The median household net worth in Australia in 2026 is approximately $750,000. That figure is dominated by residential property and superannuation — the two pillars of Australian wealth accumulation — and rises sharply across age groups as both compound over time.
Key benchmark: Australian households aged 45–54 have a median net worth of approximately $665,000. By 65–74, that rises to around $930,000.
These figures are based on ABS Survey of Income and Housing 2019-20 data, adjusted upward for approximately 30% residential property price growth through to 2025-26.
Average Net Worth by Age in Australia (2026)
| Age Group | Median Net Worth | Mean Net Worth |
|---|---|---|
| Under 35 | ~$103,000 | ~$210,000 |
| 35–44 | ~$387,000 | ~$680,000 |
| 45–54 | ~$665,000 | ~$1,080,000 |
| 55–64 | ~$872,000 | ~$1,400,000 |
| 65–74 | ~$930,000 | ~$1,550,000 |
| 75+ | ~$778,000 | ~$1,310,000 |
| All households | ~$750,000 | ~$1,390,000 |
Estimated from ABS Survey of Income and Housing 2019-20, adjusted for 2025-26 property values. Figures in AUD.
The gap between median and mean is large because a small number of very wealthy households pull the average up significantly. The median is the more useful benchmark for most Australians.
What Makes Up Net Worth by Age Group
Net worth has a very different composition at different life stages in Australia.
Under 35 — Debt-heavy, super-light
Most Australians under 35 are renters or recent first home buyers with large mortgages. HELP debt (student loans) reduces net worth for university graduates, and super balances are small with only a few years of compulsory contributions. The $103,000 median reflects a small group of early homeowners lifting the figure — many in this cohort have a net worth below $50,000.
Example: A 28-year-old with $35,000 in super, $15,000 in savings, a $22,000 car (worth $16,000), and $40,000 in HELP debt has a net worth of approximately $26,000 — well below the age group median.
35–44 — Property entry drives the jump
The jump from $103,000 to $387,000 between the under-35 and 35–44 cohorts reflects first home buyers who purchased in their late 20s and early 30s building equity. By 35–44, super balances have also grown meaningfully — the average is approximately $90,000 for this age group.
Example: A couple aged 38 with a $950,000 home, $480,000 mortgage ($470,000 equity), $120,000 combined super, and $30,000 savings has a household net worth of approximately $620,000 — above the median for their age group.
45–54 — Wealth consolidation
Mortgages are substantially reduced. Super is compounding. Children are often approaching independence, reducing expenditure. This is typically when Australians begin closing the gap between where they are and where they need to be for retirement.
55–64 — Peak accumulation
Most Australians in this cohort are in the final stretch before accessing super at 60. Super balances peak (average $235,000) and mortgage debt is often eliminated entirely, leaving full property equity.
65–74 — Peak net worth
Net worth typically peaks in the 65–74 age group as most households have paid off their home, still hold significant super (though drawing it down), and haven’t yet needed to downsize or access equity for care costs.
Net Worth by Component Across Age Groups
| Age | Property Equity | Super | Financial Assets | Other | Net Worth |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Under 35 | $45,000 | $25,000 | $15,000 | $18,000 | $103,000 |
| 35–44 | $220,000 | $90,000 | $45,000 | $32,000 | $387,000 |
| 45–54 | $380,000 | $165,000 | $75,000 | $45,000 | $665,000 |
| 55–64 | $490,000 | $235,000 | $95,000 | $52,000 | $872,000 |
| 65–74 | $580,000 | $185,000 | $110,000 | $55,000 | $930,000 |
| 75+ | $520,000 | $120,000 | $90,000 | $48,000 | $778,000 |
Super peaks for 55–64 then falls as retirees draw down account-based pensions. Property equity continues rising through 65–74 as prices appreciate and debt is eliminated, then falls slightly from 75+ as some households downsize.
How Does Australia Compare Globally?
Australian household net worth is among the highest in the world — consistently ranking in the top 3 globally alongside Switzerland and the US on a per-household basis. The primary driver is residential property: Sydney and Melbourne median house prices regularly exceed $1 million, generating large paper gains for long-term homeowners.
However, high net worth doesn’t always translate to financial security. Much of it is illiquid (locked in the family home and super), and access to that wealth often requires either selling the property or retiring.
How to Improve Your Net Worth at Any Age
- Increase super contributions. Compulsory contributions (11.5% of salary) are only the floor. Salary sacrifice into super is taxed at 15% instead of your marginal rate — a significant saving for anyone earning above $45,000.
- Pay down non-deductible debt. Mortgage repayments on your primary residence build equity dollar for dollar with no tax drag. High-interest personal debt and credit card balances directly reduce net worth.
- Track net worth quarterly. What gets measured gets managed. Tools like a simple spreadsheet or net worth tracking apps help identify whether you’re building or treading water.
- Don’t count on property alone. Property price appreciation is not guaranteed. Diversifying into financial assets outside super — ETFs, shares, term deposits — builds resilience.
Use the Australia net worth percentile calculator to see where your household sits right now, and read our age-specific guides below for more detailed breakdowns.
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