Private Wealth and UHNW Statistics 2026
There are 713,626 ultra-high-net-worth individuals, those worth USD 30 million or more, in the world in 2026, up about 32 percent from 551,435 in 2021, alongside 3,110 billionaires, according to Knight Frank's Wealth Report 2026. North America holds about 37 percent of UHNWIs, Asia Pacific about 31 percent and Europe about 25 percent. The United States leads with 251,352, followed by China with 121,677.
Key points
- 713,626 ultra-high-net-worth individuals worldwide in 2026, up about 32 percent since 2021 (Knight Frank).
- 3,110 billionaires globally in 2026.
- Regional shares: North America about 37 percent, Asia Pacific about 31 percent, Europe about 25 percent.
- The US leads with 251,352 UHNWIs; China follows with 121,677; India has 19,877.
- UHNW numbers are projected to grow a further 27 to 28 percent by 2031.
The global picture
Private wealth at the top has grown steadily through a turbulent period. Knight Frank's Wealth Report 2026 puts the global population of ultra-high-net-worth individuals, those with USD 30 million or more, at 713,626 in 2026, up from 551,435 in 2021, a rise of about 32 percent, or roughly 89 new UHNWIs a day for five years. The world's billionaires number 3,110. Knight Frank projects the UHNW population will grow a further 27 to 28 percent by 2031.
| Measure ↑ | Value | Year | Type | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Five-year growth to 2026 | about 32 percent | 2026 | Survey | Knight Frank Wealth Report 2026 |
| Global billionaires | 3,110 | 2026 | Survey | Knight Frank Wealth Report 2026 |
| Global UHNWI population | 713,626 | 2026 | Survey | Knight Frank Wealth Report 2026 |
| Projected UHNWI growth to 2031 | about 27 to 28 percent | 2031 | Projection | Knight Frank Wealth Report 2026 |
| UHNWI population (2021, for comparison) | 551,435 | 2021 | Survey | Knight Frank Wealth Report 2026 |
UHNWI defined as net worth of USD 30 million or more. Knight Frank Wealth Sizing Model, 2026.
Where the wealth is
The distribution is concentrated but shifting. North America holds about 37 percent of the world's UHNWIs, Asia Pacific about 31 percent and Europe about 25 percent. By country, the United States dominates with 251,352 UHNWIs and China follows with 121,677, while India, at 19,877, has been among the fastest risers. The United States created a large share of all new UHNWIs over the past five years, even as Asian and Middle Eastern wealth grew quickly from smaller bases.
Individuals with USD 30M+ net worth, Knight Frank Wealth Report 2026
Knight Frank Wealth Report 2026, Wealth Sizing Model.
| Measure ↑ | Value | Year | Type | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Asia Pacific (share) | about 31 percent | 2026 | Survey | Knight Frank Wealth Report 2026 |
| China (UHNWIs) | 121,677 | 2026 | Survey | Knight Frank Wealth Report 2026 |
| Europe (share) | about 25 percent | 2026 | Survey | Knight Frank Wealth Report 2026 |
| India (UHNWIs) | 19,877 | 2026 | Survey | Knight Frank Wealth Report 2026 |
| North America (share of UHNWIs) | about 37 percent | 2026 | Survey | Knight Frank Wealth Report 2026 |
| United States (UHNWIs) | 251,352 | 2026 | Survey | Knight Frank Wealth Report 2026 |
Regional shares and country counts, Knight Frank Wealth Report 2026.
How to read these
These figures come from Knight Frank's Wealth Sizing Model, which estimates the size of wealth cohorts globally; they are modelled survey figures rather than a headcount, and different wealth reports (for example UBS) use different thresholds and methods, so totals vary between sources. The direction, though, is consistent across them: sustained growth in the number of the very wealthy, with the centre of gravity gradually broadening from North America toward Asia and the Gulf.
Every figure on this page carries its source and year and is marked as a survey result or a projection, so it can be cited precisely.
Frequently asked questions
Knight Frank's Wealth Report 2026 puts the global population of ultra-high-net-worth individuals, those worth USD 30 million or more, at 713,626 in 2026, up about 32 percent from 551,435 in 2021. The report projects a further 27 to 28 percent growth by 2031. These are modelled figures from Knight Frank's Wealth Sizing Model.
Sources: Knight Frank Wealth Report 2026, Wealth Sizing Model (global UHNWI population 713,626 in 2026, up from 551,435 in 2021; 3,110 billionaires; regional shares North America about 37 percent, Asia Pacific about 31 percent, Europe about 25 percent; United States 251,352, China 121,677, India 19,877; projected UHNW growth of about 27 to 28 percent by 2031). Figures are modelled survey estimates; other wealth reports use different thresholds and methods.
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