The United States of America continues to be a major player in the world economy, military, and technology, and it has a significant cultural influence. Some families, notably the top ten wealthiest families in the world, are responsible for its dominance and economic strength.
These affluent families, who dominated industries including technology, entertainment, retail, energy, hospitality, banking, and more, significantly enhanced America’s standing as a global power.
Here is a list of the top ten richest families in America.
10. The Cox Family
The Cox family comes in at number 10 on this list, with an estimated net worth of $26.8 billion, largely from the media and auto industry. When James M. Cox purchased the Dayton Evening News in 1898—which subsequently changed its name to Cox Enterprises—the Cox family’s empire was born.
With yearly revenues reaching $22.1 billion, Cox Enterprises firmly established itself as a major player in both the automobile and television industries by progressively branching out into radio, television, cable, and digital media. It also entered the automotive business with companies like Autotrader and Kelley Blue Book.
Cox Enterprises is still privately held today, and the family is still in charge of managing its vast portfolio and ranking among the richest families in America.
9. The Duncan Family
The Duncan family, ranked ninth, is estimated to be worth $30 billion and made their fortune in the oil and gas sector. The majority of the Duncan family’s wealth is attributed to his 1968 pipeline empire, which he established.
Enterprise Products Partners, a company that distributes natural gas, oil, and other petroleum products throughout the US, is owned by the Duncan family.
As to Forbes, the company was inherited by Duncan’s four children after his demise, and it has sustained its growth under family leadership.
8. The Cathy Family
The Cathy family, who own eight fast-food chains and are believed to be worth $33.6 billion, is one of the wealthiest in the country. Its founder, Truett Cathy, owes its wealth to Chick-fil-A, the most well-known fast-food chain in the country, which she created in 1946.
The fast-food chain that serves fried chicken has over 3,000 locations and will make $6.4 billion in sales by 2022, despite closing on Sundays. The Cathy family’s reputation in the fast-food industry and beyond has been cemented by their commitment to philanthropy and conservative values.
7. The Johnson Family
Seventh on the list and estimated to be worth $38.5 billion is SC Johnson, a multinational leader in cleaning products and home goods that produces brands including Ziploc, Glade, Windex, Pledge, and others.
After serving as a sales representative for a parquet flooring manufacturer and then buying it, S.C. Johnson founded the business in 1886. The company has led its industry for more than a century thanks to the family’s commitment to environmental sustainability and innovation.
6. The Pritzker Family
Hyatt Hotels Corporation, one of the biggest and most well-known hotel corporations in the world, was founded by the Pritzker family (Jay Pritzker and his brother Donald). It is ranked sixth on the list and is believed to be worth $41.6 billion.
The Pritzker family has a lengthy history of involvement in politics, philanthropy, and American industry.
Ten billionaires are currently members of the Pritzker family, including film producer Gigi Pritzker and former US Secretary of Commerce Penny Pritzker.
5. The Johnson Family
With an estimated net worth of $44.8 billion, the Johnsons rank fifth among the wealthiest families in America.
Edward C. Johnson II founded Fidelity Investments in 1946, and the Johnson family is the company’s principal shareholder. It is one of the biggest asset management firms in the world.
4. The Cargill-MacMillan Family
Fourth on the list and valued at an estimated $60.6 billion, the Cargill-MacMillan family is the owners of one of the biggest privately held companies in the United States. It was founded in 1865 by William Cargill.
Cargill Inc. generated $177 billion in sales and other revenue in the fiscal year 2023 from a range of products, such as chocolate and animal feed.
Cargill’s operations have expanded throughout time to include food production, risk management, and the trading, processing, and distribution of agricultural commodities.
3. The Koch Family
The Koch Family’s riches stems from Koch Industries, a corporation founded by Fred C. Koch in 1940 that has grown to become one of the largest privately held companies in the United States, with an estimated $116 billion and ranking third on the list.
The Koch family is one of America’s wealthiest families, recognized for their extensive oil holdings and various investments.
Koch areas operates in several areas, including oil refining, chemicals, energy, and consumer products, making it a key player in the global market. The Koch family has also made large contributions to political and philanthropic groups, advocating for free-market principles and financing a wide range of educational initiatives.
2. The Mars Family
The Mars Family owns Mars, Inc., which was founded in 1911 by Frank C. Mars and has since evolved to become a global leader in candy and pet care products such as M&Ms, Snickers, Pedigree, and Whiskas. The company is worth an estimated $117 billion.
1. The Walton Family
Walmart was founded in 1962 by Sam Walton in Rogers, Arkansas, and is now controlled by the Walton family. The store has approximately 10,000 stores in 19 countries, producing $648 billion in revenue in the fiscal year 2024 and valued at $267 billion.
Walmart is valued at approximately $486 billion, with seven members of the Walton family owning an estimated 45% of its shares.
The family is the richest in America, owing primarily to its ownership of Walmart, the world’s largest retailer.