How Many Billionaires & Millionaires Are Actually in America? The Numbers Might Shock You

You’ve probably scrolled past Elon Musk, Jeff Bezos, or some crypto bro’s wealth flex on social media at least once this week. But here’s the tea: billionaires are actually rare in the U.S.—just 735 as of 2023. That’s fewer people than most high school graduating classes.

Millionaires? Way more common. Nearly 22 million Americans fit the bill, and America alone houses 40% of the world’s millionaire population.

The Billionaire Leaderboard (2023)

• Elon Musk tops the list at $251 billion (yes, that’s with a B)
• Larry Ellison (Oracle) sitting pretty at $158 billion
• Jeff Bezos trailing at $161 billion—$90 billion behind Musk
• Warren Buffett holding strong at $121 billion
• Bill Gates at $111 billion
• Mark Zuckerberg clocking $106 billion

For context, the 400 richest Americans combined control over $4 trillion in wealth.

Here’s What Nobody Talks About: Being Rich Still Sucks Sometimes

Between you and me? Even billionaires have money problems. A financial advisor shared a wild story: his ultra-wealthy retired client wanted to send their grandson to the same Florida prep school their son attended 25 years ago. Tuition? Four times more expensive now. That’s inflation hitting different, even at the top.

Then there’s the psychological stuff. Kids inheriting massive wealth often feel guilty—like they didn’t earn it. And when parents die, the “law of subtract and divide” kicks in: subtract estate taxes, divide among heirs. Suddenly, that generational wealth shrinks fast. This is why some wealthy families go from riches to rags in just a few generations.

Want to know the real game-changer? Tax efficiency. When you’re in the highest tax bracket (50%+ in some states), a 10% return might only net you 5% after taxes. So the ultra-rich don’t buy-and-sell like regular folks—they hold forever to avoid capital gains taxes.

Your Definition of Wealth Hits Different

Here’s the thing though: wealth isn’t just a number in your bank account. It’s whatever you define it to be. Maybe it’s traveling the world in retirement. Maybe it’s leaving a charitable legacy. Maybe it’s just a porch swing and peace of mind.

The billionaires have the zeros, but they don’t have the only definition of success. Build yours on your terms.