Because so much of the net worth of middle-class Americans is connected to home equity, the housing downturn led to household net worth falling from $102,844 in 2005 to $66,740 in 2010, as house prices have fallen 35% below their peak in 2006, according to Standard & Poor’s/Case-Shiller index. While the drop in net worth cut across all age groups and education levels, HousingWire says households between 35 and 44 took it on the chin—their net worth fell 59%. Those younger than 35 lost 37%, while the 65 and older set lost 13%. Households that had a high school diploma lost 39%; the net worth of those with a bachelor’s degree saw a 32% drop.

(Graphic credit: HousingWire)