The number of US millionaires is surging. Here are 7 countries with the most millionaires (2024)

The ranks of rich Americans continued to swell last year—and the economic recovery from the pandemic certainly helped the rich continue to get richer.

The number of U.S. millionaires grew from 6.6 million in 2020 to 7.5 million in 2021, reflecting a 13.5% increase, according to Capgemini’s World Wealth Report 2022. Not only did more Americans enter the elite ranks of the high-net-worth (HNW) population in 2021, but the rich got richer, with their net worths increasing by about 14%. The growth was mostly spurred by investments in the stock market, with a particular focus on the technology sector.

In order to be considered HNW, individuals must have a net worth of more than $1 million, excluding their primary residence, as well as assets like collectibles and cars.

Across North America, the HNW population grew by 13.2%. Overall, North America had the highest increase in terms of both HNW population and wealth growth—helping the market clinch the top slot for the greatest concentration of wealthy individuals.

Globally, the population of those with more than a million in assets grew by about 8%. Along with the U.S., Japan, Germany, China, France, the United Kingdom, and Switzerland, respectively, rounded out the top seven countries with the highest HNW populations.

But Capgemini warns that while 2021 was a strong growth year, 2022 could see different trends. “High inflation since the start of 2022 and talk about interest rate hikes from central banks have spurred stock market corrections that are accelerating,” the researchers write.

That could have big implications, especially since much of the growth seen last year was based on stock market performance—and many of these HNW individuals have major portions of their wealth tied up in stocks. In North America, 32% of millionaires’ total investments is in stocks, compared to just 29% of the global average.

Capgemini estimates that as of the end of April, global wealth among HNW individuals had already declined about 4% from 2021 levels. “Due to high exposure to equity, HNWI wealth in North America is expected to be most impacted followed by Europe, which also copes with the ongoing geopolitical crises,” the researchers write.

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The number of US millionaires is surging. Here are 7 countries with the most millionaires (2024)

FAQs

The number of US millionaires is surging. Here are 7 countries with the most millionaires? ›

Globally, the population of those with more than a million in assets grew by about 8%. Along with the U.S., Japan, Germany, China, France, the United Kingdom, and Switzerland, respectively, rounded out the top seven countries with the highest HNW populations.

What country has the highest rate of millionaires? ›

According to statistics, Switzerland has the highest proportion of millionaires as of 2021, closely followed by Luxembourg.

Where in the US has the most millionaires? ›

In 2020, California had the highest number of millionaire households in the U.S., with 1.14 million households having one million or more in investible assets. This is nearly double the 650,216 millionaire households in Texas, the state with the second-highest number.

Does the US have the most millionaires? ›

How many millionaires are there in the U.S.? There are 21,951,000 millionaires in the U.S. This is 39.1% of the world's 56.1 million total millionaires.

Where in the US has the most millionaires per capita? ›

American states with highest ratio of millionaire households per capita in 2020
CharacteristicRatio of millionaire households per capita
District of Columbia9.12%
California8.51%
New Hampshire8.47%
Virginia8.31%
9 more rows
Jun 19, 2023

Where do 90% of millionaires come from? ›

Ninety percent of all millionaires become so through owning real estate.

What countries are millionaires moving to? ›

China is followed by India and the U.K. Australia leads net inflows with 5,200, followed by the U.A.E. and Singapore. One of the most surprising things from the latest report, Volek says, is that the U.K. now sits at No. 3 for net outflows of millionaires, following the ripple effects from Brexit.

Where do the richest people in America live? ›

A new report found that New York City is the no. 1 place for ultra-high-net-worth individuals to own a property. New York City isn't just the city that never sleeps. It's also the most popular place in the country for the 'super-rich.

What is the fastest growing city for millionaires? ›

Austin is the fastest-growing city for millionaires, according to the 2023 Wealth Report by Henley & Partners. Between 2012 and 2022, the number of millionaires calling Austin home more than doubled to 30,500. A 'millionaire growth rate' of 102% puts Austin at the top of the list.

How many U.S. millionaires are there in the world? ›

Countries by number and percentage of millionaires
Country or subnational areaNumber of millionairesShare of global millionaires (%)
United States *25,580,00039.1
China *6,190,0009.4
Japan *3,366,0006.5
United Kingdom *2,849,0005.3
45 more rows

What race has the most millionaires in America? ›

The Breakdown You Need To Know:

Specifically, Black people represent 8% of total millionaires in the U.S., 76% are white, 8% are Asian, and the Hispanic community captures 7% of the total millionaire population across the country.

What percentage of Americans have a net worth of $1000000? ›

Possessing a net worth—the value of all of your holdings minus your liabilities—of $1 million will not automatically place you in the gilded top 1%. To enter this high-end club, you must have a minimum net worth of around $11.1 million. Millionaires comprise about 8.8% of the American population.

What is the average age to become a millionaire? ›

This is according to a study conducted by Ramsey Solutions, which is the largest study of millionaires to date. The average age of a millionaire is 49 years old, which means it takes them over 27 years of saving and investing to reach this status. This may seem daunting, but the truth is, it's never too late to start.

What is the wealthiest town in America? ›

1. Atherton, CA
  • The richest city in the US is Atherton, California. ...
  • Atherton is a wealthy and exclusive community known for its strict zoning rules. ...
  • The average home price in Atherton is very high as well. ...
  • Cherry Hills Village is another one of the richest cities in America.
Jun 11, 2023

What state has the least millionaires? ›

This statistic presents the American states with lowest ratio of millionaire households per capita in 2019. In 2019, Mississippi had the lowest ratio of millionaire households per capita in the country, with only 4.18 percent of households holding over one million U.S. dollars in assets.

Which part of America is the richest? ›

1. California

All data was scored and the scores were combined to give a total score that ranked each states showing the Richest States in America. All data is up-to-date as-of June 6th, 2023.

What are 90% of millionaires? ›

“90% of all millionaires become so through owning real estate.” This famous quote from Andrew Carnegie, one of the wealthiest entrepreneurs of all time, is just as relevant today as it was more than a century ago.

What do 90% of the world's millionaires have in common? ›

Real estate investing has played a role in helping to create 90% of the world's millionaires. Real estate is one of the most effective wealth building vehicles and is an important component of a well-diversified portfolio.

Who is No 1 richest person in the world? ›

Elon Musk

What city has the most millionaires per square mile? ›

Here are the top five cities with the most millionaires per square mile, according to RS Components.
  1. Geneva (16,958 millionaires per square mile) ...
  2. Monaco (13,400 millionaires per square mile) ...
  3. San Francisco (3,847 millionaires per square mile) ...
  4. Zurich (3,218 millionaires per square mile)
Nov 28, 2018

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