US Census Reveals Rapid Decline in US Household Wealth

American households are struggling more than ever. According to the U.S. Census, between the years 2005 and 2010, US households saw their wealth decline by over a third. Due to falling home values, share prices and the current economic instability, the median household net worth dropped 35% to $66,740 in the five year period. In comparison, the median household net worth was $102,844 in 2005, using constant 2010 dollars.The sharp decline is mostly blamed on falling house prices. In addition, the current unemployment rate is at 8.2 percent and has been above 8 percent since February 2009. Despite falling net worth across the country though, households with more education still fared well during these tough economic times. In 2010, households with a graduate or professional degree had a median net worth of $245,763 in contrast to just $42,223 of those with only a high school diploma.