Forbes 400 List of America's Richest People, Broken Down By Demographics

(Sept. 23) -- A billi? That's right, a cool billion dollars was the minimum amount for securing a spot on this year's Forbes 400 list of the wealthiest Americans (which unfortunately did not include the originator of the phrase "billi," rapper Jay-Z, although he did get the coveted spot on the magazine's cover, alongside Berkshire Hathaway CEO Warren Buffett).

Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates -- who along with 40 other billionaires has pledged to donate a significant portion of his fortune to charity via The Giving Pledge -- topped the annual list with a net worth of $54 billion. Buffett, who judging by these featured discussions with Jay-Z may be getting into hip-hop, ranks No. 2 with $45 billion.

Brothers Charles and David Koch -- noted manufacturing and energy moguls and recent subjects of a less-than-favorable New Yorker profile -- tied for No. 5 at an even $21.5 billion each.

The biggest winner this year was a young hotshot from Facebook named Mark Zuckerberg (heard of him?). The Facebook CEO saw his wealth rise an astounding 245 percent to $6.9 billion, the largest percentage increase on the list. One way to celebrate -- Zuckerberg plans to officially announce a $100 million donation to Newark, N.J.'s public school system on "Oprah" this Friday, coincidentally the same day that the heavily anticipated film "The Social Network" makes its debut.

Surge Desk knows you need more details. Here's our breakdown of the Forbes 400.

The Top 10:
Considering that the one-two combo of Gates and Buffett is the same as last year and six of the top 10 share two last names (four Waltons and two Kochs), the top 10 is arguably the least exciting bracket of the Forbes 400.

Age, unlike earnings, is just a number:
What is it about the young people and Facebook? Zuckerberg and his former Facebook colleague Dustin Moskovitz, both 26, make up a combined $8.3 billion ($6.9 billion belonging to Zuckerberg) and are the two youngest members of the Forbes 400. At the opposite end of the age spectrum, philanthropist David Rockefeller, grandson of the late Standard Oil founder John D. Rockefeller, tops the list at 95 with a net worth of $2.4 billion.

Gender:
Oprah Winfrey -- who ranked first in the recent Forbes Top-Earning Talking Heads list -- was one of 42 women to make the Forbes 400, slotted at No. 130 with $2.7 billion. Christy and Alice Walton along with 90-year-old Anne Cox Chambers make up the only three women in the top 20.

Location, location, location:
California is home to about 20 percent of the list with 83 of the top 400 holding residence in the Golden State. Holding rank at No. 2 is New York with 64 billionaires, followed by Texas, 45, and Florida, 26.

Business as usual?:
It's no surprise that tech industry leaders, hedge fund managers and real estate moguls make a solid showing on the Forbes 400. But what about the less conventional approach to amassing a fortune? Forrest, John, and Jacqueline Mars all made the list for their Mars Co. candy fortune. The Surge Desk award for most lactose-tolerant fortune goes to Denver's James Leprino, who owes his $2.6 billion to the cheese industry.

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