In a year marked by shifting global economies, one American dynasty has firmly secured its place at the pinnacle of wealth. The Walton family, the power behind the retail giant Walmart, has once again been named the richest family in the world.
According to the latest figures from late 2025, their combined fortune has soared to an estimated $513.4 billion (£406 billion). This staggering sum places them well ahead of other powerful clans, including the royal families of the Middle East.
While names like Gates and Musk often dominate headlines for individual wealth, the Waltons demonstrate the sheer power of generational success. Their fortune has grown by nearly 20 per cent in just one year, driven by a sharp rise in Walmart's share price. The family owns roughly 45 per cent of the company, meaning every time the shop's value goes up, so does their bank balance.
Who's Who in the Walton Dynasty
The empire began with Sam Walton, a man known for his humble habits and driving an old pickup truck. He founded Walmart in 1962 with a simple idea: sell goods at lower prices than anyone else. Today, his children and grandchildren manage the fruits of that vision.
Rob Walton: As the eldest son, Rob served as the company's chairman for over two decades after his father's death in 1992. Now in his 80s, he remains a key figure. His personal wealth is estimated to be over $70 billion (£55 billion). He recently made headlines for leading the group that bought the Denver Broncos, an American football team.
Jim Walton: The youngest son, Jim, has taken a slightly different path. While he sits on the Walmart board, he also runs Arvest Bank, a massive family-owned bank. Like his brother, he oversees a fortune worth tens of billions.
Alice Walton: Sam's only daughter, Alice, has become the world's richest woman. Unlike her brothers, she has focused less on the day-to-day running of the shops and more on the arts. She founded the Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art in their hometown of Bentonville, Arkansas. Her net worth is estimated at over $116 billion (£92 billion).
The Next Generation: The family's influence now extends to the grandchildren. Greg Penner, the husband of Sam's granddaughter Carrie Walton Penner, currently serves as the chairman of Walmart. This ensures the family keeps a tight grip on the business even as new leaders step in.
The Empire They Built
The scale of the Walton empire is difficult to grasp. From a single discount shop in Arkansas, Walmart has grown into the world's largest retailer. It now operates more than 10,750 stores in 20 countries. In the last financial year alone, the company generated revenue of over $681 billion (£540 billion).
The business model remains much the same as it was in the 1960s: keep costs low and pass the savings to the customer. This strategy has allowed Walmart to survive and thrive, even as online competitors like Amazon have changed the way people shop. In fact, the Waltons have invested heavily in their own online services to stay ahead.
A Global Comparison
The Waltons are not the only family with immense wealth, but they are currently the undisputed leaders. Second on the list is the Al Nahyan family of the United Arab Emirates, with a fortune of $335.9 billion (£266 billion), followed by the Al Saud family of Saudi Arabia.
While these families owe much of their riches to oil, the Waltons have built theirs on selling everyday items—from toothpaste to televisions—to millions of people every week.
