The 10 Richest American Women in 2024 (and How Much They’re Worth)
Not to be overshadowed by their male peers, the 10 richest women in America wield an iron grip across several industries, from retail and finance to tech and philanthropy. Whether they achieved success as heirs of retail empires or blazed their own paths as entrepreneurial leaders, these women are leaving behind powerful legacies. According to the Forbes 400 list, which analyzed private assets, public financial documents, and stock market performance, these women are smashing the glass ceiling.
Here’s a breakdown of the 10 richest American women in 2024, plus insights into how they built their fortunes.
1. Alice Walton
Net Worth: $89.2 billion
Alice Walton inherited her vast fortune from Walmart, the global retail giant founded by her father, Sam Walton. A passionate advocate for the arts, she has directed much of her wealth toward cultural philanthropy, as evidenced by the founding of the Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art in 2011.
Walton has consistently ranked as the richest woman in America, holding the title for the ninth time in the past decade.
2. Julia Koch & Family
Net Worth: $74.2 billion
Julia Koch and her three children inherited 42% of Koch, Inc. (previously known as Koch Industries) after her husband David Koch’s death in 2019. The multinational conglomerate has businesses spanning manufacturing and energy, among other sectors. She also continues to grow her influence through philanthropy, with sizable donations going to healthcare and other charitable causes. Koch has maintained her position among America’s top billionaires since 2019.
3. Jacqueline Mars
Net Worth: $47.6 billion
With a family empire behind household brands like M&M’s, Snickers, and Pedigree, Jacqueline Mars holds ownership of one-third of Mars Inc. — a major force in both the candy and pet care industries. After stepping down from the company’s board in 2016, she shifted her focus to equestrian breeding, producing several Olympic-level competitors through her stables.
4. MacKenzie Scott
Net Worth: $33.3 billion
After her divorce from Amazon founder Jeff Bezos in 2019, MacKenzie Scott became a generous philanthropist, donating over $16 billion of her fortune to various sectors across tech and healthcare. Despite her generosity, her wealth remains substantial due to her 4% stake in Amazon, which was awarded during the divorce settlement.
Scott has been applauded for her commitment to making an impact through charitable donations, many of which she makes without seeking recognition.
5. Lyndal Stephens Greth & Family
Net Worth: $32.3 billion
Lyndal Stephens Greth’s wealth comes from Diamondback Energy (previously Endeavor Energy Resources), an oil and gas company. She assumed leadership of the company after her father, Autry Stephens, passed away in August 2024. Greth now oversees the company’s vast assets, including significant acreage in the Delaware, Midland, and Eagle Ford basins, which yield large quantities of crude oil (600,000 barrels per day, to be exact).
6. Abigail Johnson
Net Worth: $31.3 billion
As the CEO of Fidelity Investments, which was founded by her grandfather Edward C. Johnson, Abigail (Abby) Johnson owns nearly 29% of the financial firm. She has also played a key role in expanding its global financial market presence. Since taking over leadership in 2014, Johnson has continued to grow Fidelity’s reach and influence in the investment world and beyond.
7. Marilyn Simons & Family
Net Worth: $31 billion
Marilyn Simons inherited her wealth from her husband, Jim Simons, after his death in May 2024. Jim was the founder of Renaissance Technologies, one of the most successful hedge funds in the world. The Simons family is known for their massive philanthropic efforts, particularly in scientific research and education. Marilyn also plays a key role in managing the family’s charities through the Simons Foundation, and has been involved in various initiatives to advance math and science.
8. Miriam Adelson
Net Worth: $29.8 billion
On the heels of Mars is Israeli-American businesswoman Miriam Adelson. She inherited her fortune from her late husband, Sheldon Adelson, the casino mogul behind the Las Vegas Sands empire who died in 2021. Outside of business, Adelson is also a physician by trade as well as a major political donor, particularly to conservative political causes.
9. Melinda French Gates
Net Worth: $29 billion
Melinda French Gates, co-founder of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, has harnessed much of her wealth on philanthropic efforts to address global health, gender equality, and access to education. Despite her divorce from Bill Gates in 2021, her fortune remains substantial. Through her leadership, she continues to be one of the world’s most influential philanthropists.
10. Elaine Marshall & Family
Net Worth: $28.3 billion
Elaine Marshall (not to be confused with the former North Carolina Secretary of State) inherited a 15% stake in Koch Industries through her late husband, E. Pierce Marshall. Her wealth is deeply tied to Koch Inc., one of the largest private conglomerates in America. Marshall and her two sons remain key figures in the business while also focusing on other philanthropic efforts.