Ranked: The Average American's Wealth By State
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Uncovering the typical net worth per adult across America
In 2024, the average American is worth $560,157. However, break it down to state level, and that average wealth figure varies wildly.
Retirement plan provider Empower has crunched the numbers based on the wealth of people who use its free Personal Dashboard. In a nutshell, net worth is calculated as assets, including property, minus debts. Since the average figure can be skewed by a relatively small number of ultra-rich individuals, Empower has also provided the median for each state, giving a more accurate indication of the typical adult's wealth.
Ranked from least to most wealthy, read on to find out what the average person is worth in each state and discover how yours compares.
51. North Dakota: $334,058
The average North Dakotan is worth $334,058 according to the Empower analysis, the lowest in the nation. In terms of median wealth, the figure comes in at $19,456, which is 17.2 times less than the state's average. However, North Dakota is among the more equal states in terms of its Gini Index score, which measures income inequality (28 states score worse).
While the average net worth might be the lowest nationwide, there are many with ample assets. At last count, in 2019, the number of millionaire households in the state stood at 20,002, thanks in large part to the Bakken oil boom, placing it 23rd in the nation in relative terms. And for those without a fracking fortune, North Dakota ranks a decent 14th for affordability and it's the 15th cheapest state in terms of home values, as per Zillow. On the downside, the Peace Garden State ranks a dismal 50th for retirement savings.
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50. West Virginia: $339,618
Average wealth in West Virginia stands at $339,618, but the median figure is a whopping 32.9 times less at a meager $10,311. Indeed, the Mountain State is placed a lowly 39th for income equality.
The annual median income is just $39,770 – only two states have lower figures – and West Virginia's poverty rate of 15.6% is the seventh worst in the country. Millionaires are thin on the ground and only one state has fewer proportionally. Still, it's not all doom and gloom. West Virginia is the state with the lowest cost of living and lowest home prices, with the average home worth just $168,166. It also has the highest home ownership rate (calculated by the percentage of occupied housing units which are lived in by the owner) in the country at 74.5%.
49. Mississippi: $375,314
Mississippi has long been considered the poorest state and its median net worth figure backs this up – at only $7,767, it's the lowest in the nation and a staggering 48.3 times less than the average, the biggest disparity in America. One of the least equal states, Mississippi's Gini Index score places it 40th for income equality.
Mississippi has the lowest concentration of millionaire households nationwide and has the second-highest rate of poverty, with 17.8% of the population living below the breadline. Retirement savings are among the lowest in the nation to boot. Among its saving graces are the state's affordable living costs – it's actually the fifth cheapest state – not to mention its budget home prices. Only West Virginia has cheaper residential real estate.
48. Utah: $397,901
Utah is a mixed bag. The average adult in the state is worth just $397,901, while the median figure is 17.9 times less at $22,280. However, the median annual income is around the typical figure for the US as a whole.
The Beehive State scores particularly poorly for retirement savings – its average balance is the lowest in the land. This may have something to do with the cost of housing in the state, which is the eighth highest nationwide, and the comparatively steep cost of living (it's the 17th most expensive state). Yet Utah has the joint lowest poverty rate in America at only 7.1% and ranks first in the nation for its Gini Index score thanks to its low level of income inequality.
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47. Louisiana: $422,908
The average adult in Louisiana is worth $422,908 but the median figure is 32.9 times lower at only $12,837. This ties in with the state's poor Gini Index score – only four states have a wider gap between rich and poor.
In fact, Louisiana has the third highest poverty rate in the US, the fourth lowest median income, and the fourth lowest concentration of millionaire households. General cost of living is higher than expected – the Pelican State is only the 15th cheapest – but housing is refreshingly affordable. The average home is worth $204,977, the third-lowest figure in the country.
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46. Oklahoma: $423,271
The average Oklahoman is worth $423,271, which is 22.1 times the median net worth of $19,150, while Oklahoma places 31st in the US for income equality.
The Sooner State ranks low when it comes to median annual income, millionaire population, and retirement savings, while its poverty rate is jointly the fifth highest in the nation at 15.8%. On the flip side, living costs are the second most affordable and only four states have cheaper home prices.
45. Arkansas: $441,629
The gap between average and median net worth is larger in Arkansas. At $17,546, the median figure is 25.2 times lower than the average. Likewise, incomes are less equal, with the state ranking lower than Oklahoma by this metric. The median income is $39,060, the second lowest in the nation.
You'd be hard-pressed to encounter a millionaire in Arkansas – only West Virginia and Mississippi have a lower concentration of seven-figure households – and many people are straight-up struggling in the state. Its poverty rate of 15.9% is the fourth highest in America. However, Arkansas is the sixth cheapest state in terms of cost of living and its average home price is the fourth lowest nationwide.
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44. Alabama: $450,511
Alabama's median net worth figure of $20,241 is 22.3 times lower than the average, which is narrower than the disparity in Arkansas, but the state has more income inequality. In fact, only six states are less equal.
This is evident given Alabama's larger concentration of millionaire households, though its poverty rate is slightly lower than that of Arkansas at 14.8%. The average retirement savings balance is greater too. Adding to the positives is the state's cost of living, which is the fourth lowest nationwide, as well as its affordable housing – the Yellowhammer State is the eighth cheapest in this respect.
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43. Hawaiʻi: $450,577
The average net worth in Hawaiʻi is $450,577, which is 12.5 times greater than the median of $36,121. This compares favourably with the nationwide average of 14.7 times the median, and Hawaiʻi is ranked a very respectable 14th for income equality.
The Aloha State has the 12th highest median income, the fifth largest concentration of millionaire households, and a poverty rate that is lower than the nationwide average (10.2% vs the national figure of 11.5%). But living costs and home prices are the highest in America, plus Hawaiʻians are stung with the second steepest tax burden according to the US News & World Report.
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42. Indiana: $472,002
Indiana has a similar disparity between average and median net worth, with the median figure of $36,483 clocking in at 12.9 times lower than the average. The state is ranked even higher than Hawaiʻi for income equality, garnering the 12th spot nationwide.
The rate of poverty is similar at 10.9%, but median income is considerably lower and Indiana is ranked only 39th when it comes to the concentration of millionaire households. Living costs are very reasonable – the Hoosier State ranks ninth for affordability – and the typical home price of $245,505 is just 67% of the national average.
41. Montana: $477,140
Montana's median net worth of $33,706 is 14.2 times lower than the average, which is around the typical figure for the nation as a whole.
Less equal than Indiana despite a similar median income, Montana is ranked 20th for income equality, though it has a smaller concentration of millionaire households and a marginally lower poverty rate of 10.7%. Living costs are higher but below the national average. However, home prices are on the expensive side, coming in at 130% of the US average.
40. Missouri: $491,909
The average person in Missouri is worth $491,909, which is 12 times the median of $40,899. While the difference is better than the US average, Missouri is ranked only 26th in terms of income equality.
The state's poverty rate is the same as the national average at 11.5% and Missouri is ranked 38th when it comes to the concentration of millionaire households. The Show-Me State is definitely in a position to show off about its cost of living, which is the seventh most affordable in the nation. Home prices are relatively economical too, with the typical home value of $252,431 coming in at around 69% of the national average.
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39. Nebraska: $494,165
Staying in the Midwest, Nebraska's average net worth is $494,165, which is 12.3 times more than the median of $40,019. Its Gini Index ranking is better than the US average and the state has the fifth lowest poverty rate in the country.
Millionaire households account for 5.86% of the total, lower than the US average of 6.71%, while the typical retirement savings balance is $404,650, which places the state in the 34th position nationwide. Living costs aren't too onerous – the Cornhusker State is ranked 21st for affordability – and the typical home value is 73% of the national average.
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38. Kentucky: $503,656
Kentucky has considerably higher levels of income inequality compared to Nebraska. The median net worth of an adult in the commonwealth is 18.7 times lower than the average at $26,964.
Kentucky's poverty rate is the joint fifth highest in America, while only three states have a lower concentration of millionaire households. Cost of living is higher than it probably should be given the state has the 10th lowest median income – Kentucky is ranked a rather disappointing 18th for affordability – but home prices are the sixth cheapest countrywide.
37. Maine: $507,578
The denizens of Maine are the poorest in New England. The state's average net worth is $507,578, but the figure is just 10.2 times higher than the median of $50,000. Unsurprisingly, Maine scores well when it comes to income equality, for which it's ranked 16th nationally.
The Pine Tree State's poverty rate is on the low side at 8.9% and the state has a much higher proportion of millionaires compared to Kentucky. Living costs are much higher, though, as are home prices, but Maine still has high rates of home ownership and is beaten by only two states in this respect.
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36. Tennessee: $509,153
On the flip side, Tennessee's median net worth is 16.4 times lower than the average at $31,101 and the state scores significantly worse than Maine when it comes to income equality.
The median income is the 11th lowest in the country and the concentration of millionaire households is low, with the state ranked 42nd by this metric. The poverty rate is just below the national average at 11.4%. Fortunately, Tennessee is placed 10th nationwide for cost of living and the typical home price is 89% of the national average, so locals may get a lot of bang for their buck.
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35. Kansas: $510,458
Kansas is among the states where the disparity between the average and median net worth figures is comparatively modest. At $52,659, it's just 9.7 times lower. And the Sunflower State scores better than the national average in terms of income equality.
The rate of poverty is not too bad at 9%, and the state is ranked 30th for concentration of millionaire households. The average retirement savings balance is healthy and, best of all, Kansas is the third most affordable state with budget-friendly home prices too. In fact, only eight states have a cheaper average home value.
34. Georgia: $511,415
The average Georgian is worth $511,415, which is 15.6 times the median of $32,775. With respect to income equality, Georgia scores poorer than the national average since it's only the 29th most equal state, though the median income is somewhat high for a southern state.
The poverty rate is high too, coming in at an unlucky 13%. Skewing the average wealth figure is the Peach State's relatively large proportion of millionaire households, with the number around the national average. The upside is Georgia's low cost of living since it's the 12th most affordable state. But while the typical home value is lower than the US average, it could be lower still, and a recent study revealed that the median home price in Atlanta is well above what it should be.
33. Rhode Island: $520,574
Rhode Island's average wealth is 15.4 times the median, which stands at $33,772. Be that as it may, the New England state is ranked 19th for income equality, bettering the US average. Plus, the median income is one of the highest in the nation – only nine states have a higher figure.
The poverty rate is 8.8%, comfortably below the national average of 11.5%, and millionaire households are comparatively plentiful. The biggest drawback is the state's hefty cost of living. Housing costs are high too, with an average home value of $478,722, which is almost a third higher than the national figure.
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32. Ohio: $523,834
Income inequality is worse than the national average in Ohio, however the median net worth of the typical adult in the state is a not-so-terrible 10.5 times less than the average at $50,123. The median annual income, on the other hand, is around the national number.
The poverty rate mirrors the national figure too at 11.5%, while the Buckeye State is ranked only 34th in terms of the concentration of millionaire households. Living costs aren't much to write home about, though they are cheaper than the US average. But the average home price is just 65% of the national figure.
31. New Mexico: $524,490
New Mexico's average net worth is 12.6 times the median, which comes in at $41,513. Among the most inequal states in terms of income, the gap between rich and poor is wide. The Land of Enchantment is clearly not all that enchanting for many of its residents.
New Mexico has the highest rate of poverty in America at 18.2%, yet Los Alamos has the second highest concentration of millionaires per capita of any city in the US. Given its high levels of poverty, you'd be forgiven for assuming New Mexico has the cheapest living costs in the country. But it ranks only 19th by this metric and has the 19th most affordable average home price to boot.
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30. Michigan: $534,030
The average adult in Michigan has a net worth of $534,030, which is 11.9 times the median for the state, which is $44,828. Both income equality and median income are around the national average.
However, the poverty rate is higher at 11.7%, while the proportion of millionaire households is just below the US average. The typical retirement savings balance is on a par with the national figure. The cost of living is much cheaper though, as is the average home price, with the state ranked 11th and 12th respectively.
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29. Delaware: $536,089
Delaware's average net worth is 17.8 times the median of $30,167. Yet the state ranks an impressive third in the nation for having the lowest income inequality.
The poverty rate of 10.5% is below the national average and 6.98% of households in the state have wealth of a million dollars or more, which is again above the US average. The typical retirement savings balance is high as well. However, living costs in the Small Wonder aren't all that small – the state ranks only 29th for affordability. The typical home price is 7% above the national average, but it's worth noting Delaware has the second-highest home ownership rate in the country.
28. South Carolina: $542,638
The average South Carolinian is worth $542,638 but the median comes in at 15.7 times less at $34,560. In terms of income equality, the state ranks 33rd in the nation, so there's a significant gap between rich and poor.
The poverty rate of 13.3% is the 11th highest in the land, while the proportion of millionaire households is 5.4%, which is lower than the national average. Living costs are just above the US average but the typical home price is 17% lower.
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27. Idaho: $542,760
Idaho's median net worth of $33,325 is 16.3 times lower than the average, but the state is actually the fourth most equal in terms of income. This is reflected in Idaho's low poverty rate, which stands at 8.9%.
Millionaires are few and far between in the state (it ranks only 43rd by this metric), meaning wealth is more fairly distributed in the state. Living costs are fairly expensive, however, and the typical home sells for 27% more than the nationwide average.
26. Washington DC: $543,254
The disparity between the average and median net worth figures for the nation's capital is relatively modest. The median of $68,865 is just 7.9 times lower than the average.
That said, the differences between the rich and the poor are stark. DC's poverty rate of 14.7% is the ninth highest in the country. Conversely, DC has the sixth largest proportion of millionaires nationwide and with 11 billionaires calling it home, the largest billionaire population per capita. Living costs are punishing – only California and Hawaiʻi are more expensive – and the same goes for residential real estate. It's little wonder, then, that DC has the lowest home ownership rate in America.
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25. Arizona: $546,419
The average net worth for an adult in Arizona is 13.2 times higher than the median of $41,324. When it comes to income equality, the Grand Canyon State is ranked 21st.
However, the poverty rate is above the national average at 12.1%, while millionaire households represent 6.03% of the state, which is below the national figure. Cost of living is the biggest drain on wealth, with Arizona among the most expensive states. And the price of a typical home is costly too, at 22% in excess of the US average.
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24. Wisconsin: $557,244
One of the best-rated states in terms of income equality, Wisconsin is also comparatively equitable when it comes to wealth. The median net worth of $64,300 is only eight times lower than the average.
Predictably, Wisconsin has relatively few people living below the breadline, with the third lowest poverty rate in the country at 8%. And the proportion of millionaire households is below the national average too, indicating a fairer distribution of wealth. Living costs in the state are cheaper than the US average, as is the typical home price, which is 14% more affordable than the nationwide average.
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23. Wyoming: $565,122
Wyoming's median net worth of $35,304 is 16 times lower than the average. But the state is actually the fifth fairest for income equality, which is fitting given its Equality State nickname.
As might be expected, the poverty rate is significantly lower than the national average at 8.7%. And Wyoming is ranked 35th in the nation in terms of the proportion of millionaire households. Living costs are affordable – Wyoming is the 17th cheapest state – and home prices are below the national average. A state of homeowners, Wyoming has the sixth highest home ownership rate in the country.
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22. Iowa: $576,512
The gap between the haves and have-nots is relatively narrow in Iowa too. The state's average net worth of $49,094 is only 11.7 times higher than the median and Iowa is ranked 10th in the country for income equality.
The poverty rate is a below-average 9.4% and millionaire households make up 5.71% of the total, which is less than the national average of 6.71%. Iowa shines when it comes to cost of living – only seven states are cheaper – and the state has the seventh lowest home prices nationwide. Given Iowa's affordability, it follows that the typical retirement savings balance is high, ranking 11th in the nation.
21. Oregon: $578,196
Oregon's median net worth of $61,679 is 9.4 times lower than the average. The state's income equality score, while not exceptional, does surpass the national average. Median income in Oregon is high, with the state ranked 13th in this respect.
The poverty rate is below the US average at 9.5%, while the proportion of millionaire households stands at 6.43%, which isn't far off the nationwide average. The major downside is the cost of living; Oregon is one of the priciest places to live in the country and the typical home price is 41% higher than the US average.
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20. Maryland: $595,772
The median net worth for Maryland is $54,884, which is 10.9 times lower than the state average net worth. Maryland is one of the more equal states from the standpoint of income equality, ranking 15th in this respect.
The poverty rate is comparatively low at 8.6% and only one state has more millionaire households per capita. Maryland is a millionaire hotspot thanks to its proximity to the nation's capital. Locals do pay through the nose to live there, though; Maryland is among the top 10 most expensive states and home prices are 19% higher than the US average.
19. Alaska: $597,100
At $83,688, Alaska's median net worth is just 7.1 times lower than the average, the second narrowest disparity in the nation. The Last Frontier is also second when it comes to income equality and has the fourth-highest median income in America.
The rate of poverty is on par with the national average at 11.5%, while the state ranks 10th for its proportion of millionaire households. Living costs are very high. Only four states and DC are pricier. But the typical home price is around the national average and Alaska has the lowest tax burden in the entire country.
18. North Carolina: $597,834
North Carolina's median net worth stands at $58,630, which is 10.2 times lower than the average. The Tar Heel State is ranked 34th for income equality, a rung below neighboring South Carolina, but its median income is higher: $45,440 as opposed to South Carolina's $42,220.
The rate of poverty is 13.3% – identical to South Carolina's – but the state has a slightly larger proportion of millionaire households. The two states are very similar when it comes to living costs, with North Carolina ranked the 28th most affordable and the Palmetto State placed 27th. Home prices are 11% more expensive, though, with North Carolina the 25th most affordable state for housing (South Carolina is ranked 18th by this metric).
17. Texas: $599,236
The average Texan's net worth comes in at $599,236, which is 12.7 times greater than the median figure of $47,019. One of the less equal states, Texas is ranked 36th for income equality.
The poverty rate is higher than the US average at 13.7%. The millionaire population is huge – only California has more seven-figure households – but this is partly thanks to the state's colossal size, meaning it ranks a comparatively lowly 21st when it comes to millionaire residents as a proportion of the total population. The Lone Star State also has 73 billionaires, placing it fourth in the country in this respect.
The cost of living is reasonable – Texas is the 16th most affordable state – and home prices come in at 15% below the nationwide average.
16. Minnesota: $608,818
Tying with Alaska, Minnesota's median net worth of $85,813 is only 7.1 times lower than the average, the second narrowest disparity in the nation. This is reflected in the state's Gini Index score – Minnesota is ranked 11th for income equality.
The poverty rate in the state is very low at 7.7%, with only two states scoring better by this metric. Meanwhile, Minnesota is ranked 14th for the proportion of millionaire households. The cost of living is around the US average, while home prices are 5% lower.
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15. Pennsylvania: $608,886
As far as wealth and income are concerned, Pennsylvania is less equal than Minnesota. At $47,229, the Keystone State's median net worth is 12.9 times lower than the average, and Pennsylvania ranks only 35th for lowest income equality.
The poverty rate is 10.8%, which is below the US average. Pennsylvania is placed 19th for the proportion of millionaire households, and its average retirement savings balance is far more robust than the national average. Like Minnesota, the cost of living is more or less on a par with the US average but home prices are a good 25% cheaper.
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14. Colorado: $611,234
Colorado is among the most equitable states. Its median net worth of $72,364 is just 8.4 times lower than the average, while the state is ranked 13th for lowest income inequality.
The Centennial State has a comparatively low rate of poverty at 8.5%. Conversely, the millionaire population is relatively substantial – 7.48% of households boast seven-figure net worths, against the national average of 6.71%. Yet despite the fairer distribution of wealth in the state, the high cost of living and steep home prices, which are 55% higher than the US average, significantly diminish the purchasing power of its residents.
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13. Florida: $615,886
In contrast, the gap between rich and poor is cavernous in Florida. At just $22,600, the median net worth for the state is 27.3 times less than the average. And Florida is ranked a dire 44th in the nation for income equality.
The Sunshine State's poverty rate is well above the US average at 13.1%, while Florida ranks 27th for the concentration of millionaire households. The state is placed much higher in terms of billionaires, with 78 in total. Only two states have more. Living costs are high – Florida is only the 32nd most affordable state – and home prices are 15% higher than the nationwide average. And while Floridians have the second lowest tax burden in the land, a recent study found the state actually has the most regressive tax system in the US, with poorer residents paying considerably more than the rich in a relative sense.
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12. South Dakota: $617,773
South Dakota's median net worth of $50,275 is 12.3 times lower than the average, beating the typical figure nationwide. The state also has low levels of income inequality – it's the eighth most equitable, in fact.
At 9.7%, the poverty rate is below the US average, while the state ranks 40th in the nation for millionaire households. Cost of living is low – the Mount Rushmore State is the 13th most affordable – and home prices are 85% of the US average. And as a bonus, South Dakota has the third lowest tax burden nationwide.
11. Nevada: $629,326
At only $19,998, Nevada's median net worth is a whopping 31.4 times lower than the average number of $629,326. However, income inequality is around the national average.
The poverty rate of 12.6% is above the US average, while the concentration of millionaire households is slightly below. Living costs are elevated – Nevada ranks only 33rd for affordability – and the state has the 14th most expensive residential real estate in the country, based on the average home value.
10. Virginia: $646,839
The richest Southern state, Virginia's median net worth comes in at a bumper $78,373, which is 8.3 times less than the average. Income equality isn't great, with Virginia ranked 32nd by this metric.
Virginia's poverty rate of 8.6% is significantly lower than its poorer neighbor, West Virginia, which has a poverty rate of 15.6%. The Old Dominion has a much larger proportion of millionaire households too, courtesy of its proximity to DC. It's also much more expensive: Virginia is placed 30th for affordability, while West Virginia has the lowest cost of living in America, and home prices come in at 10% above the national average.
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9. New York: $651,131
New York's median net worth of $59,404 is only 11 times lower than the average. But the state has the highest levels of income inequality in America. This is most evident in New York City, where extreme wealth coexists with grinding poverty.
The state's overall poverty rate is above the US average at 12.4%. But more than half of New York City's population lives in poverty or is classed as low income. At the other end of the scale, New York has the third highest number of millionaire households and ranks 12th for the proportion of seven-figure households. And only one state has more billionaires.
The cost of living is very high – only three states and DC are more expensive – and New York has the highest tax burden in the country. Home prices are excessive, especially in New York City. For this reason, the state has the second lowest rate of home ownership in America.
8. Illinois: $660,233
At $68,218, Illinois' median net worth is 9.7 times lower than the average. However, the state is one of the most unequal when it comes to income, ranking near the bottom nationwide.
The rate of poverty in the Prairie State is better than the national average at 9.4%. Illinois has the 15th highest concentration of millionaire households in America, with most presumably based in affluent Chicago and its environs. Cost of living statewide equates to the US average, though home prices are 25% lower (apart from in the Windy City and its suburbs).
7. New Hampshire: $687,146
The typical New Hampshire resident has a median net worth of $82,813, which is just 8.3 times lower than the average. Incomes are fairly distributed in a relative sense – the state ranks seventh for income equality.
Best of all, New Hampshire has the joint lowest poverty rate in America at just 7.1%. Millionaire households are comparatively abundant (the Granite State has the eighth highest concentration nationwide) but living costs are accordingly exorbitant, with New Hampshire ranked 42nd for affordability and home prices 39% above the US average. But these high costs are offset nicely by high wages, and the average retirement savings balance is the third highest in America.
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6. Massachusetts: $742,793
At $88,791, the median net worth figure for Massachusetts is just 8.4 times lower than the average. But the state has some of the highest levels of income inequality countrywide, with only two states scoring worse.
Still, the rate of poverty is low at 8.5%. At the opposite end of the wealth spectrum, Massachusetts has the fourth-highest concentration of millionaires in the country. You certainly need plenty of money to live comfortably in the state, as only two states and DC are more expensive and the typical home price in the Bay State is 80% higher than the nationwide average.
5. Washington: $766,158
Washington wows with the highest median net worth in America at a substantial $127,823. This is only six times lower than the average, the narrowest disparity between the two figures nationwide. However, income is less fairly distributed, with the state ranked 30th for income equality.
The rate of poverty is low at 8.3%, while the concentration of millionaire households is high – the Evergreen State is placed 11th by the metric. Living costs aren't for the faint-hearted, with Washington not a whole lot more affordable than pricey Massachusetts. And the cost of a typical home is 69% in excess of the nationwide average.
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4. New Jersey: $775,885
New Jersey's median net worth is 10.2 times lower than the average at $76,167. The income disparity between rich and poor is wide, with New Jersey ranked as the 10th worst state for income equality.
That said, the low poverty rate of 8.2% is something to be proud of. And New Jersey has the highest concentration of millionaire households in America, largely due to its proximity to New York City. Accordingly, the cost of living in the state is very high and home prices are even higher than those in New York as a whole, coming in at 51% more than the US average. On a positive note, the typical retirement savings balance is the second highest nationally.
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3. Vermont: $782,375
Vermont's median net worth of $85,598 is 9.5 times lower than the average. Unlike neighboring states, income tends to be evenly distributed – Vermont ranks sixth for income equality.
The rate of poverty is low at 8.4% and the proportion of millionaire households is just under the nationwide average. Living costs aren't the cheapest by a long shot – Vermont is in the top 10 most expensive states. But home prices, while higher than the national average, aren't overly excessive, though it's worth highlighting that Vermont has the third highest tax burden in the US.
2. California: $787,755
At $85,581, the median net worth in California is 9.2 times lower than the average. But income inequality is rife in the Golden State, which is far from golden for many. In fact, only three states score worse in this respect.
California's poverty rate is 11.4%. Yet it has more millionaire households than any other state, not to mention the highest number of billionaires at 186. Living costs are only exceeded by those in Hawaiʻi, as are home prices, which come in at a painful 122% higher than the national average. It stands to reason, then, that California has the third lowest home ownership rate in America.
1. Connecticut: $878,513
Connecticut has the highest average net worth in the US at $878,513, but its median net worth is only $81,332, which is 10.8 times lower. This makes sense given the state's excessive income inequality – only New York has a wider gap between rich and poor.
Poverty is higher than you'd probably expect from such a wealthy state at 9.8%, underlining the wealth disparity. The Constitution State's concentration of millionaire households confirms this – it's ranked third highest in the nation by this metric. The cost of living in the state is high but not extortionate considering how high incomes are there (Connecticut is ranked 38th for affordability). And while the cost of a typical home is pricey (this is still New England, after all), you'll pay far more in other states. This may explain why Connecticut has the highest average retirement savings balance in the nation.
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