Income Needed to Join the Top 1% by State in United States

Becoming part of the top 1% of earners in the United States requires a substantial income, but the threshold varies significantly from state to state. Connecticut tops the list with a requirement of $1,152,254 annually, followed closely by Massachusetts and California, with thresholds of $1,113,662 and $1,035,673, respectively. These states demand the highest incomes to reach the top 1% of earners.

States with the Highest Income Requirement for the Top 1%

In states like Connecticut, Massachusetts, and California, the bar to enter the top 1% of earners is set very high, with annual incomes of over $1 million. These states consistently feature among the wealthiest in the nation, with top earners enjoying significant financial gains.

Western States and Their Income Thresholds

Washington, California, and Colorado have relatively high income requirements, with $989,649 needed to enter the top 1% in Washington. California, with its booming tech industry, requires $1,035,673 for top earners. Other Western states like Oregon and Utah also have notable thresholds above $700,000.

Southern States and the Path to the Top 1%

In Southern states, the bar to enter the top 1% is somewhat lower compared to the Northeast and West Coast. For instance, Mississippi and West Virginia have the lowest income thresholds for top earners, with just $440,744 and $420,453 needed to qualify. States like Alabama and Louisiana also feature lower thresholds, making it more accessible for high earners.

Midwestern and Mountain States

States in the Midwest and Mountain regions, including North Dakota, South Dakota, and Montana, have income thresholds ranging from $684,124 to $715,899, reflecting a somewhat lower threshold compared to wealthier coastal states. However, these states offer a more affordable cost of living while still boasting significant top earners.

Top 1% Income Thresholds Across the U.S.

The requirement to join the top 1% of earners varies greatly depending on the state, with the highest thresholds in places like Connecticut and California, and lower thresholds in states like Mississippi and West Virginia. The data highlights the significant economic disparity across different regions of the U.S.