The States with the Highest Average Income in the U.S.
- Author: Miguel Waters
- Posted: 2025-08-26
Not all states in the U.S. have the same level of wealth. According to the latest data from the Federal Reserve, the median annual household income in the country is $80,610. This number has gone up a little compared to last year.
However, some states have much higher average incomes, thanks to strong job markets and growing economies. Surprisingly, California and New York—though known as financial centers—do not lead in average income.
Median household income is a good way to see how well typical families are doing, not just the super-rich. Here are the top 10 states where residents earn the most:
Top 10 States by Household Income
- Massachusetts
- Average household income: $106,500
- Median net worth: $308,400
- State GDP: $780.7 billion
- Note: High cost of living balances out some of its wealth.
- Maryland
- Average household income: $102,000
- Median net worth: $304,600
- State GDP: $542.7 billion
- Key industries: Government and healthcare.
- Utah
- Average household income: $101,200
- Median net worth: $305,600
- State GDP: $300.9 billion
- Reason: Rapidly growing tech industry.
- New Hampshire
- Average household income: $98,780
- Median net worth: $190,200
- State GDP: $121.2 billion
- Alaska
- Average household income: $98,190
- Median net worth: Not specified
- State GDP: About $70 billion
- Note: Higher cost of living affects overall wealth.
- Hawaii
- Average household income: $97,360
- Median net worth: $472,600 (highest in the country)
- Note: Highest cost of living reduces spending power.
- Colorado
- Average household income: $96,640
- Median net worth: $283,700
- State GDP: $553.3 billion
- Virginia
- Average household income: $96,490
- Median net worth: Close to $200,000
- State GDP: $764.5 billion
- Washington
- Average household income: $93,440
- Median net worth: $375,100
- State GDP: $854.7 billion
- Connecticut
- Average household income: $92,240
- Median net worth: $194,400
- State GDP: $365.7 billion
Conclusion
These rankings show where wealth is most concentrated across the country. Traditional economic giants like California and New York are not at the top.
Instead, states such as Massachusetts, Maryland, and Utah lead with strong local economies and higher household incomes.
Residents in these states enjoy a better average income compared to the national median, although high costs of living in some areas can limit how far their money goes.
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