Find a Job You Really Want In
Money plays a pivotal role in our lives, serving as a means to acquire the essentials and luxuries we desire. Whether we view it as a necessity, a goal, or something to be avoided, having a healthy income is crucial for achieving personal and financial goals.
As you navigate your career options or contemplate relocating, understanding which states offer the highest median incomes can provide valuable insights. Here’s a look at the top 10 richest states in the United States as of 2026.
In 2006, the 10 richest states were:
- Maryland
- New Jersey
- Connecticut
- Hawaii
- Massachusetts
- New Hampshire
- Alaska
- California
- Virginia
- Minnesota
In 2015, the 10 richest states were:
- Maryland
- Hawaii
- Alaska
- New Jersey
- Connecticut
- Massachusetts
- New Hampshire
- Virginia
- California
- Washington
Comparison of the Richest States: 2006 vs. 2015
How We Determined This Ranking
Our data is sourced from the 5-Year American Community Survey, covering the years from 2001-2006 through 2011-2015. We analyzed median household income in each state over these years to identify the wealthiest states.
To ensure accurate comparisons, we adjusted the median household incomes to reflect inflation, converting all figures into 2015 dollars. This approach allowed us to track changes in income levels over the years accurately.
The ranking of the top 10 richest states remained relatively stable over the analyzed decade, but minor shifts occurred.
For a comprehensive table of the income data, please refer to the table at the end.
Now, let’s dive into the top 10 richest states of 2015 and see how they’ve evolved into 2026.
1. Maryland: The Terrapins
Maryland, located in the Mid-Atlantic region, is known for its scenic waterways and proximity to the Atlantic Ocean and Chesapeake Bay. With Baltimore as its largest city, Maryland has consistently ranked high in household income.
In 2006, Maryland had a median household income of $76,609. By 2015, it slightly decreased to $75,847, yet it retained its status as the richest state in the nation.
2. Hawaii: The Rainbow Warriors
Often associated with paradise, Hawaii moved from the fourth richest state in 2006 to the second richest in 2015. The median household income rose from $71,924 in 2006 to $73,486 in 2015, showing its economic resilience.
3. Alaska: The Nanooks
Known for its stunning landscapes, Alaska transformed from the seventh richest state in 2006 to the third richest by 2015, with a median household income of $73,355, up from $69,846.
4. New Jersey: The Scarlet Knights
Known as “The Garden State,” New Jersey had a median household income of $75,816 in 2006, which decreased to $72,222 by 2015, dropping it to the fourth position.
5. Connecticut: The Huskies
A state rich in history and culture, Connecticut had a median household income of $71,346 in 2015, down from $74,584 in 2006.
6. Massachusetts: The Boston Terriers
With a rich historical background, Massachusetts maintained a median household income of $70,628 in 2015, a slight increase from $70,516 in 2006.
7. New Hampshire: The Wildcats
Known for its beautiful landscapes, New Hampshire saw a modest increase in median household income from $70,187 in 2006 to $70,303 in 2015.
8. Virginia: The Eagles
With a rich historical significance, Virginia‘s median household income rose slightly from $66,181 in 2006 to $66,262 in 2015.
9. California: The Bruins
Home to major industries, California dropped from the eighth to ninth richest state, with a median household income of $64,500 in 2015, down from $66,614 in 2006.
10. Washington: The Huskies
Washington finally made it into the top ten, with a median household income of $64,129 in 2015, up from $61,837 in 2006.
Summary
Analyzing the wealthiest states reveals that while the rankings of the top states shifted slightly over the years, Maryland consistently held the top position from 2006 through 2015, with a median household income of $75,847. Washington entered the top ten for the first time in 2015, highlighting the dynamic nature of the U.S. economy.
Whether you’re considering a career in a thriving economic environment or looking to relocate, these states offer various opportunities and lifestyles to explore.
Detailed Ranking Of The Richest States
| State | 2006 Rank | 2010 Rank | 2015 Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| AL | 46 | 46 | 47 |
| AK | 7 | 4 | 3 |
| AZ | 22 | 22 | 31 |
| AR | 48 | 48 | 49 |
| CA | 8 | 9 | 9 |
| CO | 14 | 13 | 11 |
| CT | 3 | 3 | 5 |
| DE | 12 | 10 | 14 |
| FL | 27 | 32 | 38 |
| GA | 24 | 26 | 32 |
| HI | 4 | 5 | 2 |
| ID | 35 | 36 | 40 |
| IL | 15 | 15 | 18 |
| IN | 30 | 31 | 35 |
| IA | 33 | 29 | 25 |
| KS | 28 | 25 | 27 |
| KY | 44 | 47 | 46 |
| LA | 45 | 43 | 44 |
| ME | 34 | 34 | 30 |
| MD | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| MA | 5 | 6 | 6 |
| MI | 23 | 30 | 33 |
| MN | 10 | 12 | 12 |
| MS | 50 | 50 | 50 |
| MO | 36 | 38 | 36 |
| MT | 42 | 41 | 37 |
| NE | 29 | 27 | 24 |
| NV | 11 | 16 | 29 |
| NH | 6 | 7 | 7 |
| NJ | 2 | 2 | 4 |
| NM | 41 | 42 | 45 |
| NY | 17 | 17 | 15 |
| NC | 38 | 39 | 41 |
| ND | 39 | 35 | 16 |
| OH | 32 | 33 | 34 |
| OK | 47 | 45 | 39 |
| OR | 26 | 28 | 26 |
| PA | 25 | 23 | 21 |
| RI | 16 | 18 | 19 |
| SC | 40 | 40 | 43 |
| SD | 37 | 37 | 28 |
| TN | 43 | 44 | 42 |
| TX | 31 | 24 | 22 |
| UT | 18 | 14 | 13 |
| VT | 20 | 20 | 20 |
| VA | 9 | 8 | 8 |
| WA | 13 | 11 | 10 |
| WV | 49 | 49 | 48 |
| WI | 19 | 21 | 23 |
| WY | 21 | 19 | 17 |
Author
A graduate of the University of North Carolina Wilmington. Earned a BFA majoring in Creative Writing and a minor in English.
