The 2025 Forbes 400 list reveals a record-breaking year for America’s wealthiest, with collective fortunes soaring and the entry barrier rising to an all-time high. The list, which tracks the 400 richest individuals in the U.S., is a clear indicator of a significant wealth boom, largely fueled by a resurgent technology sector and the continued growth of established empires.
This year’s Forbes 400 list paints a picture of unprecedented wealth accumulation. The collective net worth of the 400 richest Americans has reached a staggering $6.6 trillion, marking a remarkable increase of $1.2 trillion in just one year. To even be considered for a spot on this exclusive list, an individual now needs a minimum net worth of $3.8 billion, an increase of $500 million from the previous year. This shows just how much wealth has become concentrated at the very top.
Who’s at the Top?
The upper echelon of the 2025 Forbes 400 is dominated by familiar names from the technology and investment worlds.
- Elon Musk holds the top spot with a net worth of around $428 billion, cementing his position as the wealthiest American and one of the richest people in the world. His fortune has been propelled by the strong performance of his companies, including Tesla and SpaceX.
- Larry Ellison and Mark Zuckerberg follow, with net worth of approximately $276 billion and $253 billion respectively, reflecting the continued power of Oracle and Meta Platforms.
- Jeff Bezos of Amazon and Larry Page and Sergey Brin of Google also maintain their positions among the top earners, highlighting the enduring dominance of Big Tech.
- Legendary investor Warren Buffett and former Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer also remain in the top 10, showcasing the staying power of traditional finance and legacy technology.
While some are celebrating their debut, others have fallen off the list. A total of 107 individuals who were on the list last year no longer meet the new, higher minimum net worth. Some of the most notable drop-offs include Lisa Su, the CEO of Advanced Micro Devices (AMD), and Sara Liu of Supermicro, due to shifts in their company valuations. The dynamic nature of the list serves as a powerful reminder that fortunes, even at this extreme level, can change.
