U.S. Census Bureau
 Wealth and Asset Ownership




Frequently Asked Questions About Wealth and Asset Ownership


  1. Do you have data on wealth (net worth/assets/debts/liabilities)?
  2. Where can I find definitions or explanations of the concepts used by the Census Bureau to measure or describe wealth?

1. Do you have data on wealth (net worth/assets/debts/liabilities)?

The most recent Census Bureau data are for 2002. They are based on the Survey of Income and Program Participation (SIPP), and presented in the report, P70-115, "Net Worth and Asset Ownership of Households: 2002." This report can be found by using the Census Bureau's "Subject A to Z" and searching under "W" (for wealth). Click here for full report.

Wealth data are also collected by other federal agencies. The following sources may be able to assist you:

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2. Where can I find definitions or explanations of the concepts used by the Census Bureau to measure or describe wealth?

Please refer to the publications listed above in 'Publications, Reports, Research, and Analysis'. For the concepts used in the most recent publication, "Net Worth and Asset Ownership of Households: 2002," P70-115, see pages 2, 5, and 19 of the report.

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Contact the Demographic Call Center Staff at 301-763-2422 or 1-866-758-1060 (toll free) or visit ask.census.gov for further information on Wealth and Asset Ownership Data.

Source: U.S. Census Bureau, Housing and Household Economic Statistics Division
Last Revised: May 15, 2008