The Net Worth of the American Presidents: Washington to Trump

Source: Hulton Archive / Getty Images

Abraham Lincoln
> Term: 1861-1865 (16th president)
> Peak net worth (in current dollars): < $1 million

Born in a log cabin, Lincoln served as an attorney for 17 years before his presidency. He also worked in manual labor and had a failed general store. He owned a single-family home in Springfield, Illinois.

Source: Hulton Archive / Getty Images

Andrew Johnson
> Term: 1865-1869 (17th president)
> Peak net worth (in current dollars): < $1 million

Johnson’s father was a tailor, and his wife was a shoemaker. He served the public for 20 years, including as Governor of Tennessee and U.S. Senator. Johnson owned a small house in Greeneville, Tennessee.

Source: Hulton Archive / Getty Images

Ulysses Simpson Grant
> Term: 1869-1877 (18th president)
> Peak net worth (in current dollars): < $1 million

Grant’s father was a tanner, and his wife was the daughter of a wealthy merchant. He lost his entire fortune when he was swindled by an investing partner. Grant owned a modest home in Galena, Illinois. Although he died with little money, his autobiography, published posthumously, kept his family afloat.

Source: National Archives / Newsmakers / Getty Images

Rutherford Birchard Hayes
> Term: 1877-1881 (19th president)
> Peak net worth (in current dollars): $3.0 million

Hayes’ father was a shopkeeper. Hayes was an attorney for 15 years and owned “Spiegel Grove,” a 10,000 square foot home that sat on 25 acres in Fremont, Ohio. Hayes also served as Governor of Ohio and was a member of the House.

Source: National Archives / Getty Images

James Abram Garfield
> Term: 1881-1881 (20th president)
> Peak net worth (in current dollars): < $1 million

Garfield was born in a log cabin in Ohio. He spent 18 years in the House of Representatives. Garfield owned “Lawnfield,” a home and small property in Mentor, Ohio. He was assassinated during the first year of his term and never amassed wealth.