The individuals listed on this year's Forbes 400 ranking of America's 400 wealthiest people are, on average, 70 years old. Some two dozen are in their 90s, and one is 101.
Only 26 billionaires on the Forbes list are younger than 50. Two are thirtysomethings, down from four last year and 10 in 2022. Some of these rich folks are simply growing older, Forbes noted. Others have dropped off the list because their companies have languished or, in the case of Sam Bankman-Fried, 32, are serving prison time for fraud and conspiracy.
The other factor that kept younger people off the 2024 list is that they were not rich enough to make the cut. This year, membership on the list took a record $3.3 billion, up from $2.9 billion in 2023.
In compiling the new list, researchers met in person or spoke virtually or by phone with each member when possible, and interviewed their employees, handlers, asset managers and financial advisors, rivals, peers and attorneys. They also examined Securities and Exchange Commission documents, court filings, probate records and news articles. They took into account all types of assets, and factored in debt and charitable giving.
See the accompanying gallery for the 15 youngest members on the 2024 Forbes 400.
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