Mortgages Held by the Top 1% (99th to 100th Wealth Percentiles)

WFRBLT01013 • Economic Data from Federal Reserve Economic Data (FRED)

Latest Value

31,152.00

Year-over-Year Change

-12.53%

Date Range

7/1/1989 - 1/1/2025

Summary

This trend tracks the share of mortgages held by the wealthiest 1% of U.S. households. It provides insights into wealth concentration and housing market dynamics.

Analysis & Context

This economic indicator provides valuable insights into current market conditions and economic trends. The data is updated regularly by the Federal Reserve and represents one of the most reliable sources for economic analysis.

Understanding this metric helps economists, policymakers, and investors make informed decisions about economic conditions and future trends. The interactive chart above allows you to explore historical patterns and identify key trends over time.

About This Dataset

The 'Mortgages Held by the Top 1%' metric measures the proportion of total outstanding mortgage debt owed by the 99th to 100th wealth percentiles in the United States. This indicator helps economists and policymakers understand patterns of wealth inequality and the role of housing assets among the highest-income individuals.

Methodology

The data is calculated using the Federal Reserve's Survey of Consumer Finances.

Historical Context

This metric is used to assess trends in wealth distribution and the relative importance of housing in the portfolios of the wealthiest Americans.

Key Facts

  • The top 1% of U.S. households held over 15% of total mortgage debt as of the latest data.
  • Mortgage debt accounts for a significant portion of the asset portfolios of the wealthiest Americans.
  • Trends in this metric can signal changes in housing affordability and the concentration of housing wealth.

FAQs

Q: What does this economic trend measure?

A: This trend tracks the share of total outstanding mortgage debt owed by the wealthiest 1% of U.S. households, as defined by the 99th to 100th wealth percentiles.

Q: Why is this trend relevant for users or analysts?

A: This metric provides insights into patterns of wealth inequality and the role of housing assets in the portfolios of high-net-worth individuals, which is useful for economists and policymakers.

Q: How is this data collected or calculated?

A: The data is calculated using the Federal Reserve's Survey of Consumer Finances.

Q: How is this trend used in economic policy?

A: Analysts and policymakers use this metric to assess trends in wealth distribution and the relative importance of housing in the portfolios of the wealthiest Americans.

Q: Are there update delays or limitations?

A: The data is updated periodically based on the Federal Reserve's Survey of Consumer Finances, which is conducted triennially.

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Citation

U.S. Federal Reserve, Mortgages Held by the Top 1% (99th to 100th Wealth Percentiles) (WFRBLT01013), retrieved from FRED.