Nonfinancial Assets Held by the Bottom 50% (1st to 50th Wealth Percentiles)

WFRBLB50082 • Economic Data from Federal Reserve Economic Data (FRED)

Latest Value

6,787,555.00

Year-over-Year Change

7.32%

Date Range

7/1/1989 - 1/1/2025

Summary

This economic trend measures the total nonfinancial assets held by U.S. households in the bottom 50% of the wealth distribution. It provides insight into the financial well-being and economic security of lower-income American families.

Analysis & Context

This economic indicator provides valuable insights into current market conditions and economic trends. The data is updated regularly by the Federal Reserve and represents one of the most reliable sources for economic analysis.

Understanding this metric helps economists, policymakers, and investors make informed decisions about economic conditions and future trends. The interactive chart above allows you to explore historical patterns and identify key trends over time.

About This Dataset

The Nonfinancial Assets Held by the Bottom 50% series represents the combined value of real estate, consumer durables, and other tangible assets owned by households in the 1st to 50th wealth percentiles. This metric is used by economists and policymakers to analyze wealth inequality and the financial resilience of low-wealth populations.

Methodology

The data is collected and calculated by the Federal Reserve based on the Survey of Consumer Finances.

Historical Context

Policymakers and market analysts monitor this trend to understand the financial resources and economic vulnerabilities of low-wealth households.

Key Facts

  • Bottom 50% of U.S. households held $2.7 trillion in nonfinancial assets in 2019.
  • Nonfinancial assets account for over 95% of total assets for the bottom wealth quintile.
  • Median nonfinancial assets for the bottom 50% were $17,500 in 2019.

FAQs

Q: What does this economic trend measure?

A: This trend measures the total nonfinancial assets, such as real estate and consumer durables, owned by U.S. households in the bottom 50% of the wealth distribution.

Q: Why is this trend relevant for users or analysts?

A: This metric provides insight into the financial resources and economic security of lower-income American families, which is crucial for understanding wealth inequality and informing economic policy.

Q: How is this data collected or calculated?

A: The Federal Reserve collects and calculates this data based on the Survey of Consumer Finances.

Q: How is this trend used in economic policy?

A: Policymakers and market analysts monitor this trend to understand the financial vulnerabilities of low-wealth households and develop policies to promote greater economic security and opportunity.

Q: Are there update delays or limitations?

A: The Nonfinancial Assets Held by the Bottom 50% data is updated annually, with a delay of approximately 1-2 years.

Related Trends

Citation

U.S. Federal Reserve, Nonfinancial Assets Held by the Bottom 50% (1st to 50th Wealth Percentiles) (WFRBLB50082), retrieved from FRED.