In a country without a monarchy, wealth and influence are often measured not in titles but in fortunes, and no fortunes are quite as commanding as those of America’s richest families. While billionaires have seen exponential growth in wealth in recent years, these dynasties have turned family names into financial empires that span industries from publishing and oil to cosmetics and confectionery.
This year’s ranking, compiled using February 2024 estimates from Forbes, showcases the 25 richest families in the United States — not including first-generation fortunes like those of Jeff Bezos or Bill Gates, nor fortunes held by a sole heir. These families have built multigenerational wealth through entrepreneurship, strategic investments, and in some cases, sheer inheritance savvy.
Here are America’s wealthiest families, ranked by their estimated net worth:
25. Kohler Family – $16.2 billion
Source: Kohler Company
Founded in 1873, the Kohler Company began with farm tools before pivoting to bathroom fixtures. It has remained in family hands, now led by David Kohler, and pulled in $9 billion in 2024 revenue.
24. Brown Family – $20.4 billion
Source: Brown-Forman Corp.
This liquor dynasty, owners of Jack Daniel’s and Woodford Reserve, traces back to George Garvin Brown. About 25 members control more than half the company.
23. Dorrance Family – $17 billion
Source: Campbell Soup Company
Known for inventing condensed soup, the Dorrance family now presides over a diversified food empire, including V8 and Pepperidge Farm.
22. du Pont Family – $16 billion
Source: DuPont
One of the nation’s oldest fortunes, built on innovations like nylon and Teflon. About 3,500 family members share in this legacy.
21. Ziff Family – $15 billion
Source: Ziff Davis Inc.
Originally a magazine empire, the Ziff fortune has grown through savvy investing, particularly by William Ziff Jr.’s sons.
20. Butt Family – $17.8 billion
Source: H-E-B Grocery Stores
Founded in 1905, this Texas-based grocery chain now has over 400 stores across the U.S. and Mexico, bringing in over $38 billion in revenue.
19. Taylor Family – $19 billion
Source: Enterprise Mobility
The family behind Enterprise Rent-A-Car also owns National and Alamo brands, with combined 2023 revenue of $35 billion.
18. Millstone-Winter-Heyman Families – $19.2 billion
Source: Standard Industries
Standard Industries, helmed by David Millstone and David Winter, links back to a 1938 acquisition of GAF Corporation.
17. Smith Family – $19.8 billion
Source: Illinois Tool Works and Northern Trust
This family’s influence stretches across manufacturing and finance, holding significant stakes in both industries.
16. Reyes Family – $19.9 billion
Source: Reyes Holdings
Dominant in food and beverage distribution, the Reyes family controls companies that serve McDonald’s and Coca-Cola bottling.
15. Busch Family – $17.6 billion
Source: Anheuser-Busch
Creators of Budweiser, the Busches sold their brewing empire in 2008, but about 30 members still share the proceeds.
14. Hearst Family – $21 billion
Source: Hearst Corporation
Founded by publishing magnate William Randolph Hearst, the family now owns vast media holdings including stakes in A&E and ESPN.
13. Newhouse Family – $30 billion
Source: Advance Publications
Owners of Condé Nast (Vogue, Vanity Fair), the Newhouse family also held major cable assets and a significant Reddit stake.
12. Hunt Family – $15.5 billion
Source: Hunt Oil Company
Oil tycoon H.L. Hunt’s descendants now control sports franchises, vast real estate, and multiple energy companies.
11. Lauder Family – $40 billion
Source: Estée Lauder
From one $800 order in 1947 to a $17 billion-a-year beauty empire, the Lauders remain active in business and philanthropy.
10. Cox Family – $34.5 billion
Source: Cox Enterprises
Spanning communications and automotive ventures, this fourth-generation family firm generates $20 billion annually.
9. Duncan Family – $22 billion
Source: Enterprise Products Partners
Built from a $10,000 investment in oil pipelines, Dan Duncan’s children have expanded and retained control of the company.
8. Cathy Family – $14.2 billion
Source: Chick-fil-A
Founded in 1967, the fast-food chain has grown into a national phenomenon, still led by second- and third-generation Cathys.
7. SC Johnson Family – $37 billion
Source: SC Johnson
Makers of Glade and Windex, this family enterprise has weathered internal disputes and now thrives under fifth-generation leadership.
6. Pritzker Family – Net worth undisclosed (Among top 10)
Source: Hyatt Hotels and diverse investments
Founders of Hyatt Hotels and Marmon Group, the family is notable for political involvement and internal trust disputes.
5. Johnson (Edward) Family – $36 billion
Source: Fidelity
A financial juggernaut, Fidelity remains 49% family-owned, with Abigail Johnson as CEO and six family members sharing the fortune.
4. Cargill-MacMillan Family – $65 billion
Source: Cargill Inc.
With 88% ownership of America’s largest private company, this agribusiness giant generated over $150 billion in 2022 revenue.
3. Koch Family – $129 billion
Source: Koch Industries
From oil refining to chemicals and paper products, the Kochs have built a diversified empire and heavily influenced conservative politics.
2. Mars Family – $94 billion
Source: Mars Inc.
Mars is synonymous with candy — M&Ms, Milky Way, Snickers — and the family also controls pet food and veterinary services. They’ve recently faced public scrutiny over profit amid inflation.
1. Walton Family – $267 billion
Source: Walmart
By far the wealthiest, the Waltons built their fortune through Walmart, the world’s largest retailer. The family’s staggering wealth continues to grow, reinforced by stock holdings and dividends.
A Reflection of American Capitalism
These families represent more than just wealth, they are icons of American enterprise, legacy, and in some cases, controversy. While some fortunes began with a single bold idea or product, others grew through strategic acquisitions and market dominance.
Though the U.S. may lack hereditary aristocracy, these dynasties wield influence on par with royalty. From boardrooms and philanthropic foundations to sports arenas and media empires, they continue to shape American life in ways both visible and hidden.
Written By Rodney Mbua
