The rich are getting richer, with the average net worth of the top 20 per cent of households jumping to $2.2 million in 2010, official figures show.

The latest Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) data shows the wealth of these households rose 15 per cent on a CPI-adjusted basis.

They made up 62 per cent of total household wealth, up from 59 per cent in 2004.

The net worth of the poorest 20 per cent of households rose just 4 per cent, to $32,000 per household.

They make up just 1 per cent of total household wealth, unchanged since 2004.

Average net worth in Queensland, South Australia and Tasmania were below the national average.

Homes were still the main asset, with 69 per cent of households either owning their home outright or with a mortgage.

One in five households owned a property other than their own home, such as a holiday home or rental property, while superannuation was the main financial asset, held by three-quarters of all households.

The average net worth of Australian households was $720,000 in 2009-10, an increase of 14 per cent.

Couples aged 55-64 without children living at home were the wealthiest group in Australia, with an average net worth of $1.3 million.

Those on pensions and allowances had the lowest net worth, and single parents were three times worse off than couples with children.