Skip to content
SuperMoney logo
SuperMoney logo

How Many Millionaires Are There Around the World in 2024?

Last updated 03/20/2024 by

Allan Du

Edited by

Fact checked by

Summary:
The most recent data on wealth shows a notable decrease in the global count of millionaires, with 59.4 million individuals worldwide bearing the title as of 2022. Although becoming a millionaire is no small feat, it is an achievable goal with the right strategies and unwavering commitment. Notably, the significance of shrewd investment choices, especially in the domain of real estate, has emerged as a key driver responsible for bolstering the fortunes of an impressive 90% of millionaires.
Achieving millionaire status is a universal aspiration, yet turning this aspiration into a tangible reality remains elusive for many. If you’re curious about the global millionaire landscape, brace yourself for some intriguing news: The latest annual report tracking the number of individuals holding assets worth a million U.S. dollars indicates a staggering drop of 3.5 million millionaires in 2022, leaving a total of 59.4 million individuals basking in the glow of wealth worldwide.
Here, we’ll uncover the global presence of millionaires and the fascinating journeys that led them to their opulent status. This article will serve as your comprehensive guide, addressing all your queries about the locations of these affluent individuals and shedding light on the paths they took to reach their current enviable positions. Additionally, we’ll tackle some of the frequently asked questions that surround the pursuit of millionaire status.

Compare Investment Advisors

Compare the services, fees, and features of the leading investment advisors. Find the best firm for your portfolio.
Compare Investment Advisors

How many millionaires are there in the world?

As of the year 2022, the global count of millionaires tallies up to an impressive 59.4 million individuals, amounting to approximately 1% of the world’s adult population. This statistic implies that one must achieve millionaire status to enter the prestigious top 1% bracket.

Which countries have the most millionaires?

The United States boasts the largest cohort of dollar millionaires, with a staggering 24.5 million individuals in 2022, accounting for 9.72% of the nation’s adult population.
CountryNumber of Millionaires (in Millions)Percentage of Adults Who Are Millionaires
United States24.59.72%
China6.20.56%
Japan3.43.21%
United Kingdom2.85.42%
France2.85.57%
Germany2.73.94%
Canada2.37.59%
Australia2.211.25%
Italy1.42.84%
South Korea1.33.02%
Switzerland1.216.45%
Netherlands1.18.49%
Spain1.12.99%
Taiwan0.94.4%
China is in second place with 6.2 million millionaires, but that represents only 0.56% of the population. Japan clinches the third position, housing 3.4 million millionaires. Switzerland has the highest percentage of millionaires, 16.45% of the adult population.

Self-made millionaires vs. inherited wealth

A significant majority of the world’s millionaires — approximately 88% — have earned their wealth through their own hard work and perseverance, showcasing the importance of self-made success. In contrast, a relatively small proportion have acquired their millionaire status solely through inheritance, emphasizing the prevalence of self-made millionaires in the global wealth landscape.

How long does it take to make a million dollars?

Astonishingly, only 20% of millionaires manage to earn their wealth before the age of 50, implying that a staggering 80% attain their millionaire status after reaching this age milestone. This suggests that, on average, it takes individuals at least 32 years to accumulate the wealth required for millionaire status, assuming they commence wealth accumulation at the age of 18.
Further analysis demonstrates that 28% of millionaires attained their status between the ages of 51 and 55, while an additional 31% joined the millionaire ranks between the ages of 56 and 60. Surprisingly, 21% of millionaires didn’t achieve their affluent status until after the age of 60, a time when many people tend to start contemplating retirement. The data thus highlights the prevalence of millionaire status achievement in one’s 50s, with 59% of millionaires hitting this milestone during that decade.

How hard is it to become a millionaire?

Although millionaires are a small percentage of the world’s population (around 1%), nearly anyone possesses the potential to achieve this financial milestone, contingent upon making informed decisions at the right times. What often distinguishes millionaires from the general populace is their unwavering drive and motivation to pursue their objectives. This tenacity underpins their success, enabling them to ascend to millionaire status, and, in some instances, even to the echelons of billionaire wealth.
A pivotal characteristic shared by the majority of millionaires is their active engagement in investment endeavors. Whether it involves shares, bonds, companies, cryptocurrency, or real estate, a deep understanding of investment is a common trait among these individuals. By maintaining a diverse portfolio of investments, they mitigate risks while amplifying income streams and safeguarding their wealth.
While any individual has the potential to become a millionaire, it is crucial to possess a comprehensive understanding of how to manage financial resources. Misguided decisions could potentially lead to monetary losses instead of wealth accumulation. Therefore, sound financial knowledge and wise investment strategies are key factors in the pursuit of this goal.

FAQ

Are millionaires in the top 1% of the global population?

In the global income spectrum, earning over $1 million places an individual within the top 1%, highlighting the rarity of such high-income brackets on a global scale.

Does having $2 million make you a multimillionaire?

Absolutely, an individual with $2 million would be considered a multimillionaire, given that the term “multi-” signifies possessing more than one. In the United States, roughly 9% of U.S. households have a net worth of $2 million or more.

What percentage of the U.S. population has $5 million dollars?

Roughly 4.8 million households have a net worth of $5 million, which makes up about 3.7% of all households in the United States, or about 1% of individuals in the U.S. population.

Where do 90% of millionaires come from?

An overwhelming 90% of millionaires credit a portion of their wealth to their real estate investments. Surprisingly, the returns from real estate ventures have surpassed those from all other investment channels combined, underscoring the significance of real estate in building substantial wealth for many individuals.

What is the average age to become a millionaire?

A significant 80% of millionaires did not amass their wealth until they had surpassed the age of 50, showcasing that for many, the journey to financial success is a culmination of years of hard work and perseverance.

Final thoughts

Achieving millionaire status is a challenging yet attainable goal, often representing years of hard work and determination. Although becoming a millionaire is a relatively rare accomplishment, nearly anyone possesses the potential to achieve this financial milestone with the right approach and determination. A crucial aspect of this journey involves astute investment decisions, as evidenced by the prominent role of real estate investments, which have contributed significantly to the wealth of 90% of millionaires.

Key takeaways

  • The global millionaire count saw a significant decrease in 2022, with 59.4 million individuals worldwide enjoying millionaire status.
  • The United States leads the global millionaire population with 22.7 million millionaires, while China and France follow with 6.2 million and 2.8 million millionaires, respectively.
  • It takes an average of 32 years for individuals to accumulate the wealth needed for millionaire status, with 80% achieving this goal after the age of 50.
  • A notable 90% of millionaires attribute their wealth to real estate investments, emphasizing its pivotal role in wealth accumulation.

SuperMoney may receive compensation from some or all of the companies featured, and the order of results are influenced by advertising bids, with exception for mortgage and home lending related products. Learn more

Loading results ...

Allan Du

Allan Du is a personal finance writer passionate about helping people take control of their finances. Allan strives to present readers with the right knowledge and tools, so they can make informed decisions about their money and build wealth. When he is not writing about finance, Allan enjoys pursuing his other interests, including powerlifting, kickboxing, and investing. He is an active follower of economic and political trends, always keeping watch on the latest developments that could impact the financial world.

Share this post:

You might also like