US Presidents of Past and Present, Ranked by Net Worth

Harry S. Truman became the 33rd president of the United States after the passing of Franklin D. Roosevelt. Before taking on the presidency, he had served as vice president, and his transition to retirement was anything but smooth. Amid corruption scandals within his administration leading up to the 1952 presidential election, Truman ultimately decided to step out of the race and retire from public life. At the time, many people believed his retirement was financially tough, so much so that it even led to the creation of a pension system for former presidents. However, it later came to light that Truman wasn’t as cash-strapped as people had originally assumed. 

When Thomas Woodrow Wilson served as the president of the United States, the country was in the midst of its Progressive Era and on the verge of entering the First World War. Before stepping into the highest office in the land, he had been the president of Princeton University and the governor of New Jersey, building a reputation that eventually carried him to the presidency. Wilson held office from 1913 to 1921 as the 28th president in American history. Interestingly enough, he isn’t considered one of the wealthiest presidents, even though he managed to avoid paying taxes during his time in office. 

Calvin Coolidge served as the 30th president of the United States, holding office between the years 1923 and 1929. Hailing from Massachusetts, he was well-known for his famously dry sense of humor, earning him the nickname ‘Silent Cal’ because of his strong sense of restraint and reserved personality. During his presidency, the country enjoyed the financial boom of the ‘Roaring Twenties,’ though, interestingly enough, Coolidge didn’t manage to hold on to too much of that wealth for himself compared to other presidents throughout history. 

Warren Gamaliel Harding was in office for just a short amount of time, serving as the 29th president of the United States from 1921 to 1923. Despite his brief tenure, he was initially considered one of the most well-liked presidents during his term. However, his presidency was tragically cut short by his unexpected passing, and unfortunately, his popularity took a dramatic hit afterward when scandalous details about his personal life came to light. It turned out that Harding had been involved in a marital affair, which even resulted in illegitimate children, and he was also tied to the infamous Teapot Dome scandal. 

William McKinley served as the 25th president of the United States, holding office from 1897 until his untimely assassination in 1901. As a native of Ohio, McKinley had previously been a governor and a congressman, building a strong reputation for his leadership and dedication to public service. His presidency was marked by significant events such as the Spanish-American War and the period of strong economic growth during the late 19th century. Known for his calm demeanor and steady leadership, McKinley was widely respected during his time in office. 

Chester A. Arthur became the 21st president of the United States, assuming office in 1881 following the assassination of James A. Garfield. Born in Vermont, Arthur had a background as a lawyer and politician, serving as vice president before unexpectedly taking on the role of president. Known for his sharp fashion sense, the former president was often referred to as “Elegant Arthur” and gained a reputation for his commitment to civil service reform during his time in office. 

Franklin Pierce, the 14th president of the United States, served from 1853 to 1857 and was known for his personable charm and polished speaking abilities. Born in New Hampshire, Pierce had a successful career in law and politics before stepping into the presidency. Much of his wealth came from his successful legal practice and investments made before his time in office. Although his time in office wasn’t particularly groundbreaking, he is often remembered for his efforts to balance competing interests in a rapidly changing nation. 

William Howard Taft, the 27th president of the United States, served from 1909 to 1913 and is probably best known for having a unique legacy in both the executive and judicial branches of government. Born and raised in Ohio, Taft worked his way up as a lawyer and judge before stepping into the role of president. He later fulfilled his lifelong dream of becoming Chief Justice of the Supreme Court, which made him the only person in history to hold both positions. Taft was also a devoted family man, married to his supportive wife Helen “Nellie” Herron Taft, who played an active role as First Lady and championed the planting of cherry blossoms in Washington, D.C. 

Rutherford B. Hayes, the 19th president of the United States, served from 1877 to 1881 and is often remembered for his efforts to try and bring the country back together after the turbulence of the Civil War. Born and raised in Ohio, Hayes had a solid background as a lawyer and Union Army officer before his political career really started to take off. He was known for being down-to-earth and incredibly devoted to his family, especially his wife, Lucy, who, fun fact, was the very first First Lady to hold a college degree. During his time in office, Hayes worked hard to focus on civil service reform and tried to restore public trust in government. 

Millard Fillmore was the 13th president of the United States, serving between the years of 1850 and 1853. He stepped into the role unexpectedly after the sudden passing of then-president Zachary Taylor, who had been struggling with severe stomach cramping. Born in a humble log cabin in upstate New York, Fillmore’s journey from poverty to the presidency is often seen as a classic tale of hard work and determination. Over time, he built a successful career as a lawyer and ventured into politics, steadily climbing the ranks. Known for his practical approach and quiet demeanor, Fillmore focused on keeping the nation stable during what was undoubtedly a challenging and uncertain period. 

Benjamin Harrison, the 23rd president of the United States, served from 1889 to 1893 and was widely recognized for his sharp intellect and reserved nature. He came from a very prominent political family in Indiana, with his grandfather being none other than William Henry Harrison, the ninth president of the United States. Still, Harrison managed to successfully carve out his own path, building an impressive career as a lawyer and serving as a Civil War veteran before fully stepping into the political arena. His time in office was marked by notable achievements and had a lasting impact. 

William Henry Harrison was the ninth president of the United States and is remembered as the one with the shortest presidency in American history, lasting just 31 days in 1841 before his untimely passing due to illness. He was born into a highly prominent and affluent family in Virginia and carved out a strong reputation for himself as a soldier and war hero. Before his short time in the White House, Harrison held several significant positions, including territorial governor and diplomat. Even though his presidency was brief, Harrison still managed to leave a lasting impression with his famously long inaugural address, which holds the record as the longest in the history of the United States. 

Zachary Taylor, the 12th president of the United States, served from 1849 until his death in 1850, making his time in office one of the shortest in the history of America. Born in Virginia and raised on the frontier, Taylor became a career military officer, gaining fame for his victories in the Mexican-American War, particularly the Battle of Buena Vista. His reputation as a tough and decisive leader earned him the nickname “Old Rough and Ready,” and he was seen as a man of the people, largely due to his straight-to-the-point persona. Though his presidency was cut short by his unexpected passing, Taylor’s legacy lived on as a military hero who had a brief but impactful political career.

Jimmy Carter was the 39th president of the United States and served from 1977 to 1981. He is often remembered for his emphasis on human rights, environmental issues, as well as his interest in international affairs. After his presidency, Carter remained active in public service, founding the Carter Center and continuing his work on global humanitarian efforts and promoting democracy. He was known for his down-to-earth personality, having come from humble beginnings in rural Georgia. Carter maintained a relatively modest lifestyle throughout his life, even after leaving the White House. Although he wasn’t among the wealthiest presidents, his post-presidential career, including his book sales and public speaking engagements, has contributed to a solid financial standing. 

Gerald Ford, the 38th president of the United States, served from 1974 to 1977, assuming presidency after the resignation of Richard Nixon. Ford was known for his calm leadership during a tumultuous time in American history. Before becoming president, Ford had an successful career in politics, serving as a congressman from Michigan and as vice president. He was widely respected for his integrity, which earned him the trust of the American people even during the controversial decision to pardon Nixon. 

Dwight D. Eisenhower, the 34th president of the United States, served two terms from 1953 to 1961 and is best remembered for his leadership during World War II and the Cold War. Born in Texas and raised in Kansas, Eisenhower rose through the ranks of the military, eventually becoming Supreme Commander of the Allied Expeditionary Force in Europe. After the war, he soon became a popular figure which helped propel him to the presidency, where he worked on shaping key policies, such as the creation of the Interstate Highway System. Eisenhower’s personal wealth was largely accumulated through his successful military career, book deals, and speaking engagements. 

Joe Biden, the 46th president of the United States, took office in 2021 after a long political career, including serving as vice president under Barack Obama between the years 2009 to 2017. He was born in Scranton, Pennsylvania, and rose from modest beginnings to become one of the most well-known political figures in the country. While Biden isn’t one of the wealthiest presidents in history, his net worth has steadily grown thanks to his long and successful career, book deals, and speaking engagements. 

James K. Polk was the 11th president of the United States, serving from 1845 to 1849. He’s often remembered for his strong determination to expand the nation’s territory and make the most of his one-term presidency. Born in North Carolina, Polk was a skilled and ambitious politician who had previously served as governor of Tennessee and as a member of the House of Representatives before taking on the role of president. By the time Polk’s presidency came to an end, he had managed to significantly expand the United States and reshape its future. He was known for his hardworking attitude and no-nonsense leadership style, effectively achieving most of the goals he set out for himself. 

Ronald Reagan, the 40th president of the United States, served from 1981 to 1989 and is famous for his charismatic leadership. Born in Illinois, Reagan started his career as a radio announcer before transitioning to acting in Hollywood, eventually becoming one of the best-known movie stars in the world. His political journey began when he became the governor of California. Reagan is remembered for having optimistic vision and communication skills that garnered him even more popularity, and eventually earning him the nickname “The Great Communicator.” 

Richard Nixon was the 37th president of the United States, serving between the years of 1969 to 1974 before becoming the only president in U.S. history to resign from office. Nixon had a long and varied political career, including serving as vice president under Dwight D. Eisenhower. His presidency was marked by significant achievements, however, his time in office was also overshadowed by scandal, which eventually led to his resignation. Despite the controversy, Nixon is remembered by most for having been a skilled politician. 

John Quincy Adams, the 6th president of the United States, served from 1825 to 1829 and was the son of John Adams, the second president of the United States. Born into a political family, it’s hardly surprising that Adams had a long and distinguished career in public service, having served as a diplomat, senator, and secretary of state before becoming president. His presidency was marked by strong support for internal improvements like roads and canals, as well as his advocacy for a national university. After losing his bid for re-election, he went on to serve in the House of Representatives. 

John Adams, the 2nd president of the United States, served from 1797 to 1801 and was one of the most influential figures in the country’s early years. He was a strong advocate for independence and played a major role in drafting the Declaration of Independence. Before he became president, Adams served as a diplomat in Europe and as vice president under George Washington. However during his presidency he focused more on national security. After stepping down from the White House, Adams retired to his farm in Quincy, Massachusetts, where he kept shaping political ideas. 

Grover Cleveland was the 22nd and 24th president of the United States. He holds the distinction of being the only president to serve two non-consecutive terms, first from 1885 to 1889 and then from 1893 to 1897. Born in New Jersey, Cleveland was known for his straightforward and honest approach to politics. Before becoming president, he served as the mayor of Buffalo and then governor of New York. During his time in office, he focused on issues like government reform, tariff reduction, and maintaining a stable economy. After his presidency, Cleveland retired to his home in New Jersey, but he stayed involved in public life. 

George H. W. Bush, the 41st president of the United States, served from 1989 to 1993 and had a long, accomplished career both in the political world as well as the business sector. He came from a prominent family and made a name for himself early on in life by serving as a Navy pilot during World War II. Before becoming president, Bush held a variety of positions, including director of the CIA, vice president under Ronald Reagan, and ambassador to the United Nations. After leaving office, Bush remained active in various charitable causes as he spent more time with his family. 

The 8th president of the United States, ​Martin Van Buren, served from 1837 to 1841 and is often remembered for his memorable political style and his role in shaping the modern political party system. Born in Kinderhook, New York, Van Buren was the son of Dutch immigrants, and his early career was in law. He served as vice president under Andrew Jackson and held various political offices, including governor of New York before he took office. But his time in office was marked by a difficult economic downturn, known as the Panic of 1837, which made his presidency harder than others. After leaving the White House, Van Buren retired to his estate in New York, but he continued to stay active in the political world. 

James Monroe, the 5th president of the United States, served from 1817 to 1825 and is perhaps best known for the Monroe Doctrine. He garnered a reputation for himself as a man of action, having served as a soldier during the Revolutionary War, as well as holding various political positions, including governor of Virginia and U.S. ambassador to France and England. His presidency was marked by a period of relative peace and prosperity, often referred to as the “Era of Good Feelings.” After leaving the White House, Monroe retired to his estate in Virginia, where he lived out his later years. 

As the 43rd president of the United States, George W. Bush served two terms from 2001 to 2009. Raised in Texas by a prominent family, Bush had a background in business before entering politics, much like his accomplished father, George H. W. Bush. Before becoming president, he served as governor of Texas and built a reputation for being approachable and down-to-earth. But during his presidency, Bush faced some of the most challenging moments in U.S. history. He left office in 2009 and shifted his focus to art and writing, which gave him new ways of engaging with the public. 

John Tyler was the 10th president of the United States, taking office in 1841 after the sudden passing away of William Henry Harrison. He was born in Virginia and worked as a state legislator, governor, and later as vice president before unexpectedly stepping into the presidency. His time in office was marked by his steady leadership during a period of political upheaval, but Tyler was also known for his firm beliefs and independent stance. After leaving the White House, Tyler retired to his Virginia estate, where he lived out the rest of his days. 

Franklin Delano Roosevelt, also known as FDR, was the 32nd president of the United States and served a incredible four terms between the years of 1933 to 1945. Born into a wealthy family in New York, Roosevelt had a privileged upbringing, which naturally gave him a leg up in his political career. Before becoming president, he served as governor of New York and was known for his steady determination, even after being struck by an illness which left him partially paralyzed. After his time in office, he left behind a legacy of leadership, though his personal life remained relatively private. 

Barack Obama was the 44th president of the United States and served two terms from 2009 to 2017. He made history as the first African American president of the United States, having been born in Hawaii, and worked as a community organizer, lawyer, and professor before entering into his political career. He is celebrated for his ability to inspire people across the country, and since leaving office he has shifted his focus to writing, public speaking, and running the Obama Foundation. 

Herbert Hoover served from 1929 to 1933 as the 31st president of the United States. He was born in Iowa, and had a diverse career before entering politics. Having worked as an engineer, businessman, and humanitarian, he earned himself a reputation as a problem-solver both before and during his presidency. Throughout his term he faced serious economic challenges, however he is remembered for his steadfast involvement in the public sector. After leaving office in 1933, he remained active in various global and philanthropic projects. 

Lyndon B. Johnson, the 36th president of the United States, served from 1963 to 1969 after taking office following the assassination of John F. Kennedy. He had humble beginnings and worked his way up in politics, starting his working life as a teacher before eventually moving on to public service. He was famous for having a strong work ethic, having become a skilled negotiator and a driving force behind many significant legal changes. After leaving office, Johnson retired to his Texas ranch, where he enjoyed spending time with his family and reconnecting with his roots. 

John F. Kennedy served as the 35th president of the United States from 1961 until his assassination only two years later. He was born into the prominent Kennedy family, where his charisma and charm made him a beloved figure both in the family home as well as for the American public. He served as a senator and congressman before becoming president, with his military service during the second world war earning him a reputation for bravery and leadership. As president, Kennedy was known for his impactful speeches and optimistic vision for the future, including his push to land a man on the moon. 

James Madison was the 4th president of the United States, serving between the years 1809 and 1817. He is often affectionately regarded as the “Father of the Constitution” for his incredibly crucial role in drafting and promoting the U.S. Constitution and the Bill of Rights. He was known for having a sharp mind and a calm demeanor, qualities that helped him shape the foundational principles of the nation we know today. Before stepping into the presidency, he served as secretary of state under Thomas Jefferson, where he played a key role. During his time in office, Madison navigated the challenges of the War of 1812. Outside of his political achievements, Madison was a dedicated scholar with an interest in philosophy. 

Bill Clinton is one of the most recognizable figures in modern politics, having served from 1993 to 2001 as the 42nd president of the United States. Born and raised in Arkansas, Clinton worked his way up through public service, starting as the governor of his home state. He’s known for his charm and charisma, which opened doors and allowed him to connect with the right people at the right time. During his term, he focused on economic growth and job creation. But after leaving the White House, Clinton remained active with public speaking and charitable work through the Clinton Foundation. 

Andrew Jackson was the 7th president of the United States, serving between the years 1829 to 1837. He was born into humble origins in the Carolinas, hcaing come from a farming family before rising to fame as a war hero during the War of 1812. Before he became president, he worked as a lawyer and served in the House of Representatives as well as the Senate. Jackson was known at the time for his fiery personality as well as his deep-seated connection with ordinary folk, and he left a lasting impression on the country. 

Theodore Roosevelt, the 26th president of the United States, is remembered as one of the most dynamic leaders in American history. Born into a wealthy family in New York, Roosevelt didn’t let his privileged upbringing stop him from making a name for himself through his own hard work. He was known for having boundless energy and an adventurous spirit, enjoying life as a rancher, soldier, and author before entering into politics. As president, he was well-known for his conservation efforts. 

Thomas Jefferson, the 3rd president of the United States, served from 1801 to 1809 and is best remembered as the main author of the Declaration of Independence. Jefferson was a man of many talents – he was an inventor, architect, and an avid reader who founded the University of Virginia once he had completed his term as president. Before becoming the president, he served as governor of Virginia, secretary of state, and vice president. Jefferson’s famous home, Monticello, reflected his unqiue love of grand design and innovation, but managing the estate contributed to his lifelong financial struggles. 

George Washington was the 1st ever president of the United States, serving from 1789 to 1797. Unsuprisingly, he is referred to as the “Father of the Nation,” having worked his way up to becoming a successful military leader. Washington’s leadership and strong, steady character made him the best choice as the country’s first president, and he naturally set many precedents during his term. He is often regarded as having been a man that was not driven by finance or ambition for power, and he eventually stepped down from the presidency after two terms. 

Donald J. Trump, the 45th and 47th president of the United States, first served between the years 2017 to 2021. He was born and raised in Queens, New York, making a name for himself in the business world, especially in real estate. Known for his larger-than-life personality and strong media presence, he quickly became a well-known figure, both before and during his presidency. After his firs term in the White House, Trump returned to his business ventures and continued to stay in the public eye, before winning the 2024 presidential election once more.