- Top 1% income threshold: $623,736
- Median Annual Wage: $37,810
To join the wealthiest 1% in New Mexico, you need an annual income of $623,736, 16.4 times the state’s median salary of $37,810. Despite its natural resource wealth, the state's reliance on oil revenues has contributed to significant economic instability. High poverty rates persist, and the state faces challenges in improving wages and fostering a stronger middle class.
New Mexico grapples with an out-migration of skilled workers and young families, leaving its workforce struggling to support recovery efforts. Efforts to diversify the economy beyond resource extraction remain slow, as rural areas lack access to robust infrastructure and economic opportunities. Addressing structural challenges through investment in education, workforce development, and industry diversification is essential for a more stable and equitable economic future.
- Top 1% income threshold: $617,354
- Median Annual Wage: $39,680
Ohio’s 1% club requires an annual income of $617,354. Meanwhile, the state’s median salary comes in at $39,680, creating an over 15-fold gap. Regressive tax policies weigh heavily on low- and middle-income families, with the poorest 20% of residents paying more than double the tax rate of the state’s wealthiest 1%.
Ohio’s economic growth has also stalled, with GDP growth ranking 45th in the nation in recent years. Declines in key industries like manufacturing and financial services, historically pivotal to the state’s economy, have significantly slowed overall progress.
- Top 1% income threshold: $1,072,248
- Median Annual Wage: $47,920
California’s threshold to join the 1% club is as golden as the state itself. With an annual requirement of $1,072,248, the earnings needed to break into this elite tier are more than 20 times the state’s median salary of $47,920. Homelessness remains a visible and urgent crisis, while traffic congestion in major cities like Los Angeles turns daily commutes into hours-long grinds.
Wildfires continue to threaten homes and livelihoods each year, and persistent droughts and water shortages add to the strain on residents statewide. These issues weigh heavily on Californians, sparking debates about quality of life, governance, and whether it’s all still worth the cost.
- Top 1% income threshold: $768,951
- Median Annual Wage: $47,590
Minnesota’s top 1% earn an impressive $768,951 annually, approximately 16.2 times the state’s median salary of $47,590. The state is home to economic powerhouses like Target and 3M, but beneath Minnesota’s reputation for opportunity, significant economic hardships linger.
A growing budget deficit threatens public services, and income inequality remains a pressing issue, particularly for racial and ethnic communities who face higher poverty rates and lower wages compared to white Minnesotans. The state’s housing market adds another layer of challenge, with affordable options increasingly scarce for families. Many also struggle to access necessary healthcare, further straining household finances.
- Top 1% income threshold: $685,128
- Median Annual Wage: $47,200
Virginia’s financial elite sits at the $685,128 threshold, 14.5 times the state’s median salary of $47,200. With its central role in government operations and defense contracting, Virginia is a powerhouse for high-paying jobs tied to federal agencies.
Spanning from the tech hubs in Northern Virginia to the serene landscapes of the Shenandoah Valley, the state offers diverse opportunities. Unfortunately, that doesn’t mean high wages for many that live in the state.
- Top 1% income threshold: $1,192,947
- Median Annual Wage: $48,720
Joining Connecticut’s top 1% demands an income of $1,192,947, roughly 24.5 times the median salary of $48,720. The contrast is staggering. Hedge fund billionaires in Greenwich enjoy waterfront mansions and exclusive golf clubs, while just 30 miles away in Bridgeport, families struggle with poverty, unemployment, and underfunded schools.
Middle-class residents are fleeing the state, pushed out by property taxes often exceeding $10,000 per year. For those who remain, childcare and education costs are crippling, with daycare fees rivaling college tuition. Parents face tough choices between working more hours or sacrificing time with their kids just to make ends meet.
- Top 1% income threshold: $598,882
- Median Annual Wage: $37,700
It takes an annual income of $598,882 to secure a spot in Tennessee’s top 1%, a figure nearly 15.8 times higher than the state’s median salary of $37,700. While Nashville’s iconic music industry pumps billions into the economy, there is a clear divide between the haves and the have-nots.
Tennessee’s economic realities reflect a clear divide. Despite the state’s rich cultural heritage and economic contributions from industries like music and agriculture, opportunities for financial advancement remain limited for much of the population. This uneven distribution underscores the challenges many Tennesseans face in achieving greater economic stability.
- Top 1% income threshold: $514,865
- Median Annual Wage: $36,860
To claim a spot in West Virginia’s top 1%, you’d need to earn $514,865 a year, nearly 14 times the state’s median salary of $36,860. West Virginia is home to some of the richest untapped natural beauty, but its economy leans heavily on coal mining, which has seen significant ups and downs in recent decades.
Life in the Mountain State comes with breathtaking vistas and strong community ties, but the financial gap between average workers and high earners remains monumental.
- Top 1% income threshold: $742,155
- Median Annual Wage: $37,900
It takes $742,155 annually to join Nevada’s top 1%, nearly 20 times the state’s median salary of $37,900. While Nevada’s economy is fueled by its world-famous casinos and thriving tourism, the disparities between the wealthiest and the average worker remain stark.
Housing costs have soared past income growth, with half of the state's renters spending a disproportionate share of their earnings on housing. Reliance on a volatile tourism sector leaves the state vulnerable to external downturns, as declining international travel and budget uncertainties threaten tax revenues and public services.
- Top 1% income threshold: $758,974
- Median Annual Wage: $46,910
Becoming part of Oregon’s 1% requires $758,974 per year. Meanwhile, the median salary in the state is $46,910, underscoring a 16.2-times gap. Portland boasts wealth concentrated in its tech and sustainable industries, but the state grapples with broader challenges.
The ongoing housing crisis, marked by sluggish construction and drastic drops in multi-family housing permits, has worsened access to affordable living for many residents. There’s also been economic stagnation in key sectors like manufacturing and finance poses added hurdles.
- Top 1% income threshold: $662,790
- Median Annual Wage: $47,780
To join Rhode Island’s top 1%, you’ll need an annual income of $662,790, 14.8 times the state’s median salary of $47,780. This stark difference showcases the growing income disparity in the Ocean State. Rhode Island is experiencing high housing costs, intensified by critical shortages in both rental and owned properties, leaving residents grappling with affordability.
Rhode Island’s tax system makes inequality worse. The state’s lowest earners contribute a disproportionate share of their income to taxes compared to the wealthiest, making it one of the most regressive in the nation. The state’s lowest earners contribute a disproportionate share of their income to taxes compared to the wealthiest, making it one of the most regressive in the nation.
- Top 1% income threshold: $640,330
- Median Annual Wage: $46,700
Delaware’s top 1% earns $640,330 annually, about 13.7 times the median salary of $46,700. Wilmington faces a growing affordable housing crisis, with rising rents and limited availability leaving many residents struggling to make ends meet.
Rural areas like Sussex County grapple with stagnant wages and limited job opportunities, despite being a hub for the state’s poultry farming industry. Workers in this sector often endure difficult conditions and low pay, despite their significant contributions to Delaware’s economy.
- Top 1% income threshold: $913,232
- Median Annual Wage: $48,460
An annual income of $913,232 secures a spot in Maryland's top 1%, an astounding 18.8 times the state’s median salary of $48,460. Maryland leads the nation in the concentration of millionaires per capita, fueled by industries like government contracting and biotech, as well as its proximity to Washington, D.C.
Despite the state’s affluence, stark challenges persist for average earners. Sky-high housing costs, particularly in areas like Montgomery and Howard counties, squeeze middle-class families. Income inequality further compounds the issue, with many struggling to match the rising cost of living. For middle-income households, upward mobility can feel out of reach, creating a sharp divide between different economic strata.
- Top 1% income threshold: $802,335
- Median Annual Wage: $50,450
Washington’s wealthiest 1% earn $802,335 annually, nearly 16 times the state’s median salary of $50,450. Washington isn’t just about apples and coffee. It’s also home to tech behemoths like Microsoft and Amazon, which have turned Seattle into a playground for innovation and sky-high paychecks.
While some residents enjoy the perks of stunning waterfront views and cutting-edge careers, many others find the income divide as daunting as the dense Pacific Northwest forests.
- Top 1% income threshold: $776,662
- Median Annual Wage: $48,800
Joining New York’s top 1% requires an annual income of $776,662, an amount 16 times higher than the state’s median salary of $48,800. The state’s immense wealth disparity is reflected in its financial districts, where prosperity coexists with widespread economic hardships. Rising housing costs leave over half of New York City's tenants rent-burdened, and inflation outpaces wage growth, limiting financial stability for many.
Challenges such as high living costs and near-nonexistant wage growth make upward mobility difficult for middle- and lower-income residents. Tackling these issues through affordable housing initiatives, strengthened wage policies, and investment in economic opportunities is vital for a more balanced future.
- Top 1% income threshold: $648,303
- Median Annual Wage: $64,874
The top 1% in Michigan earn an annual income of $648,303, about 10 times the state’s median salary of $64,874. Michigan’s auto industry has put the state on the global stage with iconic cars, but it’s not all great. Nearly 40% of Michiganders live in economic insecurity.
Many are struggling to overcome low wages and access better-paying jobs. Workers without advanced skills often find themselves locked out of higher-paying opportunities, highlighting the need for expanded training and educational resources.
- Top 1% income threshold: $502,393
- Median Annual Wage: $46,960
To join North Dakota’s top 1%, an income of $502,393 is needed, over 10 times the median salary of $46,960. Though fueled by oil and agriculture, this economic growth largely benefits the wealthy. Declining oil prices and higher infrastructure costs linked to tariffs have strained the energy sector, while trade disputes have slashed demand for key exports like soybeans and wheat, hitting farmers hard.
Small businesses also face rising costs, tax uncertainties, and labor shortages, adding to the financial struggles of residents. Slow economic growth and tighter state budgets underscore the need for diversification beyond resource industries. Addressing these challenges through supportive small business policies, mitigating trade impacts, and fostering innovation could help bridge economic disparities and build a more stable future for North Dakotans.
- Top 1% income threshold: $577,017
- Median Annual Wage: $37,250
Earning a spot in Alabama’s top 1% means pulling in a jaw-dropping $577,017 a year. To put that in perspective, the state’s median income sits at just $37,250, making the highest earners rake in nearly 10 times as much. Despite that, the financial disparity underscores some of Alabama’s most pressing challenges. The state struggles with an extreme poverty rate, leaving many families facing economic insecurity.
The education system is also a significant concern, with underfunded schools and low graduation rates hindering opportunities for young residents. Healthcare access remains limited, especially in rural areas where closures of medical facilities have increased. Adding to these issues are crumbling infrastructure and outdated public transportation, making daily life more difficult for many Alabamians across income levels.
- Top 1% income threshold: $631,383
- Median Annual Wage: $47,700
Hitting Hawaii’s top 1% means earning $631,383 annually, roughly 13.2 times the median salary of $47,700. The high cost of imported goods like food and fuel keeps everyday expenses exorbitant for most residents. Honolulu’s severe housing shortage has driven property prices sky-high, leaving families squeezed out of the market or burdened with unsustainable rents.
Limited job opportunities exacerbate economic pressures on neighboring islands like Maui and Kauai, with many relying on seasonal tourism work that offers little stability. The growing wealth gap across the islands is stark, as resources remain concentrated in certain areas while others face neglected infrastructure and rising poverty.
- Top 1% income threshold: $551,500
- Median Annual Wage: $37,250
South Carolina’s top 1% earn a minimum of $551,500 per year, a staggering 14 times the median salary of $37,250. This stark gap reflects a deeper struggle faced by many residents despite the state’s economic growth in industries like tourism and manufacturing.
Beneath South Carolina’s vibrant exterior lies a simmering crisis for its workforce. Nearly 19% of workers earn less than $15 per hour, one of the highest percentages in the South, leaving many unable to cover basic expenses. Housing affordability, a growing pain for low-income renters, is exacerbated by an eviction rate that ranks among the worst in the nation.
- Top 1% income threshold: $591,882
- Median Annual Wage: $37,550
Breaking into Idaho’s top 1% takes $591,882 annually, about 15.8 times the median salary of $37,550. The housing crisis in Boise has pushed home prices beyond the reach of locals, forcing families to relocate or face financial strain.
In the Magic Valley, agricultural workers, essential to the state’s economy, endure low wages and seasonal job instability. Small towns like Emmett and Jerome grapple with dwindling economic opportunities, leaving tight-knit communities struggling to sustain their way of life. Rapid population growth has further strained resources, with rural areas often overlooked for infrastructure and economic investment.
- Top 1% income threshold: $573,905
- Median Annual Wage: $38,330
Joining Indiana’s top 1% requires $573,905 annually, a figure that’s roughly 15 times the state’s median salary of $38,330. Manufacturing may anchor the state’s economy, but many workers are grappling with stagnant wages and job instability as automation continues to reshape the industry. While Indiana boasts an affordable cost of living, that hasn’t offset the growing economic divide.
Rural areas, heavily reliant on factory jobs, face even steeper challenges, with dwindling opportunities and limited access to education or retraining programs. The gap between the top earners and everyday workers remains wide, undercutting financial mobility for most residents.
- Top 1% income threshold: $502,199
- Median Annual Wage: $37,710
Hitting the top 1% in South Dakota requires an annual income of $502,199, nearly 13.2 times the state’s median salary of $37,710. South Dakota is one of the states that doesn’t have a state income tax, but South Dakotans grappling with rising property taxes in exchange.
Added to this are workforce challenges. The state currently has thousands of job openings, but not enough residents or incoming workers to fill them. This labor shortage limits business growth and infrastructure improvements, compounding frustrations among locals.
- Top 1% income threshold: $903,192
- Median Annual Wage: $46,630
Breaking into Illinois’s top 1% requires an annual income of $903,192, around 19.4 times the median salary of $46,630. For middle-class families, high property taxes are a constant strain, especially in rural regions where incomes lag behind but taxes remain burdensome.
Residents feel they’re footing the bill for statewide issues without seeing meaningful investment in their own neighborhoods. Rural areas often struggle with aging infrastructure, limited access to quality jobs, and a lack of resources to sustain local economies.
- Top 1% income threshold: $528,296
- Median Annual Wage: $45,890
Wyoming’s top earners need an annual income of $528,296 to join the state’s financial elite, which is 11.5 times the median salary of $45,890. Wyoming’s wide-open might be known for cowboys, but the state also benefits from a strong energy sector, with fossil fuels and wind power contributing significantly to its economy.
Famed for its breathtaking national parks and a way of life that embraces the untamed West, Wyoming’s charm comes with its challenges.
- Top 1% income threshold: $725,284
- Median Annual Wage: $38,340
To join the top 1% in Georgia, you need an annual income of $725,284, a figure that soars over 10 times higher than the state’s median salary of $38,340. This stark contrast underscores the significant financial divide Georgians encounter daily.
Georgia’s economy thrives on a rich mix of industries, from its leadership in aerospace exports to producing over 85% of the nation’s carpets and rugs. With bustling ports in Savannah, the global carpet hub of Dalton, and a tech-forward Atlanta, the state’s economic achievements are undeniable.
- Top 1% income threshold: $611,618
- Median Annual Wage: $39,070
Joining Iowa’s top 1% requires an income of $611,618, about 15.7 times the state’s median salary of $39,070. Despite its low unemployment rate and strong ties to agriculture, small farmers face rising costs, unpredictable markets, and slim profits, keeping them far from the financial elite.
Rural depopulation adds to the strain, as young people leave in search of better opportunities, leaving communities with fewer workers and dwindling local economies. Iowa’s efforts to diversify beyond agriculture, such as renewable energy development, show promise but haven’t bridged the gap between average incomes and the top tier.
- Top 1% income threshold: $555,415
- Median Annual Wage: $38,050
Cracking the top 1% in Kansas requires earning $555,415 annually, a staggering 14.6 times the median salary of $38,050. While agriculture, particularly wheat production, fuels much of the state’s economy, small farmers often grapple with razor-thin margins. Rural depopulation amplifies these challenges, draining communities of young talent and reducing demand for local businesses.
This also puts a strain on essential services like healthcare and education, which are already limited in many rural areas. Residents often face long commutes for doctor visits or lack access to quality schools, further curbing opportunities for economic growth. On top of these issues, Kansas faces an uphill battle in diversifying its economy beyond agriculture. Dependence on this single sector leaves the state vulnerable to shifts in global markets and climate change, making it harder to build long-term economic stability.
- Top 1% income threshold: $550,469
- Median Annual Wage: $36,680
Arkansas residents with dreams of joining the financial elite need to pull in at least $550,469 annually, a sharp contrast to the median salary of just $36,680. Despite its affordability compared to other states, Arkansas faces significant challenges. The state grapples with one of the highest poverty rates in the nation, leaving many families struggling to make ends meet.
Access to quality healthcare remains a persistent issue, with rural areas particularly affected by shortages of medical professionals and facilities. Education quality also varies widely, creating barriers for students in underfunded districts. Aging infrastructure, from crumbling roads to unreliable utilities, frustrates residents and hampers economic growth.
- Top 1% income threshold: $527,566
- Median Annual Wage: $37,660
Reaching the top 1% in Kentucky requires an income of $527,566, which is roughly 14 times the state’s median salary of $37,660. While the bourbon industry pours billions into the economy and stands as a symbol of Kentucky pride, most distillery workers earn far below this elite threshold.
Kentucky’s picturesque landscapes and rich traditions contrast sharply with its economic challenges. Large portions of the state rely on low-wage industries like agriculture and manufacturing, which limit upward mobility for many workers. Rural poverty remains a pressing issue, particularly in Eastern Kentucky, where limited job opportunities and infrastructure deficits hold communities back. Access to higher education and skills training is uneven, further widening the gap between the wealthy and the average Kentuckian.
- Top 1% income threshold: $583,852
- Median Annual Wage: $37,320
Earning $583,852 annually lands you in Louisiana’s top 1%, an impressive 15.6 times the state’s median salary of $37,320. Louisiana’s seafood industry may contribute billions and provide thousands of jobs, but even its most successful workers stay well below this financial benchmark.
Despite its rich cultural heritage and economic industries like oil and tourism, Louisiana faces persistent economic challenges. The state struggles with one of the highest poverty rates in the nation, leaving many residents to rely on low-wage industries that offer little financial security. Natural disasters, such as hurricanes and flooding, further destabilize the economy, disproportionately affecting vulnerable communities and exacerbating income inequality.
- Top 1% income threshold: $590,356
- Median Annual Wage: $42,950
Earning $590,356 annually places you in Maine’s top 1%, a striking 13.7 times the state’s median salary of $42,950. Maine’s iconic lobster industry, hauling in over $1 billion each year, showcases the state’s hardworking spirit. Famous for its stunning coastlines and “Vacationland” appeal, Maine faces significant economic challenges.
Seasonal employment in the state’s tourism-dependent areas often leads to income instability, leaving many workers struggling during the off-season. Rural communities, particularly in the northern and western parts of the state, grapple with high poverty rates and limited opportunities for jobs and education. Not to mention that coastal areas like Portland shoulder a high cost of living, making housing unaffordable for many year-round residents.
- Top 1% income threshold: $896,581
- Median Annual Wage: $58,540
Earning $896,581 annually puts you in Massachusetts's top 1%, a staggering 15.3 times the state’s median salary of $58,540. Massachusetts boasts some of the nation’s highest-paid professionals, especially in booming sectors like healthcare and technology, with Boston leading the charge as an innovation hub.
While the Bay State’s prestigious universities and thriving industries drive prosperity, they also heighten glaring disparities. Skyrocketing housing leave many families stretched thin, particularly in Greater Boston, where affordable options are scarce. The high cost of living adds another layer of strain, making it a challenge for middle- and low-income residents to keep up. Pair that with widening income inequality, and the dream of financial mobility feels out of reach for much of the population.
- Top 1% income threshold: $434,055
- Median Annual Wage: $35,070
To join Mississippi’s top 1%, you’ll need an annual income of $434,055, roughly 12.4 times the state’s median salary of $35,070. While agriculture serves as the backbone of Mississippi’s economy, with significant contributions from cotton and poultry, the farmworkers driving this industry often earn far below what it takes to reach the top tier of income.
Mississippi’s Southern charm and musical legacy mask deep economic divides. Residents face the reality of low wages, limited economic mobility, and persistent inequality. Tackling these disparities requires investments in better wages, job opportunities, and resources to address the income gap that defines life for many in the Magnolia State.
- Top 1% income threshold: $528,999
- Median Annual Wage: $38,860
Breaking into Utah’s top 1% requires an annual income of $528,999, about 13.6 times the state’s median salary of $38,860. While Utah’s “Silicon Slopes” tech scene has brought innovation and higher-paying jobs to the area, even these competitive salaries often fall short of elite levels.
Utah offers breathtaking mountain views and strong community ties, but for many residents, the state’s rapid economic growth has also highlighted income inequality. The financial gap continues to widen, leaving most Utahns behind.
- Top 1% income threshold: $642,707
- Median Annual Wage: $48,820
Alaska might be famous for its untamed wilderness, but breaking into the top 1% here isn’t for the faint-hearted. Earning a spot among Alaska’s financial elite requires an income of $642,707 annually, a drastic leap from the median salary of $48,820. That’s a 13-fold difference. Yet, even for the wealthiest, the state’s unique challenges are hard to escape.
High living costs, driven by the expense of importing goods, pinch wallets statewide. Limited access to healthcare remains a worry, especially in remote communities where medical facilities are sparse. Harsh weather conditions, with freezing winters and unpredictable storms, test the resilience of even the hardiest residents.
- Top 1% income threshold: $908,784
- Median Annual Wage: $48,200
To join New Jersey’s top 1%, you need an annual income of $908,784, which is over 18 times the state’s median salary of $48,200. Although New Jersey benefits from its proximity to New York City and affluent suburban neighborhoods, the state struggles with steep property taxes that burden residents. These taxes, driven largely by education and public service funding, remain a primary concern for many households.
Adding to the challenge are persistent fiscal deficits and the high overall cost of living, which squeeze middle-income families and hinder economic mobility. Efforts to manage budget shortfalls and improve affordability are critical for sustaining the state’s economic health. Policies focusing on property tax reform and cost-of-living relief could help residents achieve greater financial stability while fostering broader opportunities.
- Top 1% income threshold: $611,894
- Median Annual Wage: $38,130
Missouri’s top 1% earn an annual income of $611,894, more than 16 times the state’s median salary of $38,130. Missouri’s diverse landscape, from bustling cities like St. Louis and Kansas City to its scenic rural areas, offers a range of opportunities, but many residents grapple with economic challenges.
Rising costs of essentials such as food, gas, and housing have heightened financial pressures, leaving nearly a quarter of Missourians unable to afford basic necessities at times. Declining state revenues adds another layer of concern, threatening public services and placing future budget stability at risk.
- Top 1% income threshold: $539,847
- Median Annual Wage: $38,050
To join Montana’s 1%, you’ll need an annual income of $539,847, over 14 times the state’s median salary of $38,050. Behind Montana’s picturesque landscapes lie significant economic challenges. Rising housing costs are pricing out many residents, with affordable housing increasingly hard to come by.
Montana’s heavy reliance on federal funding, which makes up a substantial portion of the state budget, leaves it vulnerable to budget cuts that could disrupt essential services and strain local economies. Plus, gateway communities dependent on public lands and tourism face risks from federal budget reductions, potentially limiting their economic viability.
- Top 1% income threshold: $585,253
- Median Annual Wage: $38,780
Nebraska’s top 1% earns $585,253 annually, a stark contrast to the state’s median salary of $38,780. Despite being a leading producer of corn and beef farmhands often earn far below the income needed to reach the financial elite. Nebraska’s heartland charm conceals significant economic concerns.
Rural communities face declining agricultural land values, reduced farm equipment sales, and financial strain due to rising input costs and stagnant crop prices. The state also grapples with a $190 million budget deficit, pressuring lawmakers to make tough fiscal choices. With many rural Nebraskans deeply worried about the cost of living and personal finances, addressing these economic challenges will require targeted investments in agriculture, infrastructure, and innovative economic policies aimed at uplifting struggling communities.
- Top 1% income threshold: $896,075
- Median Annual Wage: $46,960
To join New Hampshire's top 1%, you need an annual income of $896,075, dwarfing the state’s median salary of $46,960. New Hampshire faces pressing issues like housing affordability, with median home prices exceeding $500,000 and rental costs rising sharply. Workforce constraints, driven by an aging population and limited child care options, further strain economic growth.
On top of that, food insecurity has increased in recent years, highlighting persistent struggles for households with lower incomes. Addressing these challenges through housing initiatives, workforce development, and targeted economic supports is critical for creating a more inclusive path to prosperity.
- Top 1% income threshold: $896,273
- Median Annual Wage: $47,940
To join Colorado's top 1%, you need $896,273 a year—that’s 18.7 times the state’s median salary of $47,940. Lower-income jobs, like teachers and first responders, struggle to find affordable housing near their jobs, forcing many to commute long distances. Rural hospitals are shutting down, leaving entire communities without nearby medical care.
Farmers on the Eastern Plains are battling a severe water crisis, jeopardizing their livelihoods and food production. Childcare costs are so high that many parents are pushed out of the workforce altogether. These challenges underscore the growing divide in Colorado, where a booming economy benefits the top earners while essential workers, families, and rural communities fight to stay afloat.
- Top 1% income threshold: $600,325
- Median Annual Wage: $38,370
Joining North Carolina's top 1% requires earning $600,325 annually, over 15 times the state’s median salary of $38,370. Despite recent growth in tech and finance sectors, wealth remains heavily concentrated at the top. State revenue growth has slowed significantly due to ongoing tax cuts favoring corporations and high earners, leaving public investments underfunded and widening financial disparities for everyday North Carolinians.
Persistent poverty, especially in rural and marginalized communities, highlights regional and racial disparities. Coupled with stagnant wages and high housing costs, residents struggle to achieve financial stability. Addressing income inequality through equitable tax policies and investment in public resources is crucial to creating broader economic opportunities.
- Top 1% income threshold: $501,985
- Median Annual Wage: $37,500
To join Oklahoma’s wealthiest 1%, you’ll need to earn $501,985 annually, while the median salary for the state is $37,500. That’s 13.3 times as much. Oklahoma’s economy, heavily tied to oil and agriculture, has left significant wealth concentrated in limited sectors while many residents struggle to make ends meet.
Housing affordability is a pressing issue, with a lack of safe, affordable homes disproportionately affecting low-income renters. Nearly a quarter of renters are classified as extremely low-income, and most spend more than half their income on housing. Compounding this, Oklahoma's tenant laws provide little protection, leaving renters vulnerable to unsafe conditions and evictions.
- Top 1% income threshold: $679,394
- Median Annual Wage: $44,900
To join Pennsylvania’s top 1%, you’ll need an annual income of $679,394, which is over 15 times higher than the state’s median salary of $44,900. Pennsylvania’s economy is a tale of contrasts. Cities like Philadelphia thrive with bustling business and innovation hubs, while other areas, particularly smaller cities and rural regions, are struggling.
Population loss is a pressing issue, with residents frequently relocating to lower-tax, business-friendly states. Regions such as Northeastern Pennsylvania continue to battle high poverty rates and persistent reliance on social services. Child poverty remains particularly concerning, with counties like Luzerne and Lackawanna historically exceeding statewide averages.
- Top 1% income threshold: $713,264
- Median Annual Wage: $39,501
Arizona’s top 1% threshold stands at $713,264 per year. Compare that to the state’s median annual wage of $39,501, and you’re looking at a gap of more than 15 times. But even for those who reach the top, Arizona’s challenges remain hard to ignore. Water scarcity is a pressing issue, with dwindling resources from the Colorado River raising alarms for both urban and rural areas.
Extreme heat waves make summers increasingly unbearable, straining both residents and infrastructure. Housing affordability is another growing concern, as prices in cities like Phoenix soar, pushing families further from urban centers. Meanwhile, urban sprawl continues to expand unchecked, leading to longer commutes and loss of natural desert landscapes.
- Top 1% income threshold: $871,140
- Median Annual Wage: $39,030
Earning a spot in Texas’s top 1% requires a staggering annual income of $871,140, a figure over 12 times the state’s median salary of $39,030. While Texas’s economy has historically leaned on its oil industry, cities like Austin have made waves with a growing tech presence, reflecting some diversification in the economic landscape.
Texas offers a blend of modern innovation and rich traditions, but the gap between everyday earnings and entry into the top 1% highlights the stark divide in economic mobility that many residents face.
- Top 1% income threshold: $882,302
- Median Annual Wage: $37,920
Reaching Florida’s top 1% requires $882,302 annually, about 23.3 times the median salary of $37,920. Miami’s soaring housing market has priced out countless residents, leaving people unable to find affordable homes. Agricultural workers in Immokalee endure low wages and harsh working conditions, despite their essential contributions to the state’s economy.
Orlando’s service industry workers face economic instability, with tourism jobs often offering low pay and inconsistent hours. These challenges are magnified by Florida’s lack of affordable healthcare options and public transportation, further straining working families.
- Top 1% income threshold: $548,932
- Median Annual Wage: $46,910
Joining Vermont’s financial elite requires an income of $548,932 annually, more than 11 times the state’s median salary of $46,910. Vermont’s artisanal food scene and vibrant tourism industry contribute significantly to the economy, but those industries rarely produce paychecks anywhere near the 1% benchmark.
Known for its charming small towns and picturesque landscapes, Vermont offers a peaceful lifestyle that many value far more than a hefty paycheck. With rising costs of living and limited high-paying job opportunities, most residents find themselves far removed from the wealth dominating this small, rural state.
- Top 1% income threshold: $611,896
- Median Annual Wage: $64,456
It takes an annual income of $611,896 to crack Wisconsin’s top 1%, a figure nearly 13.5 times the median salary of $45,000. Cheese may be king in Wisconsin, but manufacturing also plays a major role, with industries like machinery and paper pushing the state’s economy into overdrive.
Whether you’re savoring brats at a local festival or cheering on the Packers at Lambeau Field, Wisconsin's hardworking spirit shines through.
