cash back you’ve earned at the end of your first year.

Annual Fee

Why we like it