The Highest Income States

The data highlights significant variations in median household income across the United States, offering insights into economic disparities between states. The District of Columbia (DC), while not a state, stands out with the highest median household income at $101,722. This reflects its unique economic environment, heavily influenced by federal government employment and a concentration of high-paying jobs in sectors like law, lobbying, and consulting. However, DC’s status as a federal district rather than a state should be noted when interpreting its position in this analysis.

Among the states, Maryland and Massachusetts rank highly, with median household incomes exceeding $90,000, indicative of strong economies, access to education, and industries like technology, healthcare, and finance.

On the other end of the spectrum, Mississippi has the lowest median household income at $52,985, followed closely by West Virginia and Arkansas, both below $60,000. These figures reflect challenges such as lower levels of industrial diversification and limited access to high-paying jobs in these regions.

The average median household income across all states is approximately $74,805, with the majority of states falling within the $60,000 to $80,000 range. This data underscores the economic differences across the country, showing a broad range of household incomes shaped by regional factors like industry presence, workforce education, and access to opportunities.