Household income is one of those numbers that quietly dictates how life feels day to day. It influences everything from the type of home you can afford to the size of your grocery bill, and in the U.S., that number varies dramatically depending on which state you call home. The national median household income currently sits around $81,600, but plenty of states sit well above or below that line. In other words, “middle class” means something very different in Massachusetts than it does in Mississippi.
This article breaks down how household income compares across the country, highlighting the states that soar past the national average and those where paychecks stretch a little thinner. Think of it as a financial road trip through the U.S., showing how incomes shift with geography, cost of living, and local industries. Whether you’re sizing up your own state, planning a move, or just curious how your income compares to the rest of the country, these breakdowns offer a simple, conversational look at where every state stands — and what that really means for the people who live there.
Maryland
Maryland consistently ranks among the top earners in the country, with median household income comfortably over $100,000. The state benefits from proximity to Washington, D.C., with government jobs, contractors, and tech companies driving wages upward. For many residents, that extra income translates to financial breathing room: mortgages are manageable, education is accessible, and savings — or splurges — are more possible than in most other states.
Of course, high income often comes with high costs. Housing in the D.C. suburbs or near major cities can absorb a huge portion of paychecks, leaving many families juggling expenses even while earning above the national average. Still, Maryland offers a level of economic stability that most other states can only dream of, making it a strong spot for families seeking both opportunity and relative comfort.
Massachusetts
Massachusetts is another high-earning state, with median households regularly surpassing $100,000. Industries like biotech, healthcare, higher education, and tech keep wages elevated and opportunities abundant. Residents benefit from strong infrastructure, access to excellent schools, and a variety of professional paths that make earning a high income achievable for many. Living in Massachusetts can feel like being in a national “sweet spot” for jobs and education — if you can handle the cost.
However, housing and daily expenses often match the high earnings. Living in Boston or its surrounding suburbs can be costly, and the paycheck that looks generous on paper may vanish quickly in rent, utilities, and taxes. Yet even with those challenges, Massachusetts households generally enjoy more financial breathing room than the national average, letting families invest in their future or enjoy lifestyle perks that are less attainable elsewhere.
California
California households also see median incomes above $100,000, thanks to thriving tech hubs, entertainment industries, and diverse economies. High-paying jobs in Silicon Valley, Los Angeles, and other metros push the state toward the top of national income rankings. For many residents, that means lifestyle options — from better schools to varied housing — that feel well within reach.
But California is famous for its costs. Housing prices, commuting expenses, and day-to-day living costs eat up much of that income. The median wage might suggest comfort, but real-world affordability can be tight, especially in cities with booming real estate markets. Still, the opportunities and amenities in California often make the trade-off worthwhile, particularly for those who can secure good-paying jobs.
Mississippi
Mississippi, on the opposite end of the spectrum, has the lowest median household income in the country, under $60,000. For many residents, everyday budgeting is a careful balancing act. Housing is cheaper than in high-income states, but the wages are often not enough to build significant savings, pay for higher education, or absorb unexpected costs.
Life in Mississippi can feel very different from states like Maryland or California. Many households live on tight margins, making financial planning a constant challenge. Still, the state has lower living costs and tight-knit communities that help stretch income. Understanding Mississippi’s median income shows just how uneven the American economic landscape can be — and how dramatically lifestyle changes depending on your ZIP code.
New Jersey
New Jersey consistently ranks near the top for median household income, hovering just over $104,000. Its proximity to New York City and Philadelphia drives high-paying jobs in finance, healthcare, and tech, giving residents strong economic advantages. Households here often enjoy the kind of financial breathing room that allows for investing, quality education, and occasional luxuries.
But those high wages come with a catch: housing costs in New Jersey can be astronomical, particularly near urban centers. Commuting expenses, property taxes, and day-to-day costs can absorb a big chunk of paychecks. Still, many families find that the professional opportunities and relative stability make living here worth it, even if the numbers on the paycheck disappear quickly in rent and bills.
Hawaii
Hawaii boasts median household income over $100,000, placing it among the highest in the nation. Tourism, healthcare, and government jobs contribute to wages that support a comfortable lifestyle — at least compared to many parts of the mainland. Residents often enjoy access to beautiful surroundings, strong communities, and unique cultural experiences.
The trade-off, of course, is the cost of living. Island life is expensive: housing, groceries, utilities, and travel all come with a premium. While median income is high, many households feel the squeeze, especially in Honolulu or resort areas. Still, the combination of higher wages and lifestyle perks makes Hawaii a coveted — if costly — place to live.
Washington
Washington state is a high-income powerhouse, thanks to tech giants, aerospace, and robust service sectors. Median household income approaches $99,400, giving many residents financial comfort and access to strong public services. Households benefit from good schools, economic mobility, and plenty of career opportunities.
But high income doesn’t automatically equal stress-free living. Areas like Seattle have booming housing markets, pushing costs upward and reducing disposable income. Even with a strong paycheck, residents may find themselves budgeting carefully. Still, Washington offers an attractive balance of opportunity, nature, and urban amenities, which makes high wages stretch further in non-urban regions.
Colorado
Colorado’s median household income of around $97,100 puts it above the national average. The state benefits from tech, energy, and service industries, alongside a growing entrepreneurial scene. Families in Colorado often enjoy outdoor lifestyles, good schools, and plenty of employment opportunities.
Living expenses, particularly housing in Denver and Boulder, are on the rise, but for many residents, incomes still provide a solid buffer. People can pursue active lifestyles, invest in their homes, and save for the future. Colorado demonstrates how median income can translate into both comfort and opportunity when paired with economic growth.
Connecticut
Connecticut is another high-earning state, with median household income near $96,000. Finance, healthcare, and education jobs contribute to wages that allow households to plan for the long term, invest, and enjoy a variety of amenities. Residents can often afford quality housing and secure neighborhoods without constantly stretching budgets.
Yet Connecticut is not inexpensive. Taxes, real estate, and living costs are higher than average, which eats into those larger paychecks. Still, households generally find that income here provides more breathing room than in many parts of the country, making it a favorable environment for stability and growth.
Utah
Utah has a median household income around $96,000, putting it above the national median. Growing tech and professional sectors, combined with strong economic development, give residents ample opportunity. Many families enjoy manageable cost of living outside Salt Lake City, balanced with career growth and lifestyle options.
While urban housing can push budgets higher, Utah’s lower suburban costs often offset these pressures. Residents benefit from a mix of economic security and community-friendly environments. The state illustrates how solid median incomes can pair with lower living costs to enhance lifestyle quality.
New York
New York state’s median household income is around $85,800, above national average but highly dependent on location. Residents in upstate areas may enjoy lower costs and modest comfort, while New York City households often face high expenses that offset strong salaries.
The result is a patchwork: some families feel very secure, others barely break even despite earning near median. Income here provides opportunity, but lifestyle comfort requires careful budgeting and location awareness. New York shows that median numbers only tell part of the story — geography matters.
Florida
Florida’s median household income is roughly $77,700, slightly below national median. Many residents balance moderate wages with relatively low housing costs outside major metros. Retirees, service workers, and professionals alike find incomes stretch differently depending on region.
While incomes aren’t sky-high, Florida’s tax policies and climate make life manageable for many households. However, budgeting is essential, particularly in coastal cities with higher costs. Income here supports a comfortable life if planned carefully.
Texas
Texas has a median household income near $79,700, just under the national median. Diverse industries — energy, tech, healthcare, and manufacturing — provide opportunity, but regional disparities affect comfort. Houston, Dallas, and Austin offer higher wages, while rural areas may lag behind.
Cost of living varies widely, so some households find incomes stretch further than others. While Texas income levels are not among the top, the state’s size and economic diversity provide flexibility, letting many families achieve stability with careful planning.
Georgia
Georgia’s median household income hovers around $79,900, just below the national average. The state’s economy is diverse, with strong sectors in film, agriculture, logistics, and tech, giving many residents access to stable jobs. Households often find they can live comfortably, especially outside Atlanta, where costs are lower.
However, income isn’t uniform. Atlanta and its suburbs have higher living costs, meaning even median earners can feel the pinch. In other parts of the state, households may find their incomes stretch further. Georgia illustrates how median income alone doesn’t paint the full picture — regional variation makes a huge difference.
Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania’s median household income is around $77,500. Residents in urban hubs like Philadelphia and Pittsburgh may face higher costs but also enjoy more career opportunities. Rural areas tend to have lower wages and living expenses, creating a mixed experience for households statewide.
Even with moderate incomes, budgeting remains important. Housing, healthcare, and education costs vary widely, and unexpected expenses can stretch a paycheck. Pennsylvania shows that median income offers a baseline but doesn’t guarantee comfort — where you live matters.
Alabama
Alabama reports a median household income of roughly $66,700, well below the national median. Many households rely on steady but modest wages from industries like manufacturing, healthcare, and education. Families often live within tight budgets, carefully planning to cover housing, utilities, and daily expenses.
Lower wages mean less room for savings or luxuries, but Alabama’s lower cost of living helps offset some of the pressure. Residents make the most of what they earn, often finding comfort in community and lifestyle adjustments rather than large paychecks.
Mississippi
Mississippi sits at the bottom of the national ranking, with median household income around $59,100. Many residents face challenging financial circumstances, making budgeting and planning essential. Housing costs are lower than in most states, but wages often aren’t enough to create a significant financial cushion.
Life in Mississippi highlights how income shapes daily decisions. Households may need to prioritize essentials and be cautious with discretionary spending. While communities often provide support, the state’s low median income demonstrates the wide gap in economic opportunity across the country.
Louisiana
Louisiana has a median household income near $61,000, among the lowest in the nation. Residents frequently balance modest earnings with local costs that are lower than the national average but still require careful management. Many households live paycheck to paycheck, with limited room for savings or unexpected expenses.
Despite these challenges, Louisiana’s communities offer strong social ties and cultural richness that help residents make the most of their income. The state reminds us that “median” doesn’t always mean comfortable — financial realities vary widely depending on geography and occupation.
Arkansas
Arkansas reports a median household income around $62,100. Many families rely on manufacturing, agriculture, and service jobs that provide steady but modest wages. Living within means often requires careful budgeting and prioritizing essential expenses over luxuries.
Lower incomes make unexpected costs more challenging, and saving for the future can feel out of reach for many households. Still, Arkansas offers affordable housing and tight-knit communities, which help stretch incomes further than in higher-cost states.
Kentucky
Kentucky’s median household income is roughly $64,500, placing it in the lower tier nationally. Many households earn modest wages, balancing essential expenses against limited discretionary income. Jobs in manufacturing, healthcare, and education provide stability but rarely create significant wealth.
Households often need to budget carefully, making each dollar count. While Kentucky has a lower cost of living than many states, financial breathing room is limited. Residents rely on careful planning, and lifestyle choices are influenced heavily by income realities.
West Virginia
West Virginia sits near the bottom, with median household income around $59,900. The state’s economy relies heavily on energy, manufacturing, and healthcare, but wages remain lower than most other parts of the country. Many households live with tight budgets, prioritizing essentials over extras.
Lower income levels mean financial emergencies can be particularly stressful. Housing may be affordable, but access to high-paying jobs is limited, and economic mobility can be slow. West Virginia shows how median income strongly impacts daily life and long-term planning.
New Mexico
New Mexico has a median household income of about $61,800. Many households balance modest earnings from government jobs, healthcare, and energy with relatively affordable living costs. Budgeting is essential for covering essentials and planning for the future.
Income constraints mean luxuries are rare, and unexpected expenses can disrupt financial stability. However, communities and lower housing costs help stretch earnings. New Mexico highlights how households adjust lifestyles to match income realities.
Oklahoma
Oklahoma reports a median household income near $66,700. Wages are moderate, with employment concentrated in energy, manufacturing, and agriculture. Families often find they must budget carefully to cover housing, utilities, and everyday expenses.
Lower-income realities limit financial flexibility, but many residents make the most of available opportunities. Affordable living costs help, but median income here underscores the differences in lifestyle comfort across the country.
Tennessee
Tennessee’s median household income is around $67,000. Residents benefit from industries like healthcare, manufacturing, and tourism, which provide steady but modest wages. Households often have to carefully manage expenses to cover housing, transportation, and basic needs.
Cost of living is generally moderate, which helps offset lower income levels. Tennessee shows that while median income isn’t high, families can maintain stability and enjoy community and cultural amenities with careful planning.
North Carolina
North Carolina reports a median household income near $74,400, slightly below the national average. Wages vary across regions: urban areas like Charlotte and Raleigh offer higher pay, while rural counties earn less. Families experience a mixed financial landscape depending on location.
Households often enjoy enough income for essentials and some savings, though discretionary spending is limited. North Carolina highlights how regional economic variation affects the meaning of “median income.”
South Carolina
South Carolina’s median household income is around $69,900. Many households work in manufacturing, tourism, and services, earning moderate wages. Families must budget carefully, especially in higher-cost cities like Charleston or Greenville.
Lower median incomes mean financial flexibility is limited, but the state’s overall cost of living is lower than many parts of the country. Residents make the most of their earnings through careful planning and lifestyle adjustments.
Iowa
Iowa’s median household income sits around $76,100, placing it slightly below the national level. Many residents work in agriculture, manufacturing, and healthcare, earning steady but moderate wages. Households here often enjoy affordable housing and lower day-to-day costs, which helps incomes stretch further than in pricier states.
Financial stability is very achievable, even if large luxuries aren’t always in the cards. Families often put money toward essentials, savings, and long-term planning, using Iowa’s manageable cost of living to their advantage. The state offers a reminder that income is only half the story — affordability matters just as much.
Kansas
Kansas has a median household income of about $75,700. With agriculture, energy, and manufacturing playing major roles in the economy, most residents earn moderate wages that support a stable but simple lifestyle. Housing costs are low, which gives families more room to budget carefully and stay financially grounded.
While Kansas doesn’t offer the high wages of coastal states, it also avoids the sky-high expenses. For many households, this balance provides comfort and predictability. A median Kansas income won’t make anyone rich quickly, but it can support a steady and manageable life.
Nebraska
Nebraska’s median household income is roughly $78,500. The state’s economy is anchored by agriculture, finance, and insurance, providing residents with solid but modest wages. Families often enjoy affordable housing and reasonable living costs, allowing incomes to stretch well for day-to-day needs.
Financial comfort depends on location, but many households find stability through consistent employment and low expenses. Nebraska shows how moderate incomes can go a long way when paired with practical spending and a grounded lifestyle.
Missouri
Missouri’s median household income is around $66,900. Families often work in healthcare, transportation, education, and retail, earning wages that require careful budgeting. Daily expenses are manageable, but discretionary spending can be limited for many residents.
Despite modest incomes, Missouri offers an affordable cost of living that helps keep households afloat. It’s a state where financial planning makes all the difference, and residents often rely on small lifestyle adjustments to maintain long-term stability.
Indiana
Indiana reports a median household income of about $72,200. Manufacturing, logistics, and healthcare provide steady jobs, giving many families predictable but not overly generous wages. Housing costs are generally low, which helps incomes stretch further than in high-cost regions.
Even so, households often plan carefully to balance savings with day-to-day expenses. Indiana shows how middle-income states can offer comfort and stability through affordability rather than high wages.
Ohio
Ohio’s median household income sits around $70,300. Many residents rely on manufacturing, healthcare, education, and service jobs, earning wages that require intentional budgeting. Housing is affordable in many areas, but income still shapes spending choices and lifestyle flexibility.
Families often focus on covering essentials while putting aside modest savings. Ohio demonstrates that even with middle-of-the-road income levels, careful planning can create a stable life.
Michigan
Michigan’s median household income is near $71,000. The state’s economy is rooted in manufacturing, particularly the auto industry, alongside healthcare and education. Many households earn enough to maintain a balanced lifestyle without significant excess.
Housing costs are reasonable, helping wages stretch further. However, incomes vary depending on region, with some areas offering more opportunities than others. Michigan highlights how diverse local economies shape household comfort and financial security.
Wisconsin
Wisconsin has a median household income of about $77,700. Residents work in manufacturing, healthcare, and agriculture, earning moderate wages that support a stable lifestyle. Many families benefit from affordable living and strong community structures.
While incomes aren’t high compared to coastal states, they often provide enough for savings, homeownership, and long-term planning. Wisconsin offers a practical, steady financial environment rather than an extravagant one.
Minnesota
Minnesota’s median household income stands at roughly $90,400, making it one of the stronger earners in the Midwest. Jobs in healthcare, tech, and corporate sectors create opportunities for higher wages. Many households enjoy financial comfort, strong infrastructure, and access to good schools.
Costs in metropolitan areas like the Twin Cities can be higher, but incomes typically keep pace. Minnesota shows how a balanced economy can support both stability and upward mobility, even in colder climates.
Illinois
Illinois reports a median household income near $78,300. The Chicago metro area drives much of the economic output, offering higher-paying jobs in finance, healthcare, transportation, and tech. Outside the city, wages decrease but so do living costs.
Families often manage well with careful budgeting, though taxes and housing costs can take a meaningful bite out of earnings in certain areas. Illinois illustrates how income and affordability change dramatically from county to county.
Virginia
Virginia’s median household income is around $90,600, placing it among the highest in the nation. Northern Virginia’s proximity to Washington, D.C., fuels high wages in government, tech, defense, and consulting. Households here often enjoy strong financial stability and opportunities for growth.
However, housing and commuting costs can be steep, especially near major job hubs. Even so, Virginia offers a strong balance of income and lifestyle options, making it a desirable place for families seeking both opportunity and comfort.
North Dakota
North Dakota has a median household income of about $74,700. The state’s economy, driven by energy, farming, and manufacturing, provides residents with moderate but steady wages. Many households benefit from low housing costs, which help make the most of each paycheck.
While incomes aren’t exceptionally high, financial stability is achievable for many families due to manageable expenses. North Dakota demonstrates how smaller populations and affordable living can stretch median earnings further.
South Dakota
South Dakota reports a median household income near $73,900. With employment concentrated in healthcare, agriculture, and retail, wages are moderate and require thoughtful budgeting. Living costs are reasonable, which helps households cover essentials without excessive financial strain.
Most families enjoy a stable lifestyle, even if discretionary spending must be limited. South Dakota highlights how practical income management creates comfort in lower-population states.
Montana
Montana’s median household income stands around $70,800. Residents earn moderate wages from tourism, agriculture, and service industries. Housing can be expensive in popular areas, meaning incomes don’t always stretch as far as expected.
Families often budget carefully to cover rising costs, particularly in growing cities and resort-adjacent towns. Montana’s income level shows how popularity and growth can strain even modestly stable wages.
Idaho
Idaho’s median household income is about $75,200. Strong growth in tech, trades, and agriculture has helped raise wages, but rising housing costs — especially in Boise — can challenge families. Many households must plan carefully to manage expenses and save.
Even with these pressures, Idaho’s income levels generally support a comfortable lifestyle, especially in areas where housing remains more affordable. Households here balance opportunity with cautious budgeting.
