Per Capita Income by State: 2026 Overview Per capita income varies significantly across the United States, influenced by factors such as state legislation, economic conditions, and labor markets. Notably, some states report per capita incomes that are double those of others. Our extensive research into the per capita income across all 50 states reveals the following insights:
| State | Per Capita Income |
|---|---|
| Alabama | $71,964 |
| Alaska | $98,811 |
| Arizona | $84,380 |
| Arkansas | $69,357 |
| California | $111,622 |
| Colorado | $100,933 |
| Connecticut | $115,337 |
| Delaware | $92,308 |
| Florida | $83,104 |
| Georgia | $85,691 |
| Hawaii | $107,348 |
| Idaho | $77,399 |
| Illinois | $95,115 |
| Indiana | $76,984 |
| Iowa | $80,316 |
| Kansas | $82,103 |
| Kentucky | $72,318 |
| Louisiana | $73,759 |
| Maine | $78,301 |
| Maryland | $114,236 |
| Massachusetts | $115,964 |
| Michigan | $80,803 |
| Minnesota | $96,814 |
| Mississippi | $65,156 |
| Missouri | $78,194 |
| Montana | $76,834 |
| Nebraska | $82,306 |
| Nevada | $84,350 |
| New Hampshire | $101,292 |
| New Jersey | $117,868 |
| New Mexico | $70,241 |
| New York | $105,304 |
| North Carolina | $79,620 |
| North Dakota | $85,506 |
| Ohio | $78,797 |
| Oklahoma | $74,195 |
| Oregon | $88,137 |
| Pennsylvania | $87,262 |
| Rhode Island | $92,427 |
| South Carolina | $76,390 |
| South Dakota | $77,932 |
| Tennessee | $76,937 |
| Texas | $89,506 |
| Utah | $94,452 |
| Vermont | $83,767 |
| Virginia | $106,023 |
| Washington | $103,669 |
| West Virginia | $65,332 |
| Wisconsin | $82,757 |
| Wyoming | $83,583 |
Understanding Per Capita Income
Per capita income, especially at the state level, represents the average income earned by individuals within a state. This figure is derived by dividing the total economic output (Gross State Product) of the state by its population.
Follow this step-by-step guide to calculate per capita income by state:
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Gather Data: Collect data on the total GDP (Gross Domestic Product) or GSP (Gross State Product) and the population for each state over a specific time frame.
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Calculate: The formula is: Per Capita Income for State X = Total GDP or GSP of State X / Population of State X.
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Repeat for All States: Execute this calculation for each state of interest.
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Analyze and Compare: After calculating, you can analyze income variations to support policy analysis, economic research, and to understand regional disparities.
Understanding per capita income by state is crucial for assessing economic disparities, informing policy decisions, and understanding resource allocation and economic development strategies.
States with the Highest Per Capita Income
In 2026, five states report per capita incomes exceeding $110,000, with eleven states exceeding $100,000. Here are the top five states:
Top Five States by Per Capita Income
| Rank | State | Per Capita Income |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | New Jersey | $117,868 |
| 2 | Massachusetts | $115,964 |
| 3 | Connecticut | $115,337 |
| 4 | Maryland | $114,236 |
| 5 | California | $111,622 |
Here’s a closer look at the top five states:
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New Jersey: Leading the nation, New Jersey boasts a per capita income exceeding $117,000. Despite this high income, it ranks 14th for cost of living and 6th for tax burden, enhancing its appeal for earners.
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Massachusetts: With the second-highest per capita income, Massachusetts faces a high cost of living (2nd highest) but benefits from a lower average tax burden (20th).
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Connecticut: This state ranks third for per capita income but also has the 5th highest tax burden and the 8th highest cost of living in the country.
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Maryland: With a per capita income over $110,000, Maryland balances this with the 7th highest tax burden and the 6th highest cost of living.
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California: Known for its high per capita income, California also faces the 3rd highest cost of living but ranks 12th for tax burden.
States with the Lowest Per Capita Incomes
Currently, three states report per capita incomes below $70,000, while eight states fall below $75,000. Here are the bottom five:
Bottom Five States by Per Capita Income
| Rank | State | Per Capita Income |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Mississippi | $65,156 |
| 2 | West Virginia | $65,332 |
| 3 | Arkansas | $69,357 |
| 4 | New Mexico | $70,241 |
| 5 | Alabama | $71,964 |
While these states have the lowest per capita incomes, lower taxes and cost of living can mitigate the impact. Here’s more about the bottom five:
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Mississippi: With a per capita income under $70,000, Mississippi also enjoys the lowest cost of living in the US, but has the 18th highest tax burden.
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West Virginia: This state ranks low in per capita income but has a moderate cost of living (42nd) and tax burden (23rd).
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Arkansas: The only other state below $70,000, Arkansas has a moderate cost of living and tax rates that may not sufficiently offset income levels.
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New Mexico: With an average per capita income just above $70,000, New Mexico’s situation is exacerbated by a high cost of living and tax burden.
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Alabama: Ranking last in per capita income, Alabama benefits from a low cost of living (47th) and a relatively low tax burden (39th).
Per Capita Income FAQ
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What are the limitations of per capita income?
Per capita income has several limitations, including its failure to account for inflation, income inequality, and overall living standards. For instance, while states like New Jersey and Massachusetts report high per capita incomes, these figures can be skewed by the earnings of a small, wealthy segment of the population, masking the financial realities of many residents.
Furthermore, per capita income does not reflect the quality of life or the cost of living in each state. For example, a lower per capita income in South Carolina does not necessarily mean its residents are worse off financially compared to Maryland.
In summary, per capita income provides valuable insights but should be considered alongside other economic indicators.
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What is the advantage of per capita income?
The advantage of per capita income lies in its ability to highlight economic disparities among different regions. A high per capita income in Massachusetts may suggest the presence of high-paying jobs, while a lower figure in Arkansas could indicate a labor market with more lower-wage jobs.
While not a flawless metric, per capita income is crucial for understanding state-level economic differences.
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What state has the best per capita income?
The state with the highest per capita income is New Jersey, reported at $117,868. The other top states include:
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Massachusetts ($115,964)
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Connecticut ($115,337)
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Maryland ($114,236)
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California ($111,622)
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What state has the lowest per capita income?
Mississippi holds the title for the lowest per capita income at $65,156. Other states among the lowest include:
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West Virginia ($65,332)
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Arkansas ($69,357)
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New Mexico ($70,241)
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Alabama ($71,964)
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Conclusion
Per capita income serves as a vital indicator of economic health across US states. In 2026, New Jersey, Massachusetts, Connecticut, Maryland, and California stand out with incomes exceeding $110,000.
Conversely, only Mississippi, West Virginia, and Arkansas report per capita incomes below $70,000. It’s essential to recognize that high per capita incomes often come with higher living costs, which can offset potential benefits. Therefore, job seekers should consider various factors, including living expenses, when evaluating their employment options across different states.
Author
Jack Flynn is a writer for Zippia. In his professional career he’s written over 100 research papers, articles and blog posts. Some of his most popular published works include his writing about economic terms and research into job classifications. Jack received his BS from Hampshire College.
