Each American State Ranked by Wealth

Indiana is one of the most famous states in the US by name alone. Not only does it share a name with one of film’s most iconic characters (that being Indiana Jones), but it was also the birthplace of the King of Pop himself: Michael Jackson. Could this state be any cooler if it tried?! Besides these cultural touchstones, Indiana is also known for its vast and expansive landscapes, which lend themselves well to farming and agriculture. 

Mississippi takes us back in time with its stunning historical architecture and riverboat cruises. Aaah, that’s the life, isn’t it? Better yet, it has a thriving nature scene from farmers and views alike. Whether it’s the great Mississippi River or the subtle Magnolia Trees in springtime, there is always beautiful scenery to gaze upon. Its vast agricultural scene also provides everything the state needs to keep its scrumptious southern snacks in stock.

In terms of sheer size, Vermont ranks as one of the smallest states in the US. Despite this, you could say that the state has a big heart to make up for its lack of space. Indeed, the population of Vermont is equally small, but the state is still famed for its male syrup exports, as well as the Green Mountain range.  Perhaps due to its smaller size in comparison to most other states, farming and agriculture are not Vermont’s biggest industries.

Yet another southern sanctuary, Arkansas is famous for its natural treasures and picturesque scenery across its more than 50 state parks. Arkansas also has an ongoing history of meteorites landing across this state every year or so. Alongside its natural phenomena, this state is also famous for its historic modes of transport, including the Arkansas Air and Military Museum, as well as antique railway trains. With such sights to be seen in this small state, it’s no surprise that its top economic sectors include tourism, the service industry, and aircraft.

West Virginia’s country roads will lead you to all sorts of stunning landscapes. From the Appalachian Mountains to the Blackwater Falls, this state is known for its natural beauty. Alongside its scenery, West Virginia has a long history of coal mining since the early 1800s and has been a massive contributor to the state’s economic growth over the years. It’s no surprise that mining has remained the state’s biggest economic contributor over the last two centuries.

We have to start somewhere and the state that’s first on our list just so happens to be Michigan. Even if you’ve never visited the state, you have most certainly experienced one of their exports. Indeed, the capital city of Detroit – also called Motor City – is home to Ford, General Motors, and Stellantis. Besides its robust automotive industry, Michigan is also famed for its climate, which makes it ideal for growing cherries, and its extensive forests and coastlines, which also make it an important fishing hub.

A national history hub, this state is famous for its role in the Civil Rights Movement and the fight for racial equality. It has many historical sites to choose from, including Fort Morgan, which is home to many Civil War battlefields. The Fort Mitchell Historical Site showcases Native American culture and even became a significant site for space exploration. While the state itself is relatively poor, Alabama is investing in as many economic sectors as possible to boost its numbers.

South Carolina is like a beautiful Southern belle of a region. It’s known for its gorgeous landscapes, which encompass everything from forests to rivers and beaches. Like any good Southern belle, South Carolina has an endearing nickname – “the Palmetto State” – which it received due to the sheer amount of gorgeous palmetto trees. In addition to all of this, the state also has a rich history related to the Civil War, and to this day, it retains a strong sense of identity even if it ranks low in terms of wealth.

Idaho has gone by many names, each of which gives a hint as to the state’s unique significance in America’s past and present. The state is sometimes referred to as the “Gem State” due to the abundance of minerals in the region and the fact that every gem that can be mined has been found in Idaho. However, the state is also known for its potato crop, which comprises about a third of the total yield worldwide.

Food and great natural sightings seem to sum up the beauty of Kentucky perfectly. From its world-famous fried chicken to its bourbon whiskey, there are plenty of other state-wide cuisines to try. Alongside this is Kentucky’s fabulous natural scenery. With the Mississippi River on the southwest edge, the Ohio River across its northern border, and the Appalachian Mountains within the state, nothing is to be missed in Kentucky. While Kentucky ranks 28th in the US economic rankings, it is also the 37th-largest state in the country.

Oklahoma is rich in Native American history and has a large population of Native American residents. The Red Earth Festival is a prime example of the celebrations of Oklahoma’s diverse culture and is the perfect way to honor its Native heritage. In addition to its historical festival, this state is also home to some of the finest history, art, and even science museums in the US. While its roots lie in its cultural heritage, Oklahoma is well-versed in engineering, mining, and agriculture, as well as both historical and modern science, with a leading field in biotechnology. 

Officially nicknamed the “Land of Enchantment”, New Mexico is most well known for its breathtaking natural scenery, and it certainly does take its sitings for granted. Whether you’re exploring the Carlsbad Caverns, basking in the glorious hot springs, or just taking a scenic drive through the natural landscape, New Mexico provides a feast for the eyes. What’s more, it provides a feast for your stomach too! With its rich Hispanic heritage, visitors can indulge in fine Spanish cuisine all across the state.

Like Wyoming, Montana is perhaps best known for its unique and expansive geography. While it has no official nickname, you’ll often hear it referred to as the “Big Sky State,” and it’s not hard to see why. The vastness of the landscape is truly astonishing, which lends itself well to farmers and anyone wanting to live off the land. Of course, the state has good infrastructure, but it comes secondary to the agriculture at play.

Maine may as well be the “charming, small town” capital of the United States. The state is known for its beautiful and extensive coastline, dotted here and there by quaint villages and seaside towns. You can expect strong winds and salty air down in Maine, as well as the most delicious lobster you’ve ever tasted. This state also has the distinction of being featured in almost every single Stephen King story out there, so it’s developed quite a sinister reputation – which, in turn, has led to some great tourism opportunities.

Louisiana is a colorful state filled with cultural diversity and heritage. New Orleans is perhaps the most noteworthy city for its vibrant array of personality, parades, and delicious cuisine. Its rich history is captured in its museums, architecture, and soulful jazz music. The Mardi Gras parade is a key aspect of the booming tourism in this state. Don’t be fooled, though; while this state may have an intense history and brilliant personality, that doesn’t stop it from pursuing growth in the energy, agribusiness, and manufacturing sectors.

Along with Ohio, Missouri is kind of a catch-all state. Its biomes and climates are all varied and different enough to attract a large number of people for all kinds of different reasons. It’s a unique combination of Western charm and rich history. Perhaps most notably, Missouri is the birthplace of Mark Twain, one of America’s greatest writers of all time. Visitors are able to get better acquainted with him in the man’s own hometown by visiting the Mark Twain Boyhood Home and Museum in Hannibal.

Taking a break from the beach and heading back to the desert, Arizona remains one of the most popular tourist states in the US. Two words for you: Grand Canyon. Indeed, the arid climate and rocky landscapes are both integral characteristics of Arizona, and the state is home to numerous other landmarks to boot. These include Sedona and Monument Valley. However, the state is also significant for its strong Native American presence and culture, which only serves to draw in more visitors every year.

We may as well just refer to this section of the list as the “Beach Section” at this point. Florida is yet another “beach state”, known for its warm climate and gorgeous coastlines. It’s also famous for its abundance of wildlife, which makes it popular for many animal enthusiasts! Of course, we can’t ignore the presence of Disney World, LEGOLAND, and Universal Studios, all of which make Florida the perfect place to visit if you’re in need of some entertainment!

Like Hawaii, many people consider Rhode Island to be a beach state first and foremost. It’s not hard to see why: much of the state’s tourism can be attributed to its number of beautiful beach towns and coastal regions. Bafflingly, however, the majority of Rhode Island is actually on the mainland! The health of Rhode Island’s economy can also be attributed to the state’s beaches, with tourism being one of the most dominant industries.

It’s no secret that Wisconsin is a great place to visit if you’re a fan of beer. The capital, Milwaukee, is home to the Miller Brewing Company, but the state is also famous for its cheeses. In fact, the unofficial state dish is cheese curds, and the region as a whole is the leading cheese producer in the US, giving it the nickname of “America’s Dairyland.” Finally, you can’t mention Wisconsin without also mentioning Summerfest, the world’s largest music festival.

Whether you’re kicking it back and jamming along to Tennessee’s rich history of Blues and Country music in the buzzing cities of Nashville and Memphis, sipping your way through a tour of the Jack Daniels Distillery, or hiking through the natural scenery of the Great Smoky Mountains or the Appalachian Trail, Tennessee has it all. With its rich history, booming cities, and vast open farmland, it’s no wonder Tennessee has its fingers in so many economic sectors.

North Carolina is synonymous with beaches and good food. The state is home to numerous beautiful coastal towns that allow for miles of swimming, surfing, and other water sports and activities. However, there are two major historical events that best encapsulate the state: the first flight of the Wright Brothers and the birth of Krispy Kreme donuts. Both these events give North Carolina more historical significance than its gentle facade may let on. Of course, the state is also famous for its college basketball.

Oregon is more or less defined by its gorgeous landscapes, which comprise dramatic mountain ranges, rugged coastlines, and gorgeous lakes. Mount Hood is one of the Pacific Northwest’s most prominent landmarks, after all, so this should come as no surprise. In terms of exports and industry, Oregon is the dominant supplier of lumber in the US. In terms of wealth, the state is more or less middle-of-the-road, which fits its overall low-key classification.

Ohio can perhaps best be described as a microcosm of all the best things the US has to offer – trust us when we say that. It’s rich in history and has beautiful landscapes, but it is also a cultural touchstone due to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. It’s famous for its football, music scene, roller coasters, and corn. However, Ohio is also often referred to as “the machine tool of America”.

While you could make the argument for any number of states being the most historically significant, it’s hard to argue with Pennsylvania’s credentials. After all, it was the site where the Civil War began, and two of the most important documents in US history – the Declaration and Constitution – were drafted in Pennsylvania.  At this point in the list, most of these states are fairly middle-of-the-road in terms of economy and tend to be pretty diverse.

Georgia, not to be confused with the country in Eastern Europe, is known as the Peach State. Peaches are an integral part of the state’s identity due to its abundance of peach trees. Beyond that, the state capital, Atlanta, is also home to numerous Fortune 500 companies, including Coca-Cola, Home Depot, and Delta Airlines. Much of the territory is dominated by lush greenery and forestation, making the state a worthwhile visit for outsiders looking to experience nature.

If you’re a fan of peaceful prairies and vast, gorgeous grasslands, Kansas is the place to be. The state is most well known for its agricultural sector and wealth of natural resources. This has led to its being nicknamed “the Sunflower State”, and even at a glance, it’s earned that name. Kansas produces around 20% of all wheat in the United States, and Sumner County is often called the Wheat Capital of the World.

Like Kansas, Iowa is best known for its abundance of gorgeous prairies, plains, and fields. Its natural beauty is unmistakable, even if it tends to fly under the radar of many travelers and tourists. The state’s many sites for boating and camping, combined with its parks and general countryside, make it a great place to visit for those who enjoy nights under the stars. Agriculture is a major part of Iowa’s economic backbone.

Even outsiders to the US should have a clear image of Hawaii in their minds. The state – which comprises 137 volcanic islands – is, of course, dominated by its beaches and pleasant climate. It’s also a huge cultural landmark in the US and is the birthplace of the ukelele, hula dance, and the ever-fashionable Aloha shirt! Of course, the fair weather has more significance than simply allowing you to go surfing.

Much like its northern counterpart, South Dakota is a state rich in natural beauty (and resources). It has historically been known as a farming state, a standard it still maintains to this day despite diversification in other sectors and industries. Of course, given the presence of Mount Rushmore, South Dakota also has great cultural significance and a thriving tourism industry that allows it to maintain a good GDP and fair median household income.

Even to those who have never visited the state or even recognized its name, there’s no denying that Nevada’s most iconic landmark is the fabulous Las Vegas. With its never-ending nightlife, casino culture, and veritable smorgasbord of entertainment venues, Vegas is perhaps the most exciting city in the world. The surrounding area – which comprises the rest of Nevada state – is just as significant due to its prominence in Wild West lore and cowboy folktales.

It may surprise many to find New Hampshire this low on the list due to the state’s reputation for being, well, preppy. Indeed, the Granite State is home to some of the wealthiest people in the US. It’s known for its abundance of beautiful granite formations (hence its nickname) and also the presence of Dartmouth College, an Ivy League school. Culturally speaking, the state is also mostly irreligious and is characterized by the dominant libertarian political milieu. 

Minnesota is also known as the “Land of 10,000 Lakes,” but what if we told you that the number is incredibly deceiving? Indeed, the truth is that Minnesota is not home to 10,000 lakes but 14,420, making it one of the best fishing states in the US! Of course, the state also enjoys a well-rounded economy, a great healthcare system, and a high quality of life throughout the entire region.

Here’s another state for all the would-be adventurers reading this! Utah is most famed for its natural beauty, which you may be surprised to learn does not only include arid plains and rock formations! In fact, the state is also home to lush pine forests. It’s a good thing that the state has so much in the way of natural beauty since outdoor recreation forms a large part of the state’s economic output.

Stepping into Virginia is like experiencing history come alive. After all, if you recall your school history classes, Virginia is home to the first English settlement in the Americas, Jamestown. Not only that, but no less than eight Virginia men went on to become President. Talk about historical significance! Virginia is fairly modest economically, with many fingers in many pots. However, it has a booming textile industry that brings in the bucks.

If you’re looking to sample some of that fine Southern hospitality you hear so much about in movies, Texas should be your first stop. Its iconic cowboy culture and country music traditions make this an exciting place to visit, even if living there is a different story. Despite its cowboy exterior and rich culture, Texas’ economy is primarily reliant on its abundance of natural resources, such as oil and gas.

Like many others on this list, Maryland is rich in natural beauty and has so much to offer nature lovers. Perhaps more significantly, however, it is also one of the most culturally and ethnically diverse states in the US. Indeed, Maryland is one of only six states where non-whites comprise the majority of the population! Now, unlike the majority of our previous entries, Maryland isn’t exactly known for being an agricultural state. 

Despite sometimes being overshadowed by its neighbor, New York (culturally speaking, at least), New Jersey is actually one of the healthiest, highly educated states in America. It is a highly developed territory known for its beaches and delicious American cuisine. This diversity extends to the state’s economy as well. Rather than having just one dominant industry, New Jersey’s different sectors include financial services, information technology, pharmaceuticals, and even transportation and logistics.

In terms of natural beauty alone, Wyoming is a strong contender for first place. The state is home to two national parks in addition to a variety of other historic areas, including the Mammoth Hot Springs and National Elk Refuge. In fact, the state’s forests alone warrant it a visit! Due to its abundance of natural beauty, Wyoming has a growing tourism industry, but its main source of income is natural resources. 

Illinois has plenty of great things going for it. For starters, it’s a national transportation hub with no less than five international airports, Class I railroads, and an expansive network of highways that make getting around the state a breeze (no pun intended). Most significantly, however, Illinois is the home of Chicago, the Windy City, a significant cultural center. Anything you could want, you will find in Chicago – it’s a big draw card for the state.

If you’re a fan of hikes, walks, running, and other outdoor activities, visiting Colorado is a no-brainer. Mountains, forests, canyons, and plateaus, Colorado has them all in abundance – you are spoiled for choice either way. This has made the state a supremely popular tourist destination, not least of all because of the presence of the Rocky Mountains! Economically speaking, Colorado’s primary industries are real estate, technical services, and mining.

As we make our way along this list, it becomes clearer that the US is home to some fantastic landscapes. Nebraska is another state famed for its natural beauty, including picturesque mountain vistas and vast prairies. The state is also a notable college football state. However, its biggest economic contributor is beef and cattle. After all, when you’ve got that much farmland on hand, you had better make the most of it!

Believe us, we were just as surprised as you to see Alaska rank this high up on the list. Surely, there are several more “iconic” states that deserve to be in the Top 5! However, even at just a quick glance at the state’s industrial output, it’s not difficult to see how it ranks as one of the wealthiest states in the US. See, Alaska is home to about half of the nation’s coal reserves. Not only that, but Alaska also has the largest silver and zinc mines in America.

North Dakota is the first real farming state on this list. It’s characterized by its temperate climate, abundant farmland, wide plains and prairies, and natural beauty. Agriculture and history go hand in hand in this Great Plains state. Of course, North Dakota is also the single largest supplier of honey in the United States, a crucial ingredient for many beverages, food products, and more. It’s a buzzing industry (pun intended).

Delaware has a reputation for being a fairly quiet state without much activity. In fact, if you asked people to list US states, most would forget old Delaware. Its reputation being tied to Wayne’s World probably doesn’t help matters either! In reality, however, Delaware was the first state to ratify the Constitution, earning it the nickname of “First State”. Delaware is also called the Chemical Capital of the World due to its large chemical manufacturing industry.

Compared to many of the previous states on this list, Connecticut is a relatively quiet territory. It’s probably best known for its autumnal hues and fall foliage, as well as its plethora of great universities. It’s also a leader in environmental protection and renewable sources of energy, making this both an industrial state and a perfect holiday destination. In terms of economy, you’ll usually find Connecticut near the top of many rankings like this. 

Ah, sunny California! It should be no surprise to learn that Hollywood generates much of the state’s wealth. California also has the distinction of having the largest economy in the United States, with a Gross State Product of $4,080 trillion. Of course, it’s also worth noting that only about 30% of California residents can enjoy the majority of the state’s wealth, with the remaining 70% only holding a third of that wealth combined. 

Not to be confused with the nation’s capital, Washington, D.C., Washington State may surprise many with its placement so high on this list. Most people associate it with forests, near-constant rain, and general moodiness. However, let’s not forget that this is the same state that gave us Starbucks, Boeing, and Microsoft. Of course, Washington State is also home to Seattle, where the majority of the state’s population is concentrated. 

More or less a stone’s throw away from New York, Massachusetts is the second wealthiest state in America, and like the Big Apple and its surrounding areas, it’s not hard to see why. With around 3.15 billionaires per million people, Massachusetts maintains a consistently high level of wealth thanks to its robust industries. Of course, while the GDP per capita and median household income are fairly close, the state also has a fairly large wealth gap, making it a much tougher place to live for the average Joe.

Even if you aren’t from the United States, seeing New York at the top of this list shouldn’t come as a surprise. Not only is it a cultural hub, but it’s also densely populated and is the world’s premier financial center (here’s looking at you, Wall Street). Granted, there is some disparity between its GDP per capita and the median household income, but with the presence of no less than two stock exchanges and the wealth they attract, it’s not hard to see how New York consistently ranks among the wealthiest states.