September 2, 2025, Inti Pacheco and Theo Francis, The Wall Street Journal
Altrata’s wealth intelligence was recently cited in The Wall Street Journal’s in-depth analysis of U.S. billionaires.
According to Altrata data, there were 1,135 billionaires in the U.S. as of 2024, up from 927 in 2020, with a collective net worth of $5.7 trillion. While California remains the billionaire capital with 255 residents, our data reveals their presence in unexpected places, from Ridgeland, Mississippi, to Winifred, Montana, population 172.
Altrata’s insights further illustrate:
- Industry breakdowns: While Silicon Valley dominates headlines, more U.S. billionaires come from banking and finance (~300) than technology (~110), with another 75 tied to real estate.
- Inherited wealth: About a third of billionaires inherited much or all of their fortunes, with heirs of just five companies holding a combined $830 billion.
- Philanthropy trends: U.S. billionaires have donated or pledged roughly $185 billion since 2015, much of it to education and medical research. Top beneficiaries include Johns Hopkins University, the Gates Foundation, Gavi, and the Central Park Conservancy.
The Wall Street Journal relied on Altrata’s proprietary methodology which analyzes business holdings, investible assets, property records, and industry roles to provide a clearer picture of billionaire wealth and influence across the country.
Read the original published article here.