Charles Koch
- Net worth $71.4 billion
- Birthday November 1, 1935
- Status Married
- Country United States
- Ethnicity English, Dutch, German/Frisian, Scottish
- Source(-s) of wealth Businessman, Philanthropist
How much is Charles Koch Worth? Charles Koch Net Worth in 2026
Charles Koch’s net worth is estimated at $71.4 billion as of October 2026. He is an American businessman who has led Koch Industries as chairman and CEO since becoming its president in 1967, growing it into the largest privately held company in the United States by revenue.
| Net worth | $71.4 billion (October 2026 estimate) |
|---|---|
| Estimated annual income | Mainly ownership of Koch Industries, a privately held company; no reliable annual figure is available |
| Born | November 1, 1935, Wichita, Kansas (age 90) |
| Country | United States |
| Occupations and sources of wealth | Businessman, author, philanthropist |
| Known for | Leading Koch Industries, the largest privately held company in the United States by revenue |
How Charles Koch built it
- Joined the family firm. He joined his father's company in 1961 and became president in 1967, renaming it Koch Industries.
- Kept the business private. Koch Industries grew into the largest privately held company in the US by revenue.
- Spread across industries. Its businesses span refining, chemicals, materials and brands like Stainmaster, Lycra and Quilted Northern.
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Get the Alux appHow much is Charles Koch worth in 2026?
Charles Koch’s net worth is estimated at $71.4 billion. Almost all of it comes from his ownership stake in Koch Industries, a privately held company with operations in refining, chemicals, materials and consumer products. Because the company is private, estimates vary, and this figure is an approximation.
Charles Koch in 2026: what they’ve been up to
- 2025: Estimated at about $71.4 billion in May, among the 25 richest people in the world.
- 2026: Continues as chairman and CEO of Koch Industries at age 90.
- Ongoing: Funds university programs and research institutes, including gifts to Wichita State University.
- Books: His latest listed book, Believe in People, was published in 2020.
How Charles Koch makes money
- Koch Industries ownership: The core of his wealth, a stake in the private conglomerate that he and his brother David each held at 42% in the 2010s.
- Consumer brands: Koch businesses include Stainmaster carpet, Lycra spandex fiber, Quilted Northern tissue and Dixie cups.
- Investments and holdings: Directorships and stakes tied to resin, fiber and paper businesses.
- Books: Four business books, with modest income relative to his other holdings.
Career timeline
- 1957 to 1959: Earned a bachelor’s degree in general engineering and two master’s degrees at MIT.
- 1961: Joined his father’s company, Rock Island Oil & Refining Company, after working at Arthur D. Little.
- 1967: Became president and renamed the firm Koch Industries.
- 1977: Co-founded the Cato Institute.
- 1983: Bought out his brothers Frederick and Bill’s stakes for $1.1 billion.
- 2005: Founded the Market-Based Management Institute.
- 2006: Koch Industries revenue reached about $90 billion; published Market Based Management.
- 2007: Published The Science of Success.
- 2015: Published Good Profit.
- 2020: Published Believe in People.
Early life and background
Charles Koch was born on November 1, 1935, in Wichita, Kansas, one of four sons of Fred Chase Koch and Clementine Mary Koch. His grandfather Harry Koch, a Dutch immigrant, founded the Quanah Tribune-Chief newspaper and was a founding shareholder of a Texas railway. Growing up, he was expected to work as though the family had little money.
He studied at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, earning a bachelor’s degree in general engineering and master’s degrees in nuclear engineering and chemical engineering, and joined the Beta Theta Pi fraternity. After a few years at the consultancy Arthur D. Little, he returned to Wichita to join his father’s oil company.
Personal life
Koch is married to Elizabeth Koch, who founded the Koch Cultural Trust, which has supported artists and arts projects. He still lives in Kansas.
Charles Koch net worth FAQ
What is Charles Koch’s net worth?
Charles Koch’s net worth is estimated at $71.4 billion as of October 2026. Estimates vary because Koch Industries is private.
How does Charles Koch make money?
Mainly through his ownership of Koch Industries, which spans refining, chemicals, materials and consumer brands.
How old is Charles Koch?
Charles Koch was born on November 1, 1935, and is 90 years old.
Where is Charles Koch from?
He was born in Wichita, Kansas, and still lives there.
What is Charles Koch doing now?
He remains chairman and CEO of Koch Industries and continues to fund educational and research programs.
How is Charles Koch’s net worth estimated?
It is estimated from Koch Industries’ revenue, comparable company valuations and his ownership stake, and is approximate.
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How we estimate net worth
Our estimates are based on public reporting, company valuations, and deal and earnings figures all compiled in an internal valuation model. They are approximate, and figures change over time as new information emerges.
Last updated: October 2026.