Tom Werner / Getty Images Income gaps only tell part of the story. What really determines financial stability is how much households keep. Key Takeaways The median household income for ages 35–44 was $86,473, according to the latest Federal Reserve data. That's just behind 45–54-year-olds. Income varies widely across groups, with homeowners and college graduates earning more than renters and those without a degree. Income is only part of the equation—tracking net worth provides a clearer view of your ...