Tamara Gustavson Named Kentucky's Only Forbes 400 Billionaire

The Public Storage shareholder remains the sole resident of Kentucky to make the annual Forbes 400 list.

Updated on Oct. 13, 2026 in Public Companies

Tamara Gustavson Named Kentucky's Only Forbes 400 Billionaire

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Forbes has identified Tamara Gustavson as the only Kentuckian featured on the 2026 Forbes 400 list. Gustavson holds the distinction of being the state's only resident billionaire.

Why it matters

Her consistent presence on the list highlights the concentration of wealth held by major shareholders in national companies. Gustavson has appeared on this annual ranking of the wealthiest Americans every year since 2010.

As of October 12, 2026, Tamara Gustavson held a net worth of $8.8 billion and ranked as the 177th richest person globally. This figure marks a decline from her $9.1 billion valuation estimated in early September.

The players

Tamara Gustavson

She is the largest shareholder of Public Storage and a resident of Lexington, Kentucky.

Forbes

This global media company publishes an annual list of the 400 wealthiest individuals in America.

Public Storage

Founded in 1972, this company is a major national provider of self-storage units.

The details

Gustavson serves as the largest shareholder of Public Storage, the company co-founded in 1972, and co-owns the thoroughbred breeding farm Spendthrift in Lexington. She spent 20 years working at Public Storage starting in 1983 and has served on the board of trustees since 2008.

Public Storage was co-founded in 1972.
Gustavson began working with her father in 1983.
Gustavson joined the Public Storage board of trustees in 2008.
Gustavson began appearing on the Forbes 400 list in 2010.
Forbes estimated Gustavson's net worth at $8.8 billion on October 12, 2026.

Market Landscape

This report highlights the concentration of capital within long-standing corporate entities like Public Storage. It underscores how wealth derived from major shareholdings continues to anchor individuals on the national Forbes 400 list.

For residents of Lexington, this ranking serves as a benchmark for local wealth distribution statistics. It provides a unique window into the economic profile of the region's wealthiest private citizens.

The takeaway

Understanding the origins of wealth for top shareholders can provide perspective on national economic trends. Such rankings remain a primary data source for analyzing the fiscal standing of high-net-worth individuals in the United States.