A member of Congress has a net worth 18 times that of an average American household.
The median net worth of a member of Congress in 2013 was $1,029,505 — a 2.5 percent increase from 2012. Thus, a majority of members of Congress are millionaires, or 271 of the 533 in office, according to analysis by the Center for Responsive Politics.
American households saw their net worth decrease from $87,992 (in 2003) to $56,335 (in 2013). Meanwhile, the Senate’s median net worth increased from $2.3 million to $2.8 million over the period, while House members saw their numbers climb from $708,500 to $843,507.
Republicans had the most money success over the year, whose median net worth rose from barely $1 million in 2012 to $1.1 million in 2013. Democrats saw their median net worth drop 14.3 percent from 2012 to 2013 to below $1 million.
“At a time when income inequality is much debated, the representatives we choose are overwhelmingly affluent,” Center for Responsive Politics Executive Director Sheila Krumholz said. “Whether voters elect them because they are successful or because people of modest means do not run, or for other reasons, is unclear, but struggling Americans should not assume that their elected officials understand their circumstances.”
CRP noted that not all members of Congress are necessarily millionaires. Seven have a net worth totaling at least $100 million, but two dozen are below a million.
Rep. Darrell Issa, R-Calif., remains the wealthiest member of Congress. In 2013, his average net worth was $448.4 million. Though still high, it is a decline by $15.6 million from 2012.
Sen. Mark Warner, D-Va., with an average net worth of $254.1 million, is the second-richest member of Congress and wealthiest senator.
