What's the Income of the Top 10%, 5%, and 1%? (2026)

Incomes vary quite a bit throughout the United States, with households in the top 10% and above making significantly more than the median income.

Apr. 11, 2026 at 1:28am

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A minimalist illustration using bold geometric shapes and primary colors to convey the income thresholds for the top 10%, 5%, and 1% of U.S. households, conceptually representing the stark economic inequality in the country.An abstract data visualization highlighting the wide income gaps between the wealthiest U.S. households and the national median.Anchorage Today

Incomes vary quite a bit throughout the United States. The median income was $69,717 in 2021, but households in the top 10% and above make significantly more. It's interesting to see how much money these households make -- and how your own income compares. Of Dollars and Data released income research earlier this year with the thresholds for the top 10%, 5%, and 1% of household incomes, based on data from the 2019 Survey of Consumer Finances.

Why it matters

Understanding the income levels of the top earners in the U.S. provides important context around wealth distribution and economic inequality. This data can help individuals assess how their own income compares to the highest-earning households and identify opportunities for growth or savings.

The details

The 2019 survey is the most recent that's currently available. Although it's a few years old, the median inflation-adjusted income of the top 25% of households increased by just 2% from 2019 to 2022. So, the income data still provides a fairly accurate idea of how much the richest households make. The household income thresholds for the top 10% is $191,406, the top 5% is $290,164, and the top 1% is $867,436.

  • The 2019 Survey of Consumer Finances is the most recent data available.
  • Median inflation-adjusted income of the top 25% of households increased by 2% from 2019 to 2022.

The players

Of Dollars and Data

A personal finance website that released the income research used in this article.

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The takeaway

While a high income can be an impressive achievement, it doesn't tell the whole story about financial well-being. The most important factors are saving and investing at least 10-20% of your income, building an emergency fund, and keeping regular bills to 50-60% of your income. Increasing your income can help, but managing your money wisely is key to long-term financial success.