US Median Income by State and Region

Median income is a more accurate measure of the typical income level for an area than average income; as such, median income statistics can offer valuable insights into the economic status of different parts of the United States. In 2022, the national median individual income was $38,277, but this figure varied significantly from state to state.

For example, Massachusetts had a 24% higher median income than the national median, whereas Oklahoma's median income was 22% lower. Analyzing the data by region, we found that the Northeast had the highest annual median income at $41,801. The South had the lowest at $35,217.

This information was sourced from the U.S. Census Bureau and focuses on individual income.

According to data from 2022, Maryland recorded the highest median income in the U.S. at $47,257 per year. Other states in the top five for highest median income were Washington, Massachusetts, New Jersey and Colorado, all reporting median annual incomes above $45,000.

Mississippi had the lowest median income among all states at $29,079 per year, followed by Southern states West Virginia, Louisiana, Arkansas and Alabama — all reporting median annual salaries below $32,000.

The median salary in the Northeast is $41,801 annually, surpassing the national median by 9%. On the other hand, the median income in the South is 8% below the national median and the lowest of any region at $35,217 per year. The West and Midwest land in the middle, with median salaries of $39,037 and $38,354, respectively.

Four out of the top five highest-earning cities in our study are located in California, with Pleasanton, Mountain View, Dublin and San Ramon boasting median salaries over $95,000. However, Sammamish, Washington, reported the highest median income of any city in the U.S. at $101,690 per year.

Provo, Utah, had the lowest median annual salary of $18,425. Other cities with notably low median incomes included Camden, New Jersey; Pharr, Texas; and Muncie, Indiana, all below $22,000.

MoneyGeek answered some of the most commonly asked questions about median income in the U.S. to help shed some light on this topic.

Income is a complex, multifaceted topic. The related MoneyGeek pages below can provide additional context and information about factors that impact median salaries in the United States.

Income Inequality by State: This resource can provide insights into income disparity across the U.S., which can significantly affect the median salary in each state.

States With the Worst Gender Pay Gaps: Gender pay gaps vary from state to state, offering more context to median salary figures.

Living on a Low Income: This guide provides tips and resources for managing finances on a tight budget, which might be particularly relevant for states with lower median salaries.