Introduction to the World’s Richest People
The world’s richest individuals have achieved unprecedented levels of wealth, with a record number of billionaires featured on the 2025 World’s Billionaires List, according to Forbes. This year, 18 billionaires from Houston have made it onto the list, with Tilman Fertitta leading as the richest Houstonian.
Houston’s Richest Billionaires
Tilman Fertitta, 67, ranked No. 220 overall with an estimated net worth of $11.3 billion, which is a significant increase from his 2024 net worth of $9.4 billion. Fertitta owns the Houston Rockets and Texas-based hospitality and entertainment corporation Landry’s. He has also authored a book on business leadership and was recently nominated as the new United States ambassador to Italy by President Donald Trump.
Other Notable Houston Billionaires
Ranking 248th overall is oil and gas chairman Richard Kinder, with an estimated net worth of $10.6 billion, up from $8.1 billion in 2024. Kinder cofounded pipeline giant Kinder Morgan in 1997 and stepped down as CEO in 2015 but still retains his seat as chairman of the board.
New to the 2025 list is Perry Homes executive chair Kathy Britton, whose company has built over 65,000 homes across the U.S. Britton ranked No. 1408 with an estimated net worth of $2.6 billion. Mercedes-Benz mega-dealer Joe Agresti is another newcomer to the list, ranking No. 2790 with a net worth of $1.1 billion.
Additional Houston-Area Billionaires
14 additional Houston-area billionaires made Forbes’ 2025 world’s richest list, including:
- Houston pipeline heir Randa Duncan Williams: ranked No. 307 with an estimated net worth of $9.3 billion
- Houston oil tycoon Jeffery Hildebrand: ties for No. 411; $7.7 billion
- Toyota mega-dealer Dan Friedkin: ties for No. 411; $7.7 billion
- Houston Texans owner Janice McNair and family: No. 561, $6.2 billion
- Energy exploration chief exec George Bishop: No. 717, $5 billion
- Westlake Corporation co-owners Albert Chao, James Chao, and their families: tied for No. 902, $4 billion
- Hedge fund honcho John Arnold: No. 1266, $2.9 billion
- Houston Astros owner Jim Crane: No. 1513, $2.4 billion
- Former Houston Rockets owner Leslie Alexander: tied for No. 1850, $1.9 billion
- Frontier Airlines chairman William Franke: No. 2623, $1.2 billion
Texas Billionaires Beyond Houston
Elsewhere in Texas, Austin billionaire Elon Musk topped Forbes’ list as the world’s richest person in 2025, with a net worth of $342 billion. Musk is the first person to reach the $300 billion status, surpassing French luxury goods magnate Bernard Arnault.
In Dallas-Fort Worth, Walmart heiress Alice Walton became the wealthiest woman in the world in 2025, with a net worth of $101 billion, making her one of 15 individuals to claim 12-figure fortunes.
Conclusion
The 2025 World’s Billionaires List highlights the increasing wealth and influence of the world’s richest individuals, with 18 Houston billionaires and other Texas billionaires making significant appearances on the list. As the global economy continues to evolve, it will be interesting to see how these billionaires adapt and grow their wealth in the coming years.
