US Gen Z starts building wealth at an average age of 19, with nearly half more focused on emerging investments like crypto

According to a 2026 wealth survey by U.S. Bank, Gen Z in the United States begins consciously building wealth at an average age of 19, earlier than Millennials at 25, Gen X at 29, and Baby Boomers at 32. The survey covered 5,000 U.S. adults aged 18 and older.

The survey found that 62% of Gen Z believe the stock market is a more realistic path to wealth than buying a home, about 47% get financial information through social media, and nearly half of young people are more interested in emerging investment options such as cryptocurrency. However, most respondents still believe that traditional investments are the best way to achieve long-term financial goals.