To be considered among the top 1% of earners in the United States, an individual must make at least $731,492 annually. This figure comes from SmartAsset, which analyzed 2022 IRS data for individual tax filers, with adjustments reflecting June 2025 values.
Federal Reserve Economic data indicates the average net worth for the top 0.1% of households is approximately $23.325 million.
For households aiming for the top 10%, the required net worth as of November 2023 is about $2.65 million.
High net worth households typically allocate capital across stocks, real estate, and alternative assets. A Knight Frank survey of over 600 wealth managers, overseeing nearly $3 trillion, found direct real estate ownership constitutes around 22.5% of ultra-high net worth individuals' portfolios.
Platforms like Arrived provide access to shares in SEC-qualified rental home and vacation rental investments. The platform, backed by investors including Jeff Bezos, offers flexible investment amounts.
For accredited investors, Lightstone DIRECT provides access to institutional-quality multifamily and industrial real estate with a minimum investment of $100,000. The Lightstone Group, founded by David Lichtenstein in 1986, manages over $12 billion in assets. The firm reports a historical net IRR of 27.5% and a net equity multiple of 2.49x on realized investments since 2004. Lightstone invests at least 20% of its own capital in each deal.
First National Realty Partners allows accredited investors to own shares in commercial properties leased to major brands like Kroger, Walmart, and Whole Foods, with a $50,000 minimum investment. The firm uses a triple net lease structure.
Alternative investments are also common. Masterworks enables the purchase of fractional shares in artworks by artists such as Banksy, Picasso, and Basquiat. The platform has sold 25 artworks, reporting net annualized returns including 14.6%, 17.6%, and 17.8%. A Fortune magazine report cited art's compound annual growth rate at 12.6% between 1995 and 2022, outperforming the S&P 500.
Vanguard research suggests working with a financial advisor can add about 3% to net returns over time. For a $50,000 portfolio, this could translate to over $1.3 million in additional growth across 30 years, depending on market conditions. Platforms like Advisor.com connect individuals with licensed financial professionals for consultations.