average us income per person by state
top U.S. states by average per capita personal income
01
Massachusetts
$93,927
02
Connecticut
$93,235
03
Wyoming
$85,945
04
New York
$85,733
05
California
$85,518
06
New Jersey
$84,071
07
Washington
$83,938
08
New Hampshire
$82,878
09
Colorado
$82,705
10
Algeria
$78,538
average personal income by state
| Rank | State | 2024 Per Capita Personal Income | 2023 | Change |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Massachusetts | $93,927 | $89,760 | 4.6% |
| 2 | Connecticut | $93,235 | $89,307 | 4.4% |
| 3 | Wyoming | $85,945 | $81,918 | 4.9% |
| 4 | New York | $85,733 | $81,630 | 5.0% |
| 5 | California | $85,518 | $80,771 | 5.9% |
| 6 | New Jersey | $84,071 | $81,325 | 3.4% |
| 7 | Washington | $83,938 | $80,472 | 4.3% |
| 8 | New Hampshire | $82,878 | $78,936 | 5.0% |
| 9 | Colorado | $82,705 | $79,746 | 3.7% |
| 10 | Maryland | $78,538 | $74,945 | 4.8% |
| 11 | Virginia | $77,093 | $73,681 | 4.6% |
| 12 | Alaska | $75,247 | $71,309 | 5.5% |
| 13 | Minnesota | $74,943 | $72,366 | 3.6% |
| 14 | Illinois | $74,197 | $71,716 | 3.5% |
| 15 | South Dakota | $73,959 | $72,546 | 1.9% |
| 16 | Nebraska | $71,859 | $71,006 | 1.2% |
| 17 | Pennsylvania | $71,148 | $68,649 | 3.6% |
| 18 | North Dakota | $70,966 | $71,574 | -0.8% |
| 19 | Oregon | $70,685 | $67,514 | 4.7% |
| 20 | Florida | $70,390 | $67,821 | 3.8% |
| 21 | Vermont | $70,086 | $66,803 | 4.9% |
| 22 | Rhode Island | $69,936 | $67,105 | 4.2% |
| 23 | Hawaii | $69,520 | $65,888 | 5.5% |
| 24 | Delaware | $69,282 | $66,557 | 4.1% |
| 25 | Nevada | $68,657 | $65,822 | 4.3% |
| 26 | Maine | $68,129 | $64,922 | 4.9% |
| 27 | Kansas | $68,038 | $65,869 | 3.3% |
| 28 | Texas | $67,942 | $65,768 | 3.3% |
| 29 | Montana | $67,615 | $65,075 | 3.9% |
| 30 | Wisconsin | $67,586 | $64,763 | 4.4% |
| 31 | Utah | $66,443 | $63,700 | 4.3% |
| 32 | Arizona | $64,456 | $62,194 | 3.6% |
| 33 | North Carolina | $64,855 | $61,579 | 5.3% |
| 34 | Tennessee | $64,908 | $62,039 | 4.6% |
| 35 | Missouri | $64,740 | $62,484 | 3.6% |
| 36 | Ohio | $64,225 | $61,297 | 4.8% |
| 37 | Indiana | $63,802 | $61,083 | 4.5% |
| 38 | Iowa | $63,573 | $62,557 | 1.6% |
| 39 | Michigan | $63,221 | $60,865 | 3.9% |
| 40 | Oklahoma | $62,661 | $60,395 | 3.8% |
| 41 | Georgia | $62,393 | $59,691 | 4.5% |
| 42 | Louisiana | $61,332 | $58,661 | 4.6% |
| 43 | Idaho | $61,836 | $59,192 | 4.5% |
| 44 | Arkansas | $59,663 | $57,603 | 3.6% |
| 45 | South Carolina | $59,995 | $57,180 | 4.9% |
| 46 | Kentucky | $57,526 | $55,063 | 4.5% |
| 47 | New Mexico | $57,652 | $55,166 | 4.5% |
| 48 | Alabama | $56,684 | $54,112 | 4.8% |
| 49 | West Virginia | $55,138 | $52,813 | 4.4% |
| 50 | Mississippi | $52,017 | $49,593 | 4.9% |
| Source : bea.gov Personal Income by US State | ||||
which state has highest average income per state in the us
Massachusetts With $93,927 Is highest average income per state in the us
Distribution of Annual Personal Income Across U.S. States
US States by Average Personal Income
Introduction
Personal income is an important measure for comparing the income received by residents across U.S. states. The U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA) defines personal income as income received by residents from sources including wages and salaries, proprietors’ income, dividends, interest, rents and government benefits.
For a state-by-state comparison, per capita personal income is particularly useful. It is calculated by dividing total personal income of a state’s residents by the state’s population. BEA reports this measure in current dollars, meaning the figures are not adjusted for differences in prices or cost of living.
This article ranks the 50 U.S. states by annual per capita personal income for 2024, using the latest annual state figures in the BEA’s published 2024 table. The 2024 figures were preliminary when originally released and may subsequently be revised.
2024 US Personal Income Ranking
The distribution of per capita personal income varies substantially among the states.
Massachusetts recorded $93,927 per resident, followed by Connecticut at $93,235. Wyoming, New York and California also exceeded $85,000 per resident.
At the other end of the table, Mississippi recorded $52,017, followed by West Virginia at $55,138 and Alabama at $56,684.
The U.S. average was $72,425.
States Above the National Average
The states with per capita personal income above the national figure included:
- Massachusetts
- Connecticut
- Wyoming
- New York
- California
- New Jersey
- Washington
- New Hampshire
- Colorado
- Maryland
- Virginia
- Alaska
- Minnesota
- Illinois
- South Dakota
Nebraska was slightly below the national average at $71,859, while Pennsylvania was at $71,148.
Top 10 States by Personal Income
The ten states with the highest 2024 per capita personal income were:
| Rank | State | Per Capita Personal Income |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Massachusetts | $93,927 |
| 2 | Connecticut | $93,235 |
| 3 | Wyoming | $85,945 |
| 4 | New York | $85,733 |
| 5 | California | $85,518 |
| 6 | New Jersey | $84,071 |
| 7 | Washington | $83,938 |
| 8 | New Hampshire | $82,878 |
| 9 | Colorado | $82,705 |
| 10 | Maryland | $78,538 |
These figures represent income per resident, not the average annual salary of employed workers.
States With the Lowest Personal Income
The bottom ten states by 2024 per capita personal income were:
| Rank | State | Per Capita Personal Income |
|---|---|---|
| 41 | Georgia | $62,393 |
| 42 | Louisiana | $61,332 |
| 43 | Idaho | $61,836 |
| 44 | Arkansas | $59,663 |
| 45 | South Carolina | $59,995 |
| 46 | Kentucky | $57,526 |
| 47 | New Mexico | $57,652 |
| 48 | Alabama | $56,684 |
| 49 | West Virginia | $55,138 |
| 50 | Mississippi | $52,017 |
The ordering here follows the actual BEA income values; the rank numbers identify each state’s position in the full 50-state table.
Personal Income by US Region
BEA groups the 50 states into eight regions. The 2024 regional averages show substantial geographic differences.
| BEA Region | 2024 Per Capita Personal Income |
|---|---|
| New England | $87,655 |
| Mideast | $80,717 |
| Far West | $82,686 |
| Rocky Mountain | $74,060 |
| Plains | $68,966 |
| Great Lakes | $67,032 |
| Southwest | $66,390 |
| Southeast | $65,084 |
The New England region had the highest regional per capita personal income at $87,655, while the Southeast had the lowest among the eight BEA regions at $65,084.
Massachusetts
Massachusetts had the highest 2024 per capita personal income among the 50 states, at $93,927.
The state’s economy includes major concentrations of education, healthcare, biotechnology, financial services, technology and professional services.
Its largest metropolitan area, Boston, is an important center for higher education, medicine, technology and finance.
Connecticut
Connecticut recorded $93,235 in 2024 per capita personal income.
The state has a diverse economy with important financial, insurance, manufacturing, healthcare and professional-service industries.
Its location within the New York–Boston economic corridor also contributes to its strong connection with major metropolitan markets.
Wyoming
Wyoming ranked third at $85,945 per resident.
Its relatively small population and natural-resource industries are important characteristics of its income profile.
Energy and mineral production, including oil, natural gas and coal, have historically played major roles in the state’s economy.
New York
New York recorded $85,733 per capita personal income.
The state has one of the largest and most diversified economies in the United States. Financial services, professional services, technology, healthcare, manufacturing, tourism and entertainment all contribute to its economic activity.
New York City is also one of the world’s major financial and business centers.
California
California recorded $85,518 per capita personal income in 2024.
Its economy includes technology, entertainment, agriculture, international trade, professional services, manufacturing and healthcare.
The state also has the largest population among the 50 states, making its total personal income considerably larger than its per-capita figure alone suggests.
New Jersey
New Jersey recorded $84,071 per capita personal income.
Its economy benefits from its location between New York City and Philadelphia and includes pharmaceutical, healthcare, financial, professional and technology industries.
Washington
Washington recorded $83,938 per capita personal income.
The state has important technology, aerospace, retail, manufacturing, agriculture and professional-service industries.
Seattle is the state’s principal metropolitan economic center.
New Hampshire
New Hampshire recorded $82,878 per capita personal income.
The state’s economy includes professional services, manufacturing, technology, healthcare, tourism and other services.
Colorado
Colorado recorded $82,705 per capita personal income.
Its economy has important technology, aerospace, professional services, energy, tourism and outdoor-recreation sectors.
Maryland
Maryland recorded $78,538 per capita personal income.
The state has major concentrations of government-related employment, professional services, healthcare, biotechnology and technology.
Its proximity to Washington, D.C., is also economically significant.
What Does Personal Income Include?
BEA personal income is broader than wages.
It includes income received from several sources, including:
- Wages and salaries
- Proprietors’ income
- Dividends
- Interest
- Rental income
- Government transfer receipts
Therefore, a state’s per capita personal income should not be interpreted as the typical worker’s salary.
Personal Income vs Average Salary
These terms are often confused.
Per Capita Personal Income
Per capita personal income measures the total personal income of residents divided by the population.
It includes income received from employment, businesses, investments, property and government transfers.
Average Salary
Average salary generally focuses on compensation from employment.
It does not necessarily include all sources of personal income.
Median Household Income
Median household income measures the midpoint of household incomes, with half of households above and half below the median.
It is therefore different from per capita personal income.
Why the Difference Matters
A state can have high per capita personal income without every worker earning a high salary. Investment income, retirement income, business income and government benefits can all affect the BEA measure.
Per Capita Personal Income Is Not Adjusted for Cost of Living
A major limitation of this ranking is that BEA reports personal income in current dollars.
The measure does not adjust for differences in the cost of housing, food, transportation, healthcare or other goods and services between states.
For example, $80,000 of personal income does not necessarily provide the same purchasing power in every state.
Therefore, this ranking should be treated as an income comparison, not a ranking of purchasing power or living standards.
Personal Income Growth in 2024
National personal income increased by 5.4% in 2024.
BEA reported that personal income increased in all 50 states and the District of Columbia during the year. Growth rates varied considerably between states.
North Carolina recorded the largest annual increase in personal income at 6.9%, while North Dakota recorded the smallest increase at 0.1%.
What Drives Personal Income Differences?
Differences among states can reflect many factors, including:
Industry Composition
States with large concentrations of high-paying industries can have higher per capita personal income.
Examples include:
- Finance
- Technology
- Professional services
- Biotechnology
- Energy
- Aerospace
Investment Income
Dividends, interest and rental income are included in personal income.
States with substantial investment income can therefore have higher per-capita figures even when wage levels alone would suggest a different result.
Business Income
Proprietors’ income is also included in personal income.
This means income generated by unincorporated businesses contributes to a state’s overall measure.
Government Transfers
Government benefits and other transfer receipts are also included in personal income.
BEA reported that transfer receipts increased nationally in 2024, contributing to overall personal-income growth.
Population Structure
Per capita figures are affected by the size and composition of a state’s population.
A state with substantial retirement income, for example, may have a different personal-income profile from a state dominated by younger workers.
States With Major Income Growth
The annual change in personal income varied substantially across the country in 2024.
BEA reported that:
- North Carolina had the largest increase at 6.9%
- South Carolina had the second-largest increase
- California had the third-largest increase
- North Dakota had the smallest increase at 0.1%
BEA attributed changes in personal income to a combination of earnings, transfer receipts and property income.
Personal Income and the US Economy
Personal income is an important regional economic indicator because it helps show how much income residents receive from different sources.
BEA statistics are used by:
- Federal agencies
- State governments
- Businesses
- Researchers
- Economists
- Regional planners
The data can help analyze economic conditions, consumer markets, tax revenues and regional development.
States by Personal Income: Key Data
The 2024 BEA data show a national per capita personal income of $72,425.
The highest state figure was $93,927 in Massachusetts, while the lowest was $52,017 in Mississippi. The difference between these two figures was approximately $41,910 per resident.
Several states in the Northeast and West recorded figures substantially above the national average, while many states in the Southeast recorded figures below it.
However, these differences should be interpreted alongside regional costs, employment structures, housing markets, population characteristics and other economic indicators.
Frequently Asked Questions
What state has the highest average personal income?
Using BEA’s 2024 per capita personal income measure, Massachusetts had the highest figure among the 50 states at $93,927.
What state has the lowest personal income?
Mississippi had the lowest 2024 per capita personal income among the 50 states at $52,017.
What is the average personal income in the United States?
The U.S. per capita personal income was $72,425 in 2024 according to BEA.
Is personal income the same as salary?
No. Personal income includes wages and salaries but also includes proprietors’ income, dividends, interest, rent and government transfer receipts.
Which state had the highest personal-income growth in 2024?
North Carolina had the largest increase in total personal income in 2024, at 6.9%.
Does per capita personal income account for cost of living?
No. BEA’s state personal-income figures are reported in current dollars and do not adjust for price differences between states.
What is the difference between personal income and household income?
Personal income is income received by individuals and is calculated on a per-person basis for this ranking. Household income combines the incomes of people living in a household. They are different economic measures.
Does personal income include government benefits?
Yes. Government transfer receipts are included in BEA’s personal-income measure.
Which U.S. region has the highest per capita personal income?
Among the eight BEA regions, New England had the highest 2024 per capita personal income at $87,655.
Conclusion
The 2024 U.S. state personal-income data show considerable differences in income per resident across the country. Massachusetts and Connecticut recorded the two highest state figures, while Mississippi and West Virginia were among the lowest.
The BEA measure provides a broad picture because it includes not only earnings from employment but also business income, dividends, interest, rents and government transfer receipts.
For that reason, per capita personal income should not be confused with average salary, median household income or purchasing power. Cost-of-living differences are also not reflected in the nominal figures.
For an accurate state-level income comparison, the BEA data provide a consistent nationwide framework covering all 50 states and allowing annual changes to be tracked over time.