Retirement inequality is greater than income inequality even in peak earning years: Share of total retirement account savings and total income for families in peak earning years (age 50–55) by income quintile, 2016
| Retirement account savings | Income | |
|---|---|---|
| 1st (Bottom) | 1% | 3% |
| 2nd (Lower-middle) | 4% | 7% |
| 3rd (Middle) | 9% | 10% |
| 4th (Upper-middle) | 18% | 16% |
| 5th (Top) | 67% | 63% |
Note: Based on "normal income," which may differ from actual income if a family's income in the past year was unusually high or low. Retirement account savings include funds in 401(k)-style defined contribution plans and in IRAs.
Source: EPI analysis of Survey of Consumer Finance data, 2016.