Key facts
- The 40 wealthiest families in the U.S. have been ranked by their estimated net worth.
- The rankings are based on Forbes' data updated on July 29.
- The Johnson family's wealth comes from Franklin Resources and the San Francisco Giants.
- The Tisch family's fortune is tied to Loews Corporation and the New York Giants.
- The Farmer family's wealth is derived from Cintas Corporation.
- The Hughes family's net worth is largely from Public Storage Inc.
The United States is home to numerous family empires with substantial fortunes and influence, comparable to royal families in other nations. A new ranking from Forbes, updated on July 29, details the 40 wealthiest families in the U.S., ordered from lowest to highest estimated net worth.
The Johnson family, with a net worth of $13.4 billion, built its fortune through Franklin Resources, a mutual fund company founded by Rupert Johnson in 1947, and ownership of the San Francisco Giants. Charles B. Johnson, Rupert's son, led the company for 56 years, and his children now hold key positions, with the family owning 42% of the publicly traded firm.
The Tisch family ranks with an estimated $13.7 billion. Their wealth originated from the acquisition of Loews Theaters by brothers Bob and Larry Tisch in 1959, which evolved into a conglomerate spanning hotels, energy, and finance. Descendants of the brothers own about a third of the company, with James Tisch serving as chairman and his son Ben as CEO. Several family members also hold board positions with the New York Giants.
Also tied at $13.7 billion is the Farmer family, whose wealth is derived from Cintas Corporation. The company's origins trace back to Doc and Amelia Farmer collecting and selling used rags during the Great Depression. Their grandson, Dick Farmer, transformed the business into an industry giant. The family retains a 16% stake in the company, and Dick's son Scott is the current chairman.
The Hughes family is estimated to be worth $14.7 billion, primarily through their stake in Public Storage Inc., a self-storage company cofounded by B. Wayne Hughes. His daughter, Tamara Gustavson, owns approximately 10% of the company.