Wealth in the United States

Wealth in the United States is commonly measured in terms of net worth which is the sum of all assets, including home equity minus all liabilities. For example, a household in possession of an $800,000 home, $5,000 in mutual funds, a $45,000 IRA would have assets totaling $850,000. Assuming that this household would have a $250,000 mortgage, $40,000 in car loans, and $10,000 in credit card debt their debts would total $300,000. Subtracting the debts from the worth of this household's assets, (850,000 - $300,000 = $550,000) this household would have a net worth of $550,000. The wealth, more specifically net worth, of households in the United States is varied with relation to race, education, geographic location and gender. As one would expect households with greater income featured the highest net worths, though high income cannot be taken as an always accurate indicator of net worth.