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The wealthiest states by income aren't just on the west coast and in New England, as you might assume.
Census income data on the median household income from 2017 shows a variety of areas where there's wealth to be had. The top 17 states include two Midwestern locales, Illinois and Minnesota. The list also includes many states in the west, as well as Alaska and Hawaii. However, the top-earning area isn't technically a state at all: it's Washington DC.
The median household income for the US as a whole is $61,372, putting all of the places on this list above the national average. In terms of poverty rate, though, states tend to be a little bit more sporadic. With the national three-year average poverty rate at 12.8%, some states on this list are higher than that, while one is at nearly half. It's worth noting the poverty rate in these states because it makes clear that these higher-than-average incomes aren't necessarily available to everyone.
While the west coast and New England certainly make the list, they're not the whole list. Here are the 17 states where median income is the highest, along with their three year average poverty rate, according to 2017 Census Bureau data.
Likely thanks to its proximity to Washington, D.C., Virginia has median incomes higher than California.
Median annual income: $71,293
Poverty rate: 10.8%
12. Utah
Utah not only offers several national parks and lots of nature activities, but it also offers high incomes.
Median annual income: $71,319
Poverty rate: 8.8%
11. Minnesota
Minnesota is one of the two Midwestern states to make the highest income list, and with the third lowest poverty rate in the US, it seems that this state is doing pretty well.
Median annual income: $71,920
Poverty rate: 8.6%
10. Alaska
Alaska offers a very different lifestyle, but that doesn't mean that many of its residents aren't wealthy.
Median annual income: $72,231
Poverty rate: 12.1%
9. Connecticut
Connecticut's income is well above the national average, and has one of the lowest poverty rates.
Median annual income: $72,780
Poverty rate: 9.9%
8. New Jersey
An escape from New York City — and a low poverty rate.
Median annual income: $72,997
Poverty rate: 9.7%
7. Massachusetts
Enjoy coastal cities like Boston and fairly high annual incomes in Massachusetts.
Median annual income: $73,227
Poverty rate: 10.6%
6. Hawaii
The Aloha State offers lovely climates and beaches, along with high costs of living and high incomes.
Median annual income: $73,575
Poverty rate: 10.2%
5. Colorado
Colorado has seen big growth lately, with cities like Denver and Boulder attracting many young professionals.
Median annual income: $74,172
Poverty rate: 8.7%
4. New Hampshire
With a classic New England feel, this northern state is fairly wealthy. It also boasts the lowest poverty rate in the US.
Median annual income: $74,801
Poverty rate: 6.4%
3. Washington
Washington state attracts those who like outdoor activities, with places like the Cascade Mountains and Olympic National Park easily accessible. In addition, a bustling tech scene in Seattle offers high salaries.
Median annual income: $75,418
Poverty rate: 10.6%
2. Maryland
Maryland is the only US state to reach a median household income above $80,000, and has the second lowest poverty rate behind New Hampshire.
Median annual income: $81,084
Poverty rate: 8.2%
1. Washington DC
The highest incomes in the US can be found in the nation's capital, Washington DC. While it's technically not a state, the small district offers very high incomes but also one of the highest poverty rates in the US.
