http://www.foxbusiness.com/story/markets/fed-average-net-worth--recession-began/ The Fed said the average net worth of American households plunged 22.7% since the recession began in December 2007 through October, when the report was prepared. The median net worth, or the midpoint between the wealthiest and poorest, fell 17.8%. The recession started in December of 07. That is classic. It was months before then.