The United States may not have a royal family, but it certainly has some incredibly wealthy and influential family dynasties. These families have accumulated their fortunes over generations, building empires in industries such as publishing, cosmetics, retail, and hospitality. Many of these families are still thriving today, with their wealth continuing to grow exponentially. In this article, we take a closer look at the 25 richest families in the US, ranked from lowest to highest estimated net worth, based on Forbes’ latest figures.
25. Kohler Family
Net Worth: $16.2 Billion
Source of Wealth: Kohler Company
The Kohler family legacy began in 1873, when John Michael Kohler founded the Kohler Company. Originally a farm tools manufacturer, the company shifted focus to bathroom fixtures and plumbing in the 1880s. Today, Kohler is a global leader in manufacturing, with $9 billion in revenue reported for 2024. The family’s wealth is still tightly controlled by descendants, with David Kohler currently leading the company.
24. The Brown Family
Net Worth: $16.5 Billion
Source of Wealth: Brown-Forman Corporation
The Brown family made its fortune through Brown-Forman, the company behind iconic alcohol brands like Jack Daniel’s, Woodford Reserve, and Old Forester. Founded in 1870 by pharmaceutical salesman George Garvin Brown, Brown-Forman is now controlled by more than 25 family members, who own over half of the company. With a legacy in alcohol production, the Brown family continues to thrive in the spirits industry.
23. The Dorrance Family
Net Worth: $17 Billion
Source of Wealth: Campbell Soup Company
The Dorrance family’s wealth stems from the Campbell Soup Company. John T. Dorrance, a chemist, invented the process for condensing soup in the late 1800s. Today, the family controls over 50% of the company, which generates more than $9 billion in annual revenue. Members of the Dorrance family remain actively involved in the company’s leadership.
22. The du Pont Family
Net Worth: $18.1 Billion
Source of Wealth: DuPont
Founded in 1802 as a gunpowder manufacturer, DuPont has since evolved into a global chemicals giant, known for innovations like nylon and Teflon. The du Pont family still controls the majority of shares in the company, with about 3,500 family members holding stock, though none are directly involved in management. The family’s long-standing wealth continues to grow from its vast industrial empire.
21. The Ziff Family
Net Worth: $18.5 Billion
Source of Wealth: Ziff Davis Inc.
The Ziff family’s wealth began with Ziff Davis Inc., the publisher of PC Magazine. William Ziff Jr. sold the magazine business in 1994 for $1.4 billion, and his sons, Daniel, Robert, and Dirk, grew the family’s fortune through investments and hedge funds. Today, the family has diversified its holdings and remains an influential presence in the world of publishing and finance.
20. The Butt Family
Net Worth: $18.8 Billion
Source of Wealth: H.E. Butt Grocery Company
Florence Butt founded H-E-B, a grocery store in Texas, in 1905. The company has since grown into a regional powerhouse under the leadership of her son, Howard, and grandson, Charles. With more than 400 stores across Texas and Mexico, H-E-B generated over $46 billion in revenue in 2024. Charles Butt is the majority shareholder, with other family members holding stakes in the business.
19. The Taylor Family
Net Worth: $19 Billion
Source of Wealth: Enterprise Rent-A-Car, National Car Rental, and Alamo Rent A Car
The Taylor family controls Enterprise Mobility, the parent company of National Car Rental, Alamo Rent A Car, and Enterprise Rent-A-Car. Founded by Jack C. Taylor in 1957, the company has grown into one of the largest car rental firms in the world, reporting $35 billion in revenue in 2023. The family continues to oversee the company’s success and expansion.
18. Millstone-Winter-Heyman Families
Net Worth: $19.2 Billion
Source of Wealth: Standard Industries
The Standard Industries conglomerate, led by David Millstone and David Winter, dates back to 1938 when businessman Sam Heyman acquired GAF Corporation, which is now the largest roofing manufacturer in the US. The family’s diversified holdings generate billions in revenue, with Standard Industries reporting $11 billion in 2024.
17. The Smith Family
Net Worth: $19.8 Billion
Source of Wealth: Illinois Tool Works
The Smith family’s wealth is tied to Illinois Tool Works, a manufacturing company founded by Byron Smith in 1912, and Northern Trust, a financial services firm he co-founded in 1889. The family owns significant stakes in both companies, which remain influential in the manufacturing and finance industries.
16. The Reyes Family
Net Worth: $19.9 Billion
Source of Wealth: Reyes Holdings
The Reyes family’s fortune is rooted in Reyes Holdings, a major distributor in the food and beverage industry. The company owns Martin-Brower, McDonald’s primary global food distributor, as well as Reyes Beverage Group and Reyes Coca-Cola Bottling. Under the leadership of Chris and Jude Reyes, the family has built a substantial global business empire.
15. The Busch Family
Net Worth: $20 Billion
Source of Wealth: Anheuser-Busch
The Busch family’s involvement in the beer industry dates back to 1876, when Adolphus Busch founded Anheuser-Busch. While the family sold off much of the company between 1989 and 2008, it still holds a significant fortune. The family has diversified into other ventures, including William K. Busch Brewing, although the company closed in 2019.
14. The Hearst Family
Net Worth: $22.4 Billion
Source of Wealth: Hearst Corporation
William Randolph Hearst founded the Hearst Corporation in the late 1800s after acquiring the San Francisco Examiner. Over time, the company expanded into newspapers, radio, television, and magazines. Today, about 67 family members share the Hearst fortune, with the company owning over 70 newspapers, nearly 260 magazines, and stakes in A&E and ESPN.
13. The Newhouse Family
Net Worth: $24.1 Billion
Source of Wealth: Advance Publications
Advance Publications, founded by Sam Newhouse, is a major player in the publishing world. The company owns Condé Nast, with magazines such as Vogue and Vanity Fair under its belt, and has stakes in Reddit. The Newhouse family has also made substantial investments in cable TV and digital media, securing its place as one of the wealthiest families in the US.
12. The Hunt Family
Net Worth: $24.8 Billion
Source of Wealth: Hunt Oil Company
H.L. Hunt founded Hunt Oil Company, which laid the foundation for the Hunt family’s fortune. The family now controls multiple businesses, including Hunt Oil, Petro-Hunt, and Rosewood Hotels & Resorts. The Hunts also own the Kansas City Chiefs and hold minority stakes in the Chicago Bulls. Their legacy continues to shape the US business landscape.
11. The Lauder Family
Net Worth: $25.9 Billion
Source of Wealth: Estée Lauder
Estée Lauder founded her cosmetics company in 1946, and today, the Lauder family’s wealth is derived from global beauty brands such as MAC and Clinique. The family is also known for its philanthropic efforts and art collection, with Leonard Lauder donating $1 billion worth of art to the Metropolitan Museum of Art.
10. The Cox Family
Net Worth: $26.8 Billion
Source of Wealth: Cox Enterprises
Cox Enterprises was founded in 1898 and has since expanded into several industries, including cable and broadband, newspapers, and radio stations. The company, now led by Alex Taylor, generates about $20 billion in annual revenue, securing the Cox family’s place among the richest in the US.
9. The Duncan Family
Net Worth: $30 Billion
Source of Wealth: Enterprise Products Partners
The Duncan family’s wealth comes from Enterprise Products Partners, an oil and gas company founded by Dan L. Duncan in 1968. Following his death in 2010, the family’s fortune has continued to grow, and the Duncans are now one of the wealthiest families in the US.
8. The Cathy Family
Net Worth: $33.6 Billion
Source of Wealth: Chick-fil-A
Founded by Samuel Truett Cathy in 1967, Chick-fil-A remains in the hands of the Cathy family. The company has grown into one of the largest fast-food chains in the US, with a significant fortune built on its success. Despite facing controversy over its stance on LGBTQ+ issues, the Cathy family’s wealth continues to rise.
7. The SC Johnson Family
Net Worth: $38.5 Billion
Source of Wealth: SC Johnson
SC Johnson, founded in 1882 by its namesake, produces household cleaning products like Pledge, Windex, and Glade. Today, the family’s wealth is still tied to the company, with Herbert Fisk Johnson III serving as CEO.