The global millionaire map: Where wealth really lives in 2025
Wealth distribution across the globe has never been more uneven. A new analysis highlights an obvious global wealth imbalance, showing that North America is home to a staggering 26.7 million millionaires, followed by Asia-Pacific (17.7 million) and Europe (16.7 million). In sharp contrast, Latin America (915,000) and Africa (352,000) remain far behind, underscoring deep-rooted disparities in global economic development.
These figures, drawn from data from Millionaire Migrant, paint a vivid picture of how money and opportunity are concentrated in certain regions while others continue to lag.
Confirming the numbers
- North America – 26.78 million millionaires
- Europe – 16.7 million
- Asia-Pacific – 10.76 million
- Latin America – 915,000
- Africa – 352,000
In total, the global millionaire population has climbed to nearly 58 million, representing only about 1.5% of the world’s adults. Yet, this small group controls an outsized share of global assets.
North America: Wealth powerhouse
North America dominates the global wealth map, with nearly 27 million millionaires, amounting to roughly 42% of the world’s total.
RECOMMENDED FOR YOU
Six countries account for three-quarters of Europe’s unicorn startups
- UBS reports that in 2024, the United States added over 1,000 new millionaires every single day, bringing the U.S. total close to 24 million.
- High-net-worth individuals (HNWIs) in the region number 8.45 million, with combined assets nearing $30 trillion.
Asia-Pacific: The rising giant
The Asia-Pacific region is home to about 10.75 million millionaires and has experienced explosive growth.
- Between 2016 and 2023, the region’s millionaire population surged by 35%, making it the fastest-growing wealth hub.
- Greater China plays a pivotal role, accounting for 6.2 million millionaires alone.
Europe: Stable but slower growth
Europe hosts around 16.7 million millionaires, or roughly 27% of the global share.
- Between 2016 and 2023, Europe saw a 29% increase in its millionaire population.
- Wealth density remains particularly strong in smaller nations like Switzerland and Luxembourg, where millionaire households are highly concentrated.
Latin America and Africa: Stalled growth
While Latin America counts 915,000 millionaires and Africa just 352,000, both regions have struggled to see meaningful increases in recent years.
Since 2016, growth in millionaire numbers across these regions has plateaued, reflecting economic instability, limited capital markets, and political uncertainty.
Globally, the millionaire population now stands at 58 million, but where these wealthy individuals live is shifting:
- The United States remains dominant, with 39.1% of global millionaires concentrated there.
- New York City tops the world’s millionaire rankings with 384,500 high-net-worth individuals, followed by the San Francisco Bay Area (342,400) and Tokyo (292,300).
- Emerging American hotspots like Austin, Scottsdale, West Palm Beach, and the Bay Area are seeing rapid millionaire population growth, reflecting tech-driven economies and lifestyle shifts.
- Meanwhile, London is experiencing a decline, with about 11,300 millionaires leaving the city in 2024, a 12% drop, signalling broader wealth migration trends.
