the future of
black prosperity
depends on
how clearly we
see the present

Sharpen the view

the prosperity resolution

We are building a public benefit that turns broad economic data into actionable insights for consumers, researchers, corporate decision-makers, advocates, and investors.

BLURRY

SHARP

Economic prosperity assessment

The Economic Prosperity Assessment is an educational tool that provides a quick snapshot of where you sit on the Black Hierarchy of Needs — from economic survival to generational wealth — using your household income, debt, savings, and access to ownership as the lens.

Use this tool to understand your tier, get focused next steps, and add your story to a bigger effort to protect and grow Black prosperity — starting from exactly where you are today.

Generational wealth

Passing wealth and institutions across generations.
Typical Household Wealth: $1M+
Estimated 1-2% of Black Households

community Capital

Investing in and circulating dollars within community systems.
Typical Household Wealth: $100K-$999K
33.0% of Black Households vs. 65.9% white

Growth & Ownership

Building equity through homes, businesses, and assets.
Typical Household Wealth: $25K-$99K
16.8% of Black Households vs. 13.4% white

Security & Stability

Creating financial cushions and access to safe credit.
Typical Household Wealth: $5K-$24K
13.6% of Black Households vs. 7.1% white

economic Survival

Meeting basic needs while avoiding predatory systems
Typical Household Wealth: ≤ $4,999
36.5% of Black Households vs. 13.6% white

Household Wealth Source:
U.S. Census Bureau,
2022 Survey of Income and Program Participation

Economic Prosperity Assessment | Black Dollar Initiative

Economic Prosperity Assessment

A research-based self-assessment tool to help you understand your current economic position within the Black Hierarchy of Needs framework and identify practical steps for financial stability and growth.

How This Works Your tier and score are based on multiple factors: cash flow health, emergency preparedness, asset ownership, net worth, and debt management. We use U.S. Census wealth distribution data as context, but your individual assessment considers your complete financial picture.

Use estimates if you’re unsure. We do not connect to your financial accounts or pull credit data.

About You

These questions help us understand patterns and systemic disparities. They are used for research and to provide you with relevant comparative context. They do not affect your tier or prosperity score.
Used for geographic analysis only, not for scoring
Total number of people in your household (including yourself)

Financial Access

Access to safe, affordable banking and stable employment affect fees, risk exposure, and financial stability.

Income & Expenses

Enter typical monthly amounts. If income or expenses vary, use an average month.
Include wages, benefits, side income, child support, etc.
Housing, utilities, food, transport, insurance, minimum debt payments

Assets

Enter current estimated values. Leave at 0 if you don’t have that asset.
Cash you could access immediately for emergencies
Total value in 401k, IRA, pension, etc.
What you’d get if you sold your home today, minus remaining mortgage
Stocks, bonds, mutual funds in taxable brokerage accounts
What someone would pay to buy your business today (not including business debts)

Debt & Credit

Debt affects risk and financial flexibility. Enter total balances owed.
Total balance across all credit cards
Federal and private student loans combined
Auto loans, personal loans, medical debt, payday loans, etc.
Used to identify high-interest debt risks

Analyzing your financial position…

Your Prosperity Score

0
Survival
25
Stability
50
Growth
75
Community
100
Generational

Your Personalized Path Forward

    Your Next Milestone