Average Net Worth by Age in Australia — ABS Data Guide
This article provides general information only and does not constitute financial advice. For advice tailored to your situation, consult a licensed financial adviser. Learn more.
Contents
How does your net worth compare to other Australians in your age group? The Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) and the HILDA (Household, Income and Labour Dynamics in Australia) survey both publish data on household wealth by age.
Important note: Wealth data is typically measured at the household level, not the individual level. The figures below reflect the median household — which may be a couple or a single person.
Median Net Worth by Age in Australia (ABS Data)
Based on the ABS Survey of Income and Housing (most recent available data — note figures are subject to revision as new surveys are released):
| Age group | Median household net worth | Mean household net worth |
|---|---|---|
| Under 35 | ~$57,000 | ~$156,000 |
| 35–44 | ~$237,000 | ~$437,000 |
| 45–54 | ~$450,000 | ~$735,000 |
| 55–64 | ~$700,000 | ~$1,100,000 |
| 65–74 | ~$850,000 | ~$1,300,000 |
| 75 and over | ~$600,000 | ~$950,000 |
Why mean is so much higher than median: Household wealth in Australia is highly unequal. A small number of very wealthy households lift the mean significantly above the median. The median is a better benchmark for most people.
What Drives Net Worth at Each Age
Under 35
Most net worth in this age group comes from:
- Cash savings and emergency fund
- Early superannuation accumulation
- Share portfolios (for those who’ve started investing)
- Car value
Many Australians under 35 have negative net worth due to HECS-HELP debt offset by few assets. This is normal. The trajectory matters more than the current number.
35–44
This age group sees the biggest percentage gains driven by:
- Property ownership (home equity as mortgages are gradually paid)
- Superannuation growth (compound returns starting to accelerate)
- Income growth enabling higher savings rates
45–54
Super becomes a dominant driver. Employer contributions at 11.5% plus many years of returns mean balances grow substantially. Home equity also typically reaches its highest proportion as mortgages near full repayment.
55–64
Peak working years — many Australians in this group are making voluntary super contributions (taking advantage of concessional limits). Property is often fully paid off.
65–74
Transition to retirement and early retirement phase. Net worth peaks here as assets are accumulated but drawdown has only begun.
75+
Assets begin to be drawn down — from super (as required minimum drawdown rates increase with age) and other investments.
Net Worth vs Income
High income does not automatically produce high net worth. Australians earning above-average incomes but spending at lifestyle-creep rates may have lower net worth than moderate earners who have invested consistently.
The wealth gap between age groups is also influenced by property — Australians who bought property before the major price surges of 2010–2023 benefited from substantial capital growth that inflated net worth compared to younger Australians.
Should You Compare Yourself to Averages?
Benchmarks are useful for context, not judgement. Your net worth is affected by:
- When you started working
- Whether you own property (and when you bought)
- Whether you’ve had periods of unemployment or low income
- Whether you are single or in a dual-income household
- Career path and income trajectory
- Cost of living in your city
If your net worth is below the median for your age, the focus should be on trajectory — is it growing? — rather than whether it hits a benchmark.
FAQ
What is a good net worth for a 30-year-old Australian? There is no single answer — it depends on income, city, and circumstances. The ABS data suggests a median of approximately $57,000 for households under 35. Having no consumer debt, a growing superannuation balance, and an emergency fund at 30 is a strong financial foundation regardless of total net worth.
Does superannuation count toward net worth? Yes — super is your money even if you cannot access it until age 60. Including it gives an accurate picture of total wealth. For practical purposes, track both your total net worth (including super) and your accessible net worth (excluding super).
Where does the data come from? The primary source is the ABS Survey of Income and Housing and the HILDA survey (conducted by the Melbourne Institute). Both are updated periodically — check the ABS website (abs.gov.au) for the most current figures.
See also: How to Calculate Your Net Worth | Average Salary in Australia | Superannuation Guide