The median household net worth for Australians aged 55–64 is approximately $872,000 in 2025-26. At 60, most homeowners have eliminated or nearly eliminated their mortgage, and super can now be accessed tax-free — making this the most consequential age for retirement planning decisions.
Quick benchmark: A 60-year-old Australian household with a mortgage-free home worth $1.1 million, $380,000 in combined super, and $70,000 in financial savings has a net worth of approximately $1,550,000 — well above the age group median and comfortably retirement-ready.
Net Worth at 60 — Australian Benchmarks 2026
| Position | Approx Net Worth | Typical Profile |
|---|---|---|
| Below median | Under $550,000 | Career gaps, renting, low super |
| Median (55–64) | ~$872,000 | Paid-off or near-paid-off home + super |
| Above median | $1M–$1.5M | Full home equity + solid super balance |
| Top quartile | $1.5M+ | Investment property or large super balance |
What Net Worth Looks Like at 60 in Australia
By 60, the composition of net worth has shifted dramatically toward two dominant assets:
| Component | Typical Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Primary residence (equity) | $500,000–$900,000 | Often fully owned |
| Superannuation | $220,000–$450,000 | Now accessible tax-free |
| Financial assets outside super | $60,000–$150,000 | |
| Investment property (net) | $0–$600,000 | Held by ~28% of this age group |
| Vehicles & other | $20,000–$40,000 | |
| Remaining mortgage | $0–$150,000 | Often eliminated by this stage |
Worked Example: Net Worth at 60
Donna and Frank, 60, Melbourne:
| Asset / Liability | Value |
|---|---|
| Home value (no mortgage) | $1,250,000 |
| Combined super | $420,000 |
| Managed fund (outside super) | $85,000 |
| Term deposit | $35,000 |
| Car | $25,000 |
| Net worth | $1,815,000 |
Donna and Frank are in the top 20% for their age group. Their combined super of $420,000 — accessible now — plus financial assets outside super means they can fund early retirement without touching their home. Based on ASFA’s comfortable standard, $420,000 in super at 60 with 7 more years of compulsory contributions would grow to approximately $720,000 by 67, well above the comfortable retirement target for a couple.
Robyn, 60, Perth — single homeowner:
| Asset / Liability | Value |
|---|---|
| Home value | $780,000 |
| Mortgage remaining | -$45,000 |
| Super | $285,000 |
| Savings | $28,000 |
| Car | $15,000 |
| Net worth | $1,063,000 |
Robyn is above the age group median. Clearing the $45,000 mortgage this year would eliminate the liability and improve cash flow. Her $285,000 in super, growing until she retires at 65, would reach approximately $420,000–$450,000 — close to ASFA’s single-person comfortable retirement target of $595,000. A combination of super drawdown and part Age Pension may fund her retirement.
Super at 60 — Retirement Readiness
| Super Balance at 60 | Projected at 67 (7% return, continuing contributions) | ASFA Assessment |
|---|---|---|
| $200,000 | ~$340,000 | Below modest single standard ($100K) — will rely on Age Pension |
| $350,000 | ~$590,000 | Near comfortable single ($595K) |
| $500,000 | ~$840,000 | Comfortable couple ($690K) — achievable |
| $700,000 | ~$1,180,000 | Well above comfortable standard |
7% return, 11.5% employer contributions on $80,000 salary through to 67.
Key Decisions at 60
1. Review your super investment option. At 60, you have up to 7 years before standard retirement. A growth option may still be appropriate for a portion of your super. Moving entirely to conservative too early costs long-term returns.
2. Consider a transition to retirement (TTR) income stream. If you’re still working, a TTR lets you supplement your salary with tax-free super drawdowns from 60. The strategy can boost super contributions while reducing taxable income.
3. Make a downsizing contribution if eligible. From July 2022, Australians aged 55+ who sell their home can contribute up to $300,000 each ($600,000 per couple) into super from the proceeds — outside the normal contribution caps. This is a powerful wealth transfer mechanism.
4. Check aged care insurance options. Home care packages and residential aged care costs are means-tested. High net worth (particularly property) affects fees significantly. Early planning reduces surprises.
5. Understand the Age Pension asset and income tests. You’ll reach pension age at 67. Planning super drawdowns and asset structures in the lead-up to 67 can affect Age Pension entitlements materially.
Related Articles
- Average Net Worth by Age in Australia
- Net Worth Percentile Calculator — Australia
- Average Super Balance by Age in Australia
- Average Net Worth at 50 in Australia
- Top 1% Net Worth in Australia
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