Australian Net Worth Benchmarks & Comparisons
Benchmarking your net worth against national data helps you decide whether to prioritise debt repayment, savings, or investing. The figures below draw on the 2023 Household, Income and Labour Dynamics in Australia (HILDA) survey and other public sources to outline how households progress over time.
Key Takeaways
- The national median Australian household net worth sits just above AUD 560k, while the top quartile exceeds AUD 1.2m.
- Property equity explains the bulk of wealth for most households, especially in capital cities with higher land values.
- Younger households (under 40) typically focus on building emergency buffers and super contributions, whereas older cohorts focus on investment diversification and retirement income streams.
National Percentile Snapshot
| Percentile | Household Net Worth (AUD) |
|---|---|
| 25th | ~220,000 |
| 50th (Median) | ~560,000 |
| 75th | ~1,220,000 |
| 90th | ~2,300,000 |
| Top 1% | 10,000,000+ |
Note: Values are rounded to the nearest ten thousand to emphasise the broad range rather than exact dollars.
Breaking Benchmarks Down By Age
Wealth grows unevenly; age cohorts face different cost pressures and investment opportunities. Compare your figures with the age-based benchmarks in our dedicated guide: Average Australia net worth by age.
As you move into your 40s and 50s, superannuation and property gains tend to accelerate net worth growth. Maintaining a healthy buffer against interest-rate shocks is essential, especially when mortgage balances remain high relative to income.
How To Use These Benchmarks
- Collect accurate figures. List liquid savings, investment balances, superannuation, property equity, and outstanding liabilities.
- Compare against your cohort. Find the percentile that lines up with your age and household structure. If you find yourself below the median, prioritise cash buffers and debt reduction before chasing higher-yield opportunities.
- Stress test scenarios. Use our interactive calculator: Australian net worth percentile calculators to see how changes to savings or debt affect your standing.
Try our finance scorecard
Use our finance scorecard to input your own figures and see how they compare to the benchmarks.
Finance ScorecardWhere To Go Next
If you are curious about comparing your wealth to peers in more detail, head over to our guide: How do I compare my net worth to others my age? for a step-by-step walkthrough.
Prefer a quick overview by life stage? Explore the age averages breakdown to see what progress looks like from your 20s through retirement.