P
Pulsafi

Americans Without an Emergency Fund (2026)

59%
Percent of Americans without 3 months of expenses saved
Summary

Approximately 59% of US adults could not cover three months of expenses from savings in 2026. 27% have no emergency savings whatsoever. The shortfall is most acute among households earning under $50K, where 78% lack a 3-month buffer. Median emergency-fund-equivalent savings is just $2,500.

Breakdown

No 3-month buffer59%
Zero emergency savings27%
Under $50K: no buffer78%
$100K+: no buffer39%
Median emergency savings$2,500
Source
Bankrate Emergency Savings Survey· As of 2026-Q1

Related stats

Americans Living Paycheck to PaycheckAverage Savings Account Balance by Age

More net worth stats

Median US Household Net WorthTop 1% Net Worth ThresholdAverage Savings Account Balance by AgeAmericans Living Paycheck to PaycheckRenters vs Homeowners Net WorthAverage Monthly Spending Per Household
All Pulsafi stats are sourced from primary government data and major financial institutions. Read the full methodology and data-sources page.