Forbes rich list topped by Bill Gates again at $81B

Microsoft founder Bill Gates is once again the richest man in America, worth nearly $81 billion according to financial magazine Forbes. 

Forbes released its 21st annual wealth ranking on Monday night, and it showed Gates stayed atop his throne, with his wealth increasing by $9 billion since last year.

The list of the 400 richest people was largely unchanged from last year, with the rich getting a lot richer, although each at roughly the same pace.

The combined wealth of those on the list rose 13 per cent to $2.29 trillion, helped by a stronger U.S. stock market.

Gates's net worth was put at $81 billion, up $9 billion from 2013.

Berkshire Hathaway founder Warren Buffett remained in second place at $67 billion. Oracle Corp. co-founder Larry Ellison also kept his No. 3 spot with $50 billion.

Brothers Charles and David Koch, co-owners of Koch Industries Inc., stay tied for fourth with $42 billion each.

There were 27 new members of the list, including WhatsApp co-founder Jan Koum in the 62nd spot. Facebook announced plans to buy the mobile messaging app for $19 billion in February.

The biggest gainer is Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg, No. 11, whose net worth grew $15 billion since last year to $34 billion.

The net worth of America's wealthiest people has risen in the years since the financial crisis, widening the gap between the exceptionally well-to-do and the rest of the country. The average net worth of a Forbes 400 member is $5.7 billion, up from $5 billion last year.