Wealth is a story of grit, creativity, and strength in America. So, who are the wealthiest women in America? When we examine these remarkable individuals, their stories underscore how determination and vision can transform dreams into extraordinary achievements. From heirs who inherited proud family legacies to self‑made entrepreneurs who built their fortunes through vision and grit, these women embody the quintessential example of success.
Some women were born into great fortunes, yet each has made a significant mark. They guided companies, nurtured philanthropic causes, and stepped into industries that once offered them little space. Others built their wealth from the ground up, transforming ideas into influential brands or crafting words that became lasting success. Their stories remind us that opportunity isn’t confined to boardrooms.
In this article, we have curated a list of the 20 richest women in America, whose journeys remind us that success can be achieved regardless of one’s starting point, with sheer determination and strong values.
List of 20 Richest Women in America
1. Alice Walton
- Age: 75
- Net worth: $123 billion
- Industry: Retail (Walmart)
- State: Arkansas
Alice Walton, the only daughter of Walmart founder Sam Walton, is often described as the leading lady of the dynasty. Although she inherited a massive fortune, Alice has carved her legacy through the arts. She founded the Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art in Bentonville, Arkansas, which houses works from Colonial times to contemporary pieces. As one of the richest women in America, her philanthropy reflects cultural investment over mere financial wealth. She ensures art is accessible to the public.
2. Julia Koch
- Age: 62
- Net worth: $74.2 billion
- Industry: Industrial (Koch Industries)
- State: New York
Julia Koch is yet another addition to the list of the wealthiest women in America. She inherited her wealth after the death of her husband, David Koch, co-owner of Koch Industries. She now controls a significant stake in the conglomerate, which spans oil refining, chemicals, and consumer products. Julia is known for her philanthropic work, particularly in medical research, the arts, and children’s health. Although she inherited much of her fortune, Julia plays a significant role in managing and directing charitable funds.
3. Jacqueline Mars
- Age: 85
- Net worth: $45.5 billion
- Industry: Food (Mars Inc.)
- State: Virginia
Jacqueline Mars is among the wealthiest women in America, representing an enduring corporate influence. She owns roughly one-third of Mars Inc., the world’s largest candy and pet food company. The family business is behind household names like M&M’s, Snickers, Pedigree, and Royal Canin. Though she’s private mainly, Jacqueline has been active in philanthropy, particularly in equine causes and environmental preservation. She’s known for her modest public profile despite immense wealth, preferring to focus on the stewardship of the company and its values.
4. Abigail Johnson
- Age: 63
- Net worth: $36.8 billion
- Industry: Finance (Fidelity Investments)
- State: Massachusetts
Abigail Johnson is the CEO and chairman of Fidelity Investments, one of the world’s largest asset managers. She took the reins in 2014, modernizing the company by expanding digital trading platforms and cryptocurrency services. Known for her reserved personality and analytical mind, she has steadily increased Fidelity’s influence in global markets. She is one of the richest women in America who knows the perfect balance between tradition and innovation. Abigail guides her family business while keeping the trust of customers.
5. Miriam Adelson
- Age: 78
- Net worth: $35 billion
- Industry: Casinos & Hospitality
- State: Nevada
Miriam Adelson is the majority shareholder of Las Vegas Sands, the world’s largest casino operator, following the death of her husband, Sheldon Adelson. Apart from her business holdings, she’s a physician and philanthropist. As one of the wealthiest women in America, Miriam funds addiction research and medical initiatives. She has also been a prominent political donor in the U.S. Miriam blends business leadership with causes reflecting her medical background, wielding her influence in healthcare and politics.
6. MacKenzie Scott
- Age: 54
- Net worth: $30-32 billion
- Industry: Philanthropy
- State: Washington
MacKenzie Scott first gained public attention as the author and the former wife of Amazon founder Jeff Bezos. Her wealth has declined from over $60 billion following her 2019 divorce due to her unprecedented philanthropic giving. Her donations, now exceeding $16 billion, support local organizations, education, racial equity, and community health initiatives. Unlike many billionaires, she avoids lengthy grant applications, focusing on trust-based philanthropy. She has redefined how wealth can create immediate, grassroots change.
7. Elaine Marshall
- Age: 81
- Net worth: $24-25 billion
- Industry: Energy (Koch Industries)
- State: Texas
Elaine Marshall inherited a significant stake in Koch Industries through her late husband, E. Pierce Marshall. As a major shareholder, she benefits from the company’s vast interests in oil, chemicals, and manufacturing. Her influence and wealth make her one of the richest women in America, with a legacy tied to one of the largest private companies in the world. Elaine is known for her privacy and conservative approach to business and philanthropy.
8. Diane Hendricks
- Age: 77
- Net worth: $21.9 billion
- Industry: Construction / Roofing
- State: Wisconsin
Hendricks is recognized as one of the self-made richest women in America. ABC Supply, the largest wholesale distributor of roofing materials in the U.S., was co-founded by Diane Hendricks and her late husband. After his passing, she grew the company into a multi-billion-dollar enterprise, serving contractors nationwide. Diane is a committed philanthropist who invests heavily in housing, education, and local business development in Wisconsin and is known for her privacy and conservative approach to business and philanthropy.
9. Laurene Powell Jobs
- Age: 61
- Net worth: $14 billion
- Industry: Investments / Media / Philanthropy
- State: California
Laurene Powell Jobs inherited billions from her late husband, Apple co-founder Steve Jobs, but has built an influence as the founder of Emerson Collective. Her organization focuses on education reform, immigration advocacy, and environmental causes. She also owns stakes in The Atlantic and other media ventures. Known for her thoughtful and understated leadership style, Laurene uses her resources to influence long-term societal change. Her wealth is more inclined towards transformative rather than transactional philanthropy.
10. Randa Duncan Williams
- Age: 62
- Net worth: $9.3 billion
- Industry: Energy (Enterprise Products Partners)
- State: Texas
Randa Duncan Williams chairs Enterprise Products Partners, one of the largest pipeline companies in the U.S. She and her siblings inherited the business from their late father, Dan Duncan. Under her leadership, the company continues to expand in the energy sector. While she avoids the spotlight, Randa is recognized for her steady guidance and philanthropic contributions to education and medical research. As one of the richest women in America, her influence is felt across the energy industry and charitable foundations.
11. Dannine Avara
- Age: 60
- Net worth: $9.2 billion
- Industry: Energy (Enterprise Products Partners)
- State: Texas
Dannine Avara, like her sister Randa, inherited a significant stake in Enterprise Products Partners. Though she remains largely private, her role as a major shareholder underscores the importance of legacy wealth in America’s billionaire class. She’s known for her philanthropic contributions, often focusing on local community causes and medical institutions in Texas. Her influence is subtle yet deeply rooted in both business and philanthropy.
12. Tamara Gustavson
- Age: 64
- Net worth: $8.5 billion
- Industry: Real Estate / Storage (Public Storage)
- State: California
Tamara Gustavson, daughter of Public Storage co-founder B. Wayne Hughes, is the largest shareholder in the company, which operates thousands of storage facilities nationwide. Ranked among the richest women in America, she pairs her considerable wealth with a consistent dedication to upholding her family’s business and personal values. While her fortune is largely inherited, Tamara has played a role in guiding the company’s growth and maintaining its market dominance. She’s also involved in philanthropic efforts, especially animal welfare causes.
13. Lynsi Snyder
- Age: 42
- Net worth: $8 billion
- Industry: Food (In-N-Out Burger)
- State: California
Lynsi Snyder is counted among the richest women in America who balances business growth while staying true to the brand’s founding principles. She became the sole owner of In-N-Out Burger on her 35th birthday, inheriting the beloved fast-food chain founded by her grandparents. Snyder has preserved the brand’s quality and culture while resisting expansion that might compromise its values. Lynsi is known for her Christian faith and philanthropic work in addiction recovery programs.
14. Miriam Haas
- Age: 82
- Net worth: $6.9 billion
- Industry: Retail (Costco)
- State: Connecticut
Miriam Haas inherited her wealth through her late husband, the co-founder of Trader Joe’s, and holds a significant stake in Costco. Counted among the richest women in America, she pairs her retail achievements with a deep commitment to social responsibility. She’s known for her philanthropic work, especially in education and environmental conservation. Though she shuns media attention, her leadership and charitable giving reflect a commitment to long-term impact.
15. Lynda Resnick
- Age: 81
- Net worth: $6.3 billion
- Industry: Agriculture / Consumer Goods (Wonderful Company)
- State: California
Lynda Resnick co-owns The Wonderful Company, a food and beverage empire behind brands like Wonderful Pistachios, POM Wonderful, and Fiji Water. She’s known for creative marketing and building premium branding in traditionally commodity industries. Beyond business, Lynda is deeply engaged in philanthropy, funding arts, education, and health programs in California’s Central Valley. Her work has transformed not just products, but communities. As one of the richest women in America, she shows that innovative branding can have both economic and social impact.
16. Gail Miller
- Age: 81
- Net worth: $5.1 billion
- Industry: Automotive / Real Estate / Sports
- State: Utah
Miller, one of the richest women in America, harnesses diverse business interests to create financial success and meaningful public benefit. She owns the Larry H. Miller Group, which includes car dealerships, real estate developments, and sports teams. Miller sold the Utah Jazz NBA team in 2020 but remains an influential business figure in the state. She is also a philanthropist who funds educational and healthcare initiatives. Her leadership style emphasizes integrity and community building.
17. Oprah Winfrey
- Age: 71
- Net worth: $4 billion
- Industry: Media / Entertainment
- State: California
Oprah Winfrey rose from humble beginnings to become one of the most influential media personalities in the world. She built a media empire through “The Oprah Winfrey Show,” her OWN network, and strategic investments. Oprah is also a major philanthropist, funding global education initiatives and empowerment programs. Her story is one of resilience, vision, and generosity. She continues to inspire with her unmatched ability to connect and lead.
18. Taylor Swift
- Age: 35
- Net worth: $1.6 billion
- Industry: Music / Entertainment
- State: Tennessee
How can we not add her to the list of the Richest women in America? Taylor Swift became a billionaire through her music, concert tours, and ownership of her song catalog. Her Eras Tour became the highest-grossing tour in history, solidifying her status as one of the most powerful figures in entertainment. Known for her lyrical storytelling and direct connection with fans, she has also used her platform for social causes.
19. Rihanna
- Age: 37
- Net worth: $1.4 billion
- Industry: Music / Beauty / Fashion
- State: California
Rihanna reinvented herself as a last addition to our list of the richest women in America, which catapulted her towards sustained success. She transitioned from global music star to business mogul with the success of Fenty Beauty and Savage X Fenty. Her inclusive beauty brand disrupted the cosmetics industry, and her fashion ventures have made waves in the luxury market. Despite stepping back from music, her influence continues through her business empire and philanthropy.
20. Beyoncé Knowles-Carter
- Age: 43
- Net worth: $700 million
- Industry: Music / Entertainment / Fashion
- State: California
Beyoncé’s career spans music, acting, fashion, and business ventures. With record-breaking tours, a successful fashion line, and streaming deals, she has built an empire rooted in artistry and entrepreneurship. Her influence extends beyond entertainment, as she supports causes related to racial equity, disaster relief, and women’s empowerment. Beyoncé blends culture with business acumen and has become an icon and an industry leader.
Conclusion
The richest women in America are leaders, innovators, and visionaries who have changed the industry dynamics and inspired millions. From tech pioneers to beauty magnets, their stories highlight the essence of ambition, strength, and thoughtful decision-making. While their paths to success vary, they’ve redefined what’s possible for women in business.
