Owning a home is often called one of the biggest ways families build wealth. So how big is the gap between homeowners' and renters' net worth?

Answer: About 43 times higher

The median U.S. homeowner had a net worth of $458,900, compared with $10,600 for the median renter.

Questions:

• Are there any downsides to owning a home?
• Your friend says renting is just throwing money away. Do you agree or disagree? Why?
• Do you think owning a home makes people wealthier, or do wealthier people just tend to buy homes?

Click here for the ready-to-go slides for this Question of the Day that you can use in your classroom.

Behind the Numbers: (Federal Reserve)

The Federal Reserve's Survey of Consumer Finances found that the median net worth of homeowners rose from $433,600 in 2022 to $458,900 in 2025. Over the same period, the median net worth of renters or other non-homeowners fell from $11,400 to $10,600. 

About the Author

Yonathan Tadesse

Yonathan is a Dallas-based Curriculum Designer at NGPF with 12 years of experience as a high school math, college transition, and financial literacy teacher. An award-winning educator, he has a track record of launching innovative programs at the high school level that expand access and opportunity for students. He is a graduate of Emory University and is passionate about advancing financial education for all students. Outside of work, Yonathan loves spending time with his wife and two kids, working out, playing chess and poker, and learning new things.

More posts by Yonathan