Typical IRA Balance for Individuals in Their 50s by 2026—Key Facts You Should Know

Core Insights - Fidelity's analysis indicates that the average balance of individual retirement accounts (IRAs) reached a record $137,902 in Q3 2025, with Gen X savers averaging $120,273, although the median balance for middle-income Americans in their 50s is only about $112,000 [1][5] Group 1: IRA Balances by Age - For individuals aged 50 to 54, the average IRA balance is $199,900, while for those aged 55 to 59, it is $244,900 [2] - The average IRA balance for Americans in their 50s ranges from approximately $120,000 to $245,000, but many individuals have significantly lower amounts [5] Group 2: Disparities in Balances - Averages can be misleading; for Americans aged 55 to 64, the average balance is $271,320, but the median is only $95,642, indicating a significant disparity [3] - The median balances provide a clearer picture, as a few individuals with large accounts skew the average upward [5] Group 3: Factors Influencing Savings - Income plays a crucial role in retirement savings, with top-income households saving around $6,862 annually in tax-deferred accounts, compared to just $300 for lower-income households [6] - Approximately 59% of traditional IRA-owning households have accounts with money rolled over from previous employers' 401(k) plans, with median balances of $180,000 for those with rollovers versus $50,000 for those without [7] - Life expenses such as home down payments, college tuition, and caring for aging parents can limit retirement contributions, particularly in the 50s when these costs peak [8] Group 4: Savings Recommendations - Financial advisors recommend saving about six times one's annual salary by age 50 across all retirement accounts, increasing to eight times by age 55 [9]