Median retirement account savings of households age 26–79*, by income fifth, 1989–2010 (2010 dollars)
| Year | Top | Fourth | Middle | Second | Bottom |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1989 | $45,539 | $15,180 | $12,144 | $5,060 | $8,433 |
| 1992 | $51,546 | $18,193 | $10,612 | $6,367 | $12,129 |
| 1995 | $56,653 | $20,679 | $11,331 | $14,163 | $14,163 |
| 1998 | $90,704 | $28,012 | $16,007 | $12,005 | $8,137 |
| 2001 | $104,156 | $37,986 | $17,155 | $9,803 | $6,127 |
| 2004 | $132,324 | $36,821 | $19,561 | $11,506 | $5,753 |
| 2007 | $145,104 | $50,289 | $25,144 | $12,572 | $6,810 |
| 2010 | $160,000 | $36,130 | $23,000 | $11,000 | $8,000 |
*Median balances are for households with positive savings in these accounts.
Note: Retirement account savings include savings in 401(k) and other defined-contribution plans, IRAs (including employer-sponsored SEP IRAs and SIMPLE IRAs) and Keogh plans for small businesses.
Source: Authors' analysis of Survey of Consumer Finance microdata