Every President Ranked from Poorest to Richest

Before becoming president, McKinley worked as a lawyer and served in Congress for many years. He wasn’t wealthy but earned a comfortable living through his legal work and public service. His reputation for honesty and modesty carried into his personal life—he owned a nice home but avoided extravagance.

After taking office, McKinley lived on his presidential salary and modest savings. He never sought to build wealth through business or investments. When he was assassinated in 1901, his estate was small but stable, leaving his wife Ida financially secure for the rest of her life.