Per Capita Income By State

The measure of any country's economic success is often signified by its per capita income. How much the average person in that nation earns annually provides a clear snapshot of its economy, prevailing wages, wealth distribution, and the standard of living that the populace enjoys. It's imperative to note that per capita income counts every adult and child, regardless of their employment status. As such, it provides a broader yet equally critical perspective on economic performance, quite distinct from other measures like median household income.

States in the U.S. exhibit significant disparity in per capita income, heavily influenced by factors such as educational attainment and economic conditions, both of which can vary drastically from one area to another.

• Among all, Connecticut leads the pack with its residents earning an average annual income of $84,972. Massachusetts follows a close second at $84,945, demonstrating one of the tightest races for the top position.
• On the other end of the spectrum, Mississippi has the lowest per capita income at $46,248, significantly lower than the national average.
• States in the east (Connecticut, Massachusetts, New Jersey, and New York) and west coast states like California and Washington generally exhibit higher per capita incomes. This could be due to higher densities of well-paying industries such as technology and finance in these regions.
• In contrast, southern states like West Virginia, Alabama, and Mississippi have lower per capita incomes, which may be attributed to varying economic conditions and diverse industrial landscapes.