Who are the richest US families in 2026?
The five richest families in the U.S. have a combined fortune of more than US$943 billion, built on successful businesses spanning retail, food, agriculture, energy and consumer goods.
In 2026, the Walton family remains America's wealthiest, with a combined net worth of $520 billion. This fortune grew by $190 billion over the past two years, largely due to the skyrocketing shares of their retail giant, Walmart. Almost half of their wealth comes from Walmart, where an estimated 41% of the company's stock is held by the families of seven heirs including Rob, Jim, and Alice Walton, Christy Walton and her son Lukas, and Ann Walton Kroenke and Nancy Walton Laurie. Rob previously headed Walmart until stepping down in 2024.
Close behind are the Koch family, worth $157 billion, a $41 billion increase in two years. Led by Charles Koch, the current chairman, the family owns Kock, Inc., a diversified business empire that started as an oil-refining and engineering company in 1940. The family's wealth is closely tied to the value of Kock, Inc.
The Mars family rounds out the top three with $129 billion in combined wealth. The family owns Mars Inc., a global candy and food company with $65 billion in sales. Founded in 1911, Mars is operated for the most part by the Mars family, who serve on the company's board of directors.
The Edward Johnson family holds the fourth spot with $69.5 billion in wealth, derived from Fidelity Investments. Founded in 1946, Fidelity is a major financial services company in asset management and investment funds.
Lastly, the Cargill-MacMillan family owns America's largest private company, Cargill, with $67.9 billion in wealth. Cargill, established in 1865, is a significant player in the grain industry, producing corn syrup, starch, livestock feed, and operating in meatpacking and energy trading.
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