2025 US States GDP per Capita Rankings: Insights and Analysis

Rank	State/District	GDP per Capita (2025 est., USD)
1	District of Columbia	242,000
2	New York	117,332
3	Massachusetts	110,561
4	Washington	108,468
5	California	105,000
6	Connecticut	102,000
7	New Jersey	98,000
8	Illinois	92,000
9	Colorado	90,000
10	Virginia	89,000
11	Maryland	88,000
12	Texas	87,000
13	Florida	86,000
14	Georgia	85,000
15	Minnesota	84,000
16	North Carolina	83,000
17	Pennsylvania	82,000
18	Ohio	81,000
19	Delaware	80,000
20	Michigan	79,000
21	Utah	78,000
22	Oregon	77,000
23	Arizona	76,000
24	Tennessee	75,000
25	Wisconsin	74,000
26	Nevada	73,000
27	Indiana	72,000
28	Missouri	71,000
29	Rhode Island	70,000
30	New Hampshire	69,000
31	South Carolina	68,000
32	Kentucky	67,000
33	Alabama	66,000
34	Oklahoma	65,000
35	Louisiana	64,000
36	Iowa	63,000
37	Kansas	62,000
38	Nebraska	61,000
39	Alaska	60,500
40	Arkansas	60,276
41	West Virginia	60,783
42	Mississippi	53,061
43	Idaho	52,000
44	Maine	51,000
45	Montana	50,000
46	South Dakota	49,000
47	North Dakota	48,000
48	Wyoming	47,000
49	Vermont	46,000
50	New Mexico	45,000
51	Hawaii	44,000

The United States presents a diverse array of economic performance metrics when examining GDP per capita, which quantifies the economic output generated by each individual within a state.

According to estimates for 2025, there are notable disparities among states and the District of Columbia, ranging from affluent centers to economically challenged areas.

District of Columbia: The Outlier at 242K

The District of Columbia leads the 2025 GDP per capita rankings with an impressive figure of 242 thousand dollars per individual.

DC is unique in that it is home to the federal government, think tanks, and lobbying organizations. The presence of high-paying positions in policy and law attracts top-tier talent.

In contrast to states, the compact size of DC allows for a concentration of wealth, resulting in a per-person output that significantly surpasses that of other regions.

Its economy is primarily driven by decision-making processes rather than manufacturing or agriculture.

New York and Massachusetts

New York holds the second position with a GDP per capita of 117.3 thousand dollars, propelled by the global banking presence of Wall Street and the trade supremacy of New York City.

The activities of stock traders, CEOs, and major media corporations contribute to substantial earnings, with millions of dollars circulating through the city on a daily basis.

Massachusetts, ranking third with a GDP per capita of 110.6 thousand dollars, relies heavily on prestigious institutions such as Harvard and MIT.

These universities stimulate growth in biotechnology and startups, generating high-paying employment opportunities in drug development and artificial intelligence.

Both states reap the benefits of urban density, attracting skilled professionals who enhance economic productivity.

Washington and California

Washington, ranked fourth with an income of 108.5 thousand dollars, is riding the technology wave, driven by companies like Microsoft and Amazon.

The coders and engineers in Seattle command high salaries as they develop software and cloud systems that are marketed globally.

California, in fifth place with an income of 105 thousand dollars, is the powerhouse of Silicon Valley. Firms such as Apple and Tesla create innovative gadgets and vehicles that influence international markets.

Both states make substantial investments in technology education, ensuring a continuous influx of skilled talent to maintain high productivity.

Middle of the Pack

Northeast and Midwest

States such as Connecticut (102K) and New Jersey (98K) achieve high rankings due to their connections with New York’s financial center.

Commuters secure lucrative positions in finance and pharmaceuticals, enhancing local economies. Illinois, with an income of 92 thousand dollars, is focused on the logistical strengths of Chicago.

Its warehouses, railroads, and airports establish it as a key trade hub. Midwestern states like Ohio (81K) and Minnesota (84K) depend on manufacturing and agriculture.

Factories produce automobiles, while fields cultivate corn, offering stable yet less dynamic growth compared to technology-driven states.

Southern States

Southern states such as Texas (87K) and Florida (86K) achieve commendable performance through diversification.

Texas combines oil, technology, and aerospace, with cities like Austin becoming hotspots for startups.

Florida’s growth is propelled by tourism and real estate, supported by retirees and vacationers. Conversely, states like Alabama (66K) and Louisiana (64K) are falling behind.

They concentrate on the automotive and energy sectors but face challenges due to lower educational attainment and a lack of advanced industries.

Investment in educational institutions could enhance their standings in the future.

The Lower Ranks: Challenges and Constraints

Rural and Resource-Dependent States

New Mexico (45K) and Hawaii (44K) are positioned near the lower end of the spectrum. While New Mexico’s oil and gas fields create wealth, fluctuating prices and sparse populations hinder growth.

Rural regions suffer from a lack of diverse employment opportunities. Hawaii relies heavily on tourism, attracting visitors to its beaches.

However, its isolated location increases import expenses, and elevated living costs diminish wages. Wyoming (47K) and North Dakota (48K) encounter comparable challenges.

Their energy industries—coal and oil—support small populations, yet automation diminishes job requirements, limiting production.

Agricultural and Small Economies

Idaho (52K) and Mississippi (53.1K) depend on agriculture and basic manufacturing.

The potato and timber industries in Idaho, along with textiles in Mississippi, sustain local economies but fail to compete with the wages offered in technology or finance sectors.

These states require additional training programs to transition workers into higher-paying occupations.

Vermont (46K) and Montana (50K) experience similar obstacles, characterized by small populations and economies driven by tourism that restrict growth potential.

Why the Gaps Exist

Geography and History Shape Wealth

The Northeast holds a prominent position in high rankings due to the evolution of colonial-era ports into financial centers.

Cities such as Boston and New York draw significant global investment. The technological boom on the West Coast, which began in the 1980s, has generated wealth through innovation.

In contrast, Southern and rural states, which are linked to traditional industries such as agriculture or mining, experience slower growth.

Data indicates that states with urban centers have an average GDP per capita that is 20 percent higher than that of rural states, attributed to job density.

Education Drives Earnings

States with a higher number of college graduates lead the rankings. Massachusetts and California invest significantly in their universities, resulting in a steady output of engineers and researchers.

Conversely, Mississippi and New Mexico rank low in terms of college attainment, which correlates with their GDP per capita figures of 53.1 and 45 thousand dollars, respectively.

Investing in community colleges could assist underperforming states in training workers for technology or healthcare positions, potentially narrowing the gap by 10 to 15 percent, based on historical data.

Industry Choices Matter

States that focus on technology and finance thrive because their products—such as software or financial investments—are sold on a global scale.

Energy-dependent states like Wyoming experience fluctuations in their economy due to oil prices, which are further affected by automation.

While tourism in Hawaii generates revenue, it limits wage growth compared to technology jobs in Washington.

States that are transitioning to artificial intelligence or renewable energy, like California’s initiatives in green energy, may see upward mobility.

Ohio’s transition to advanced manufacturing helps maintain its competitiveness with a GDP per capita of 81 thousand dollars.

What the Numbers Mean for People

The national average GDP per capita stands at 79.9 thousand dollars across 51 regions. The leading states achieve double this figure, while the lowest fall to half.

A high GDP per capita typically supports improved schools, infrastructure, and healthcare through taxation.

Conversely, low rankings indicate challenges such as poverty or the emigration of young individuals seeking better employment opportunities.

For instance, West Virginia (60.8K) loses talent to Virginia (89K) due to a lack of job opportunities. As the economy transitions towards artificial intelligence and clean energy, states must evolve.

Leaders who innovate rapidly will thrive, while those who cling to outdated industries risk falling further behind.

Source

• U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis. (2025). Gross domestic product by state and personal income by state, 2025 projections. U.S. Department of Commerce.