Employ
Recruit
Key Takeaways
- Massachusetts leads with a median household income of $99,858, driven by tech, finance, healthcare, and top universities.
- New Jersey follows at $99,781, benefiting from its financial sector and proximity to New York City.
- Maryland ranks third at $98,678, with federal government and defense contracting boosting wages.
- New Hampshire places fourth at $96,838, supported by low unemployment and strong manufacturing and tech wages.
- Mississippi and West Virginia rank lowest in median household income, affected by high poverty rates and a declining workforce.
- California’s high household incomes are overshadowed by the steep cost of living, making it a mixed bag for residents.
- The gap between states with the highest and lowest incomes reflects broader economic disparities across the U.S.
A new study has revealed the stark differences in household incomes from state to state. From the tech hubs of Massachusetts to the more economically challenged regions in the South, this data gives us a deeper look at where Americans are earning the most and the least.
The study, conducted by RemotePeople, used data from public U.S. sources, analyzed median household incomes in each state to identify where earnings are highest and lowest.
1
Massachusetts
Topping the list is Massachusetts, with a median household income of $99,858. The state’s success is fueled by the thriving tech, finance, and healthcare industries in the Boston metropolitan region, as well as the concentration of prestigious universities and research institutions. It’s no wonder this state’s residents are reaping the rewards.
2
New Jersey
Next up is New Jersey, where the median income comes in just shy of Massachusetts at $99,781. New Jersey’s proximity to New York City, along with its strong pharmaceutical and financial sectors, puts it firmly in the high-income bracket.
3
Maryland
Maryland ranks third with a median household income of $98,678. The state benefits from its proximity to Washington DC and the associated presence of the federal government and defense contracting industries, which continue to offer competitive wages for workers.
4
New Hampshire
New Hampshire is fourth at $96,838, supported by low unemployment and high wages in manufacturing and technology.
5
California
California comes next at $95,521, fueled by Silicon Valley, Hollywood and the entertainment industry, but offset by steep housing costs.
6
Hawaii
Hawaii follows at $95,322. The state’s economy thrives on tourism, government spending, and military expenditure, though residents also have to contend with the nation’s highest housing costs.
7
Washington
Washington state ranks 7th with a median household income of $94,605, supported by the presence of major corporations in technology and retail sectors, such as Microsoft and Amazon. The state’s focus on clean energy and aerospace also contributes to its economic prosperity.
8
Utah
With a median household income of $93,421, Utah benefits from a diversified economy that includes technology, mining, and tourism. The state’s emphasis on education and a young, growing population further bolster its economic standing.
9
Colorado
Colorado’s median household income is $92,911, driven by industries such as aerospace, technology, and agriculture. The state’s natural beauty also supports a robust tourism sector, contributing to overall economic health.
10
Connecticut
Connecticut has a median household income of $91,665. Historically a leader in finance and insurance industries, the state benefits from its proximity to major markets like New York City, though it faces challenges related to economic growth and income inequality
States with the lowest median household income
Mississippi
On the other end of the spectrum, Mississippi ranks last with a median household income of $54,203. While the state boasts a lower cost of living, the absence of high-wage industries and a high poverty rate leave many families struggling to make ends meet.
West Virginia
West Virginia, ranked 49th, follows closely behind with a median income of $55,948. Once a coal-driven economy, West Virginia has faced challenges with a declining workforce and a lack of diverse, high-paying industries. These factors contribute to some of the lowest wages in the country.
Louisiana
Louisiana, with a median household income of $58,229, struggles with poverty and income inequality. While energy and tourism contribute to the state’s economy, these sectors don’t provide the widespread wage growth seen in other regions.
Complete List of U.S. States with the Highest and Lowest Median Household Incomes
Full list of the highest and lowest median household income in each U.S. state:
| Highest and Lowest Median Household Income in the U.S. | ||
|---|---|---|
| Rank | State | Median Household Income ($) |
| 1 | Massachusetts | 99,858 |
| 2 | New Jersey | 99,781 |
| 3 | Maryland | 98,678 |
| 4 | New Hampshire | 96,838 |
| 5 | California | 95,521 |
| 6 | Hawaii | 95,322 |
| 7 | Washington | 94,605 |
| 8 | Utah | 93,421 |
| 9 | Colorado | 92,911 |
| 10 | Connecticut | 91,665 |
| 11 | Virginia | 89,931 |
| 12 | Alaska | 86,631 |
| 13 | Minnesota | 85,086 |
| 14 | Rhode Island | 84,972 |
| 15 | New York | 82,095 |
| 16 | Delaware | 81,361 |
| 17 | Vermont | 81,211 |
| 18 | Illinois | 80,306 |
| 19 | Oregon | 80,160 |
| 20 | Arizona | 77,315 |
| 21 | North Dakota | 76,525 |
| 22 | Nevada | 76,364 |
| 23 | Texas | 75,780 |
| 24 | Idaho | 74,942 |
| 25 | Georgia | 74,632 |
| 26 | Wisconsin | 74,631 |
| 27 | Nebraska | 74,590 |
| 28 | Pennsylvania | 73,824 |
| 29 | Maine | 73,733 |
| 30 | Florida | 73,311 |
| 31 | Wyoming | 72,415 |
| 32 | South Dakota | 71,810 |
| 33 | Iowa | 71,433 |
| 34 | Montana | 70,804 |
| 35 | North Carolina | 70,804 |
| 36 | Kansas | 70,333 |
| 37 | Indiana | 69,477 |
| 38 | Michigan | 69,183 |
| 39 | Missouri | 68,545 |
| 40 | South Carolina | 67,804 |
| 41 | Ohio | 67,769 |
| 42 | Tennessee | 67,631 |
| 43 | New Mexico | 62,268 |
| 44 | Alabama | 62,212 |
| 45 | Oklahoma | 62,138 |
| 46 | Kentucky | 61,118 |
| 47 | Arkansas | 58,700 |
| 48 | Louisiana | 58,229 |
| 49 | West Virginia | 55,948 |
| 50 | Mississippi | 54,203 |