
Trying to compare the average American with a wealthy billionaire is a bit like comparing apples and oranges, but it’s still an interesting thought experiment.
The median household income in 2024 was $83,630, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. Now compare this to Herbert Wertheim, an optometrist and inventor who, according to Forbes, has a $3.8 billion estimated net worth. He’s also ranked lowest on Forbes’ list of the 400 richest people in America.