10 U.S. States With the Highest Household Income

High incomes in the United States are clustered in a surprisingly small group of states, and they share more than just big paychecks. The 10 U.S. states with the highest annual median household income were Massachusetts ($104,828), New Jersey ($104,294), Maryland ($102,905), Hawaii, California, New Hampshire, Washington, Colorado, Utah, and Connecticut, all above $96,000 a year. These places are powerhouses of advanced industries: biotech in Massachusetts, finance in New Jersey and Connecticut, federal and defense contracting in Maryland, and tech corridors stretching from California and Washington to Colorado and Utah.

In these states, earnings often rise alongside high levels of education, dense innovation ecosystems, and strong ties to global trade and federal spending. Many of them also combine knowledge industries with major tourism, agriculture, or energy sectors, spreading economic risk across multiple pillars. At the same time, several are known for high costs of living and pronounced inequality, meaning a strong annual median income does not guarantee universal affluence.

10 US States With The Highest Median Household Income

1. Massachusetts

Massachusetts ranks first in the U.S. for median household income, with a median of $104,828 in 2024. This economic strength reflects its highly educated workforce, led by top-tier institutions like Harvard and MIT. A global leader in biotechnology, healthcare, and finance, Massachusetts also excels in innovation and research, with Boston serving as a major economic and cultural hub. The state consistently ranks first in public education and human development indexes, and it has one of the highest per capita incomes nationwide. Despite being one of the most expensive states to live in, Massachusetts remains a national model for progressivism, with a high quality of life, advanced infrastructure, and robust economic opportunity.

2. New Jersey

With a 2024 median household income of $104,294, New Jersey ranks second in the nation. Its wealth is driven by a highly educated population and a diversified economy spanning finance, biotechnology, logistics, and information technology. Strategically located between New York City and Philadelphia, New Jersey benefits from proximity to major economic hubs and is home to 24 Fortune 500 companies. It also boasts the highest population density and the greatest concentration of millionaires per capita. A quarter of its residents are foreign-born, making it one of the most diverse states. Despite a high cost of living, New Jersey offers top-ranked public schools and a high quality of life.

3. Maryland

A 2024 median household income of $102,905 places Maryland third nationally, reflecting its diversified, innovation-focused economy. Anchored by industries such as biotechnology, information technology, defense, and aerospace, the state benefits from proximity to federal agencies like NIH and NASA. Maryland's highly educated workforce supports its status as a tech leader, with over 228,000 tech jobs and $37.8 billion in tech sector contributions. Baltimore, a key economic hub, was named a federal Tech Hub and Workforce Hub, attracting major investments. Maryland also excels in trade via the Port of Baltimore, agriculture, and commercial fishing. In 2024, it retained a coveted AAA bond rating, underscoring its strong fiscal management.

4. Hawaii

In 2024, households in Hawaii earned a median of $100,745, placing the state fourth among U.S. states. Its economy is supported by a mix of tourism, military defense, and agriculture, with tourism contributing over $18 billion in visitor spending and employing more than 200,000 people. Hawaii also hosts the U.S. Pacific Fleet and 75,000 Defense Department personnel, making federal military spending the state's second-largest income source. Despite a high cost of living, Hawaii remains one of the wealthiest states and has the longest life expectancy in the nation.

5. California

California's 2024 median household income of $100,149 gives it the fifth-highest ranking in the country. As the most populous state and the world's fifth-largest economy by GDP, California's wealth stems from a diverse economic base, including technology, entertainment, agriculture, and international trade. Silicon Valley leads global innovation with giants like Apple and Google, while Hollywood anchors the film and media industry. The state is also the nation's leading agricultural producer, even as it contends with persistent water and climate pressures. Home to dozens of Fortune 500 companies and major ports that handle a large share of U.S. imports, California is a global economic force.

6. New Hampshire

New Hampshire's 2024 median household income of $99,782 ranks sixth nationwide, supported by a mix of high-tech, manufacturing, and service-sector jobs. Instead of broad income or sales taxes, New Hampshire leans heavily on local property taxes, reinforcing its fiscally conservative image. Its economy includes strong sectors in finance, real estate, manufacturing, healthcare, and high-tech industries. Proximity to the Boston metro area supports commuter towns and regional growth. This tax structure appeals to residents and businesses seeking lower statewide tax burdens and limited government.

7. Washington

A 2024 median household income of $99,389 places Washington seventh among U.S. states. Its economy is fueled by global giants like Amazon, Microsoft, and Boeing, as well as strong manufacturing, software, and trade sectors. Washington hosts the nation's highest concentration of STEM workers and is the leading producer of hydroelectric power. The state is also a major exporter, handling 8% of all U.S. exports, primarily through Puget Sound ports. Washington imposes no personal income or corporate tax, relying instead on sales and property taxes. Agriculture plays a vital role, with Washington leading the U.S. in apple production and ranking highly in other crops and specialty goods.

8. Colorado

Colorado's median household income of $97,113 in 2024 earns it the eighth spot on this list. Its economy blends aerospace, technology, federal research institutions, and agriculture, reducing reliance on any single sector. Denver, the state's economic hub, supports industries from telecommunications to mining and is home to major companies like Lockheed Martin and Comcast. Colorado's aerospace sector employs over 240,000 people across more than 280 companies, and the state also houses key federal agencies like NOAA and NCAR. Agriculture remains vital, with major outputs in beef, corn, and hay, and the state is a leader in marijuana sales. Its flat 4.55% income tax rate and strong high-tech and defense sectors support economic stability and sustained income growth.

9. Utah

Utah comes in ninth nationally, with a 2024 median household income of $96,658. Its economy spans tourism, technology, mining, agriculture, and petroleum, giving the state a broad and resilient economic base. The Wasatch Front, home to Salt Lake City, drives most of the state's economic activity. Utah is a national leader in economic dynamism, bolstered by a growing information technology sector and a business-friendly tax system. Tourism is fueled by five national parks and world-renowned ski resorts, while mining and energy, especially petroleum and coal, remain key contributors. Agriculture thrives through livestock, dairy, and fruit production. Utah also levies a flat income tax with credits for low- and middle-income households to keep the system relatively progressive.

10. Connecticut

Connecticut's 2024 median household income of $96,049 places it tenth among all U.S. states. Its economy is led by finance, insurance, real estate, and advanced manufacturing, with major employers like The Hartford, Pratt & Whitney, and Sikorsky Aircraft. The state has one of the highest per capita incomes but also high income inequality. Fairfield County hosts several hedge fund headquarters, while manufacturing thrives in aerospace, defense, and pharmaceuticals. Connecticut also has a significant cultural and tourism sector, including large casinos and historic attractions. Tax burdens are high, with some of the nation's steepest property and fuel taxes, yet the state still benefits from a broad and resilient economic base.

US States Ranked By Median Household Income

Source: U.S. Census Bureau’s 2024 1-Year American Community Survey (ACS)