The number of billionaires in the world is at an all-time high. In 2026, a record 3,428 individuals made the World’s Billionaires list, which is 400 more than the previous year. That means over the past year, we’ve seen more than one new billionaire added every day. Collectively, these billionaires are now $4 trillion richer, bringing their total wealth to a staggering $20.1 trillion. The average billionaire’s fortune has also increased, rising from $5.3 billion in 2025 to $5.8 billion in 2026.
So, how many billionaires has our state produced? A recent study reveals that our state has given rise to 23 billionaires, which translates to 1.8 billionaires for every one million people.
New York leads the nation with 90 billionaire births, surpassing California and Texas combined. It also ranks highest on a per-capita basis, making it the top city for billionaire creation worldwide. This is largely due to its significant role in the global economy and wealthy areas like Westchester County, known for its high property taxes.
In summary, while our state has produced a respectable number of billionaires, it’s clear that New York is the powerhouse when it comes to creating wealth.
