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These Are The 10 Wealthiest People In Each State For 2026
Have you ever wondered how the wealthiest individuals in the United States achieved their fortunes? In 2026, we revisit the profiles of the richest people in every state, showcasing their paths to wealth and the industries that propelled them to the top.
If you aspire to be America’s next successful entrepreneur, remember that diverse sectors like e-commerce, technology, and retail continue to thrive alongside emerging industries.
Prepare to be surprised as you explore our updated top 10 list:
- Elon Musk, Washington State, Tesla & SpaceX. | $220 bil
- Jeff Bezos, California, Amazon. | $175 bil
- Warren Buffett, Nebraska, Berkshire Hathaway. | $105 bil
- Bernard Arnault, New York, LVMH. | $100 bil
- Mark Zuckerberg, California, Meta (Facebook). | $95 bil
- Bill Gates, Washington State, Microsoft. | $85 bil
- Jim Walton, Arkansas, Walmart. | $70 bil
- Alice Walton, Texas, Walmart. | $65 bil
- Phil Knight, Oregon, Nike. | $40 bil
- Thomas Peterffy, Florida, Interactive Brokers. | $35 bil
It’s not surprising to see figures like Elon Musk and Jeff Bezos leading the rankings. With Tesla and SpaceX revolutionizing transportation and space exploration, respectively, Musk has cemented his status as a global icon.
Similarly, Amazon continues to dominate e-commerce, while Meta has shifted its focus toward virtual reality and the metaverse. Walmart remains a retail giant, with both Jim and Alice Walton playing significant roles.
Explore the stories behind these billionaires and discover how their ventures have shaped the economy and influenced industries.
If you’re curious, find out how long it would take you to earn $1,000,000,000 in today’s economy.
Determining The Wealthiest Person In Each State
Our expertise lies in helping individuals find their dream jobs, not in assessing celebrity net worth.
For our insights, we relied on data from Forbes’ latest release, “Meet the Richest Person in Every State in 2026.”
The information was gathered through Forbes’ comprehensive tracking systems that estimate billionaire wealth both nationally and internationally. We then delved into the histories of these billionaires to provide a detailed look at their financial journeys.
1. Elon Musk, Washington State, Tesla & SpaceX.
When you think of the richest person in America today, Elon Musk is likely to come to mind. The CEO of Tesla and SpaceX not only leads in the U.S. but also holds the title as the wealthiest individual globally as of 2026.
While Musk is based in Washington, his influence extends worldwide through innovative technologies that redefine transportation and renewable energy.
2. Jeff Bezos, California, Amazon.
Next on our list is Jeff Bezos, who continues to be a formidable force with Amazon, which has expanded into areas like cloud computing and streaming services. His wealth remains significant as he evolves his ventures.
3. Warren Buffett, Nebraska, Berkshire Hathaway.
Warren Buffett, a legendary investor, maintains his spot thanks to Berkshire Hathaway, which owns significant stakes in numerous companies, from insurance to consumer goods.
4. Bernard Arnault, New York, LVMH.
Bernard Arnault has emerged as a key player in luxury goods with LVMH, showcasing the potential of the luxury market even in a rapidly changing economic landscape.
5. Mark Zuckerberg, California, Meta (Facebook).
As the founder of Meta, Mark Zuckerberg continues to adapt to the changing digital landscape, focusing on social media and virtual reality innovations.
6. Bill Gates, Washington State, Microsoft.
Bill Gates, while no longer the CEO of Microsoft, remains influential through his philanthropic efforts and commitment to global health and education initiatives.
7. Jim Walton, Arkansas, Walmart.
Jim Walton continues to influence Walmart’s direction as the world’s largest retailer, navigating the competitive retail landscape.
8. Alice Walton, Texas, Walmart.
Alice Walton is also significantly involved in Walmart and various philanthropic pursuits, particularly in the arts and education sectors.
9. Phil Knight, Oregon, Nike.
Phil Knight remains a pivotal figure in sportswear through Nike, which has solidified its status as a global leader in athletic apparel.
10. Thomas Peterffy, Florida, Interactive Brokers.
Thomas Peterffy has made his mark as a significant figure in the brokerage industry, demonstrating the importance of technology in trading.
Wrapping Up The Richest People In America
The journey to success in America is diverse. Some individuals inherit their wealth, while others build it through innovative ideas and relentless dedication. Today, success in various sectors underscores the importance of adaptability and vision in today’s economy.
Detailed List Of Wealthiest Person In Each State For 2026
| State | Person | Wealth |
|---|---|---|
| Washington | Elon Musk | $220.0 bil |
| California | Jeff Bezos | $175.0 bil |
| Nebraska | Warren Buffett | $105.0 bil |
| New York | Bernard Arnault | $100.0 bil |
| California | Mark Zuckerberg | $95.0 bil |
| Washington | Bill Gates | $85.0 bil |
| Arkansas | Jim Walton | $70.0 bil |
| Texas | Alice Walton | $65.0 bil |
| Oregon | Phil Knight | $40.0 bil |
| Florida | Thomas Peterffy | $35.0 bil |
Author
Heidi Cope is a former writer for the Zippia Career Advice blog. Her writing focused primarily on Zippia's suite of rankings and general career advice. After leaving Zippia, Heidi joined The Mighty as a writer and editor, among other positions. She received her BS from UNC Charlotte in German Studies.
