Gen X Household Rebound

Even though Generation X was hit hardest by the Great Recession, they are now the only generation of households to regain the wealth and home equity it lost in that period.

Based on the most recent data, the net worth of the typical Gen X household was $84,200 in 2016, exceeding the 2007 level of $63,400. The median wealth for Boomer and Silent Generation households has not yet surpassed 2007 levels. Since 2010, the median net worth for Gen Xers rose 115 percent, according to the Pew Research Center. Gen X's typical home equity level has doubled from 2010 to 2016.

In addition, unlike their older counterparts, Gen Xers are still of prime working age. Higher household income tends to boost wealth because it enables families to save and add to wealth. Gen X’s ability to rebuild its wealth may reflect its relatively robust household income growth since 2010. The median adjusted household income of Gen X households increased more than 20 percent and, at $73,200 in 2016, surpassed that of other generations.

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