US Median Income by State and Region

Updated: October 30, 2024

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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.

KEY FINDINGS: MEDIAN INCOME BY STATE
  • The median individual income in the United States was $38,277 in 2022.

  • The state with the highest median income was Maryland at $47,257.

  • Mississippi had the lowest median income, $29,709 per year.

  • Regionally, the Northeast led with a median income of $41,801, while the South lagged behind at $35,217.

  • Among cities, Sammamish, Washington, reported the highest median income of $101,690, whereas Provo, Utah, had the lowest at $18,425.

Highest and Lowest Median Income by State

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.

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States With the Highest Median Income
  1. Maryland: $47,257
  2. Washington: $45,904
  3. Massachusetts: $45,899
  4. New Jersey: $45,882
  5. Colorado: $45,417
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States With the Lowest Median Income
  1. Mississippi: $29,709
  2. West Virginia: $30,540
  3. Louisiana: $30,915
  4. Arkansas: $31,298
  5. Alabama: $$31,469

Comparing Median Salaries by Region

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.

Region
Median Income (Avg.)

Northeast

$41,801

West

$39,037

Midwest

$38,354

South

$35,217

Highest and Lowest Median Income by City

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.

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Cities With the Highest Median Salary
  1. Sammamish, WA: $101,690
  2. Pleasanton, CA: $100,154
  3. Mountain View, CA: $97,194
  4. Dublin, CA: $96,383
  5. San Ramon, CA: $95,588
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Cities With the Lowest Median Salary
  1. Provo, UT: $18,425
  2. Camden, NJ: $19,477
  3. Pharr, TX: $20,989
  4. Muncie, IN: $21,128
  5. Ames, IA: $21,240

Median Income FAQ

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

What is the median income per person in the U.S.?
What is the average income per person in the U.S.?
Which U.S. state has the highest median salary?
What is the lowest median income state in the U.S.?
Which city in the U.S. has the highest median salary?
Is $3,000 dollars per month considered a good salary in the U.S.?

Related Content

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.

About Nathan Paulus


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Nathan Paulus is the Head of Content Marketing at MoneyGeek, with nearly 10 years of experience researching and creating content related to personal finance and financial literacy.

Paulus has a bachelor's degree in English from the University of St. Thomas, Houston. He enjoys helping people from all walks of life build stronger financial foundations.


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