According to Forbes, Alice Walton is the wealthiest woman in the United States in 2025, with a staggering net worth of $100.1 billion. As the daughter of Walmart founder Sam Walton, Alice has not only inherited a vast fortune but has also played a significant role in shaping her family’s legacy. Her wealth has remarkably increased over the past year, solidifying her position at the top of America’s female billionaires list.
Alice Walton: A Profile of Wealth and Influence
Born on October 7, 1949, in Newport, Arkansas, Alice Walton’s journey to becoming America’s richest woman is a tale of inherited wealth and personal achievement. After graduating from Trinity University with a degree in economics and finance, she embarked on a career that would eventually lead her back to the family business. Today, Alice owns a 0.30% stake in Walmart, which forms the cornerstone of her vast fortune.
- Her ownership is primarily indirect through family-holding companies
- The Walton family as a whole owns 47.9% of Walmart
- Specifically, Walton Enterprises (the family holding company) owns 37.2% of Walmart’s shares
- The Walton Family Holdings Trust owns an additional 9.9% of the shares
Beyond her role as a Walmart heiress, Alice has made a name for herself as a philanthropist and art enthusiast. Her most notable contribution to the art world is the Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art, which she founded in 2011 in Bentonville, Arkansas. This museum showcases her passion for art and commitment to making it accessible.
Historical Context: Women in Wealth Rankings
The landscape of wealth distribution among women has evolved significantly over the years. After losing the title for several years, Alice Walton regained it in 2024 after being surpassed in 2020 by Françoise Bettencourt Meyers, the L’Oréal heiress.
These rankings shifts highlight the dynamic nature of global wealth and the increasing presence of women at the top of financial hierarchies. Women are now regularly featured in discussions of the world’s wealthiest individuals, like Mackenzie Scott (Jeff Bezos‘ ex-wife), which marks a significant change from past decades.
The Forbes 400: Overview of Female Billionaires
At the beginning of 2025, Alice Walton ranks as the 17th-richest person in the world. The Forbes 400 list catalogs America’s wealthiest individuals and has seen increased female representation. In 2024, 67 women appeared on the list, accounting for 17% of the total and holding a combined wealth of $839 billion.
This growth in female billionaires reflects broader trends in business and inheritance patterns. While many of these women, like Alice Walton, have inherited their wealth, an increasing number are self-made female billionaires, particularly in the tech and finance sectors.
Key Factors Contributing to Walton’s Wealth
The surge in Alice Walton’s wealth can be attributed to several factors, chief among them being the impressive performance of Walmart stock. In 2024, Walmart shares saw a 72% increase, driving Walton’s net worth up by $35 billion versus 2024. This growth was underpinned by Walmart’s strong financial performance, with the company reporting a 4.7% increase in revenues to $169 billion in Q2 2025.
Walmart’s market capitalization has also played a crucial role in Walton’s wealth accumulation. As the company continues to adapt to changing retail landscapes and expand its e-commerce presence, its value proposition to investors remains strong, directly impacting the wealth of its major shareholders like Alice Walton.
Comparing the Richest Women: Walton vs. Julia Koch
While Alice Walton is the wealthiest woman in the United States, her wealth is comparable to that of Julia Koch, the second-richest woman in the country. According to Bloomberg, as of January 2025, Walton’s fortune exceeded Koch’s by approximately $36 billion. Julia Koch inherited her wealth from her late husband, David Koch, co-owner of Koch Industries.
This comparison underscores the significant gap between the top female billionaires and highlights the concentration of wealth among a select few individuals and families in the United States.
Self-Made vs. Inherited Wealth: A Gender Perspective
The debate between self-made and inherited wealth takes on a unique dimension when viewed through gender. While Alice Walton inherited her initial wealth, she has played an active role in growing and managing her fortune. Her philanthropy and involvement in her art collection have added complexity to her financial profile.
In contrast, many women are joining the billionaire ranks through their business ventures and investments. This shift reflects changing societal norms and increased opportunities for women in business and entrepreneurship.
Philanthropic Efforts and Contributions
Alice Walton’s philanthropic endeavors are as notable as her wealth. She has contributed over $5 billion to charitable foundations, demonstrating a commitment to giving back to society. Her Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art, founded in 2011, is a testament to her dedication to cultural enrichment and education.
In addition to her art-focused philanthropy, Walton has established the Art Bridges Foundation, which has invested $377 million in acquiring and loaning American art to over 230 museums across the United States. Her commitment to healthcare is evident in the upcoming Alice L. Walton School of Medicine, set to open its doors to its inaugural class in 2025.
Future Prospects: The Rise of Female Billionaires
Alice Walton’s wealth has grown to the point that she has joined the exclusive “centibillionaires” club, which includes figures like Elon Musk and Bill Gates. This highlights the increasing potential for women to reach the uppermost echelons of global wealth.
The trend of rising female billionaires will likely drive successful entrepreneurship and increase representation in high-level corporate positions. As more women break into traditionally male-dominated industries and succeed in scaling their businesses, the landscape of wealth distribution is expected to become more diverse.
The Evolving Landscape of Women’s Wealth in America
Alice Walton’s position as the richest woman in the United States in 2025 is more than just a personal achievement; it reflects broader changes in the American economic landscape. Her story, combining inherited wealth with personal initiative in philanthropy and art, exemplifies the complex nature of modern billionaire wealth.
The increasing presence of women among America’s ultra-wealthy signals a shift towards greater gender diversity in the highest economic echelons. While inherited wealth still plays a significant role, the rise of self-made female billionaires indicates expanding opportunities and changing societal norms.
Women’s wealth in America is not just about individual fortunes; it’s about the changing face of power, influence, and opportunity in the 21st century. As more women join the ranks of the ultra-wealthy, their impact on business, philanthropy, and society at large is likely to grow, potentially reshaping the economic and social fabric of the nation.