We’ve researched a broad selection of data to put together this list, from the highest median household income to the state’s GDP per capita, as well as considering data on poverty and education.
The richest states have earned their wealth from a diverse range of industries, with agriculture, manufacturing, and high technology all playing a role in how these places have evolved over time.
The 10 Richest States in the USA
Our ranked lists are created by researching and rounding up information from the most reputable web sources.
Here’s our list of the 10 richest states in the USA:
1. New York
GDP per Capita: $117,332
The fourth most populous state in the country, and the richest state based on median household income and GDP per capita, is New York, home to some of the richest people in the world, from high-profile celebrities to billionaire hedge fund managers.
New York has dozens of higher education institutions, with many in its population holding bachelor’s degrees and forming much of the workforce on Wall Street, media and entertainment, and New York’s tech sector.
Numerous digital media companies are based in New York City’s Silicon Alley, including Squarespace, Spotify, and Behance while leading hardware technology firms such as IBM, Huawei, and LG Electronics add to the state’s diverse workforce.
As you’d expect, the iconic New York City (known affectionately as “The Big Apple”) is a hugely popular tourist destination, its iconic skyscrapers and other attractions bringing in millions of visitors each year.
While New York is the richest state in the country, with among the highest median household income, this doesn’t translate to the lowest poverty rates, which have consistently soared above the national average.