Retirement Savings Statistics 2026
Benchmarks for 401(k) balances by age, the "Magic Number" for retirement, and the gap between expectations and reality in 2026.
Updated: 2026-02-03
Retirement Savings Statistics 2026
Are you ahead or behind? This guide breaks down the latest data on American retirement savings, comparing the "Average" (skewed by the ultra-wealthy) vs. the "Median" (the typical saver).
Citation Policy
You are free to use these statistics in your reporting. Please cite "X1 Wealth" as the source of the synthesis, with a link back to this page.
Key Takeaways (2026 Baseline)
The "Magic Number": Expectations vs. Reality
Americans believe they need $1.26 - $1.28 Million to retire comfortably. This figure has stabilized in 2026 after spiking to $1.46M in 2024.
However, the reality for the median household is starkly different. The typical American enters retirement with less than $100,000 in dedicated savings.
Benchmarks by Age (2026)
The most requested dataset: How much should I have at my age?
Data Snapshot
401(k) Balances by Age
Average vs. median 401(k) balances from Vanguard’s 2025 report.
401(k) Balances by Age
Vanguard How America Saves 2025.
| Age Group | Average Balance | Median Balance | Key Insight |
|---|---|---|---|
| Under 25 | $6,899 | $1,948 | Starting early matters. |
| 25-34 | $42,640 | $16,255 | The compound years. |
| 35-44 | $103,552 | $39,958 | The divergence begins. |
| 45-54 | $188,643 | $67,796 | The catch-up window. |
| 55-64 | $271,320 | $95,642 | The red zone before retirement. |
| 65+ | $299,442 | $95,425 | Average is 3x the median. |
Source: Vanguard How America Saves 2025.
Don't Chase the Average
The "Average" is skewed heavily by 401(k) millionaires. If you have $300k at age 65, you are "Average" statistically, but you are likely underfunded relative to the $1.28M goal.
The "Super Saver" Trend
While the median stagnates, the top tier is accelerating.
- 401(k) Millionaires: Fidelity reported record highs in the number of accounts with >$1M balances in Q3 2025.
- Max Contributors: Only ~15% of participants contribute the statutory maximum, but this group controls the majority of plan assets.
Data Snapshot
Retirement Goal vs. Median Reality
Survey retirement target compared to median savings at retirement age.
Goal vs. Reality
Survey goal compared to actual median savings.
| Metric | Amount |
|---|---|
| Goal (Surveys) | $1,280,000 |
| Median Savings (65+) | $95,425 |
Sources: Northwestern Mutual, Schroders, Vanguard.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do I need to retire in 2026?
Surveys from Northwestern Mutual and Schroders suggest a target of $1.26 - $1.28 Million is the consensus for a comfortable retirement.
What is the average 401(k) balance for a 40-year-old?
The average is approximately $103,552, but this is skewed by high earners. The median (typical) balance for this age group is $39,958.
Why is the median so much lower than the average?
The "Average" includes "Super Savers" with multi-million dollar accounts, which pulls the number up. The "Median" represents the person exactly in the middle of the pack and is a better indicator of typical savings.
Related Statistics
Cite This Page
Recommended citation
X1 Wealth. "Retirement Savings Statistics 2026." Updated 2026-02-03. https://x1wealth.com/statistics/retirement-savings
Sources
- Vanguard — How America Saves 2025
- Fidelity — Q3 2025 Retirement Analysis
- Northwestern Mutual — Planning & Progress Study 2025
- Schroders — US Retirement Survey 2025
Methodology
- Benchmarks use the latest available 2025 retirement savings reports.
- Average values are skewed by high balances; median values reflect the typical saver.
- Survey targets reflect stated retirement goals, not guaranteed outcomes.
Update Cadence
Reviewed quarterly. We update targets and benchmarks when new surveys or plan reports publish.
Data-Driven Decisions
See where you stand
Compare your financial health against these benchmarks with our interactive tools.
