Business

These Are the Ten Wealthiest States in The Union

The national poverty and income figures released recently by the government paint a dark picture of the economy. The total number of households living below the poverty line is the highest since 1959, when records were first kept. The median income is the same level it was in 1996.

Despite the trend, some states are still well above the national poverty level. Using the latest Census data, 24/7 Wall St. has identified the ten states where median income is the highest in the country and poverty rates are low.

Nearly all the states with high median incomes and low poverty levels also have relatively healthy economies. Some states benefit from core industries that are performing well. Alaska, which relies on oil extraction, is doing well in part due to the relatively high price of oil. Utah’s major cities are growing as tech companies and research firms relocate there. Hawaii and Colorado serve as resort locations for the rich and retired.

Other states benefit from their proximity to other states. These states have large and affluent suburbs serving America’s large cities. While New Jersey, Connecticut, Virginia and Maryland have their own industry, they are also home to commuters who work in Washington D.C. and New York City. Many of these suburbs are some of the richest in the country. And while these states have major metropolitan areas of their own, the median income in these states is not weighed down by the low-income residents that live in these bigger cities, unlike New York and D.C.

These are the ten richest states as researched and compiled by 24/7 Wall St.:

The Ten Richest States in The Union10. Hawaii
Median income: $59,125
Poverty rate: 11.5 (18th lowest)
Without health insurance: 7.5 (2nd lowest)
Unemployment: 6.1 (10th lowest)

Hawaii has one of the healthiest economies in the country, bolstered by a large number of wealthy retirees and a vibrant tourism industry. As a result, the state’s median household income is just shy of $60,000. The state’s percentage of retirees also means that more residents are covered by the federal government under medicare, and so there is smaller burden on the state. (Blaze note: So while the state itself is robust, part of that is due to the fact that the nation is paying for a large portion of its resident’s healthcare.) The Honolulu Statistical Area, which represents more than 70 percent of the state’s population, has a median income of more than $67,000 per household, well above the median metropolitan statistical area income of $50,000.

The Ten Richest States in The Union9. Colorado
Median income: $59,669
Poverty rate: 11.9 (20th lowest)
Without health insurance: 14.3 (23rd highest)
Unemployment: 8.5 (22nd highest)

Colorado’s unemployment rate of 8.5 percent is not ideal — nor is its high number of people without health insurance. Most of Colorado consists of poor rural areas, like Costilla County, which has a median income of less than $25,000. However, the most populous areas, including Denver and Boulder, all have median incomes at or above the national level. Colorado’s extremely affluent resort cities, including Littleton, Aurora, and Aspen, have pushed it to the top tier of wealthy states. Douglas County, which is located near Colorado Springs, is the seventh-wealthiest county in the United States.

The Ten Richest States in The Union8. Utah
Median income: $59,857
Poverty rate: 9.1 (3rd lowest)
Without health insurance: 13.2 (23rd highest)
Unemployment: 7.5 (15th lowest)

Utah has the third-lowest poverty rate in the United States. While the Salt Lake City metropolitan region, and nearby Ogden and Provo, make up only a small part of the state, a huge percent of the state’s population lives in the area. All three are flourishing with young populations and diverse economies bolstered by technology, health care and several large universities. And because these cities represent most of the state’s population, the state’s median income is high. Davis County, which is part of the Ogden Metropolitan Statistical Area, is home to roughly 10 percent of the state’s population. It also has a median income of $66,220, the third-highest in the state.

The Ten Richest States in The Union7. Massachusetts
Median income: $60,923
Poverty rate: 10.9 (14th lowest)
Without health insurance: 5 (the lowest)
Unemployment: 7.6 (16th lowest)

Massachusetts has powerful education and health care industries, both of which contribute to the above-average incomes for its residents. The state has among the most well-distributed wealth in the country. Unlike Colorado, which is characterized by extremely poor rural areas and extremely wealthy suburbs, nearly every county in Massachusetts exceeds the national median income of $50,221. As evidence of the even distribution of wealth, the state’s wealthiest county, Norfolk, has a median household income of just under $80,000. Though high, it is not even in the top 25 wealthiest counties in the U.S.

The Ten Richest States in The Union6. Virginia
Median income: $61,544
Poverty rate: 10.6 (12th lowest)
Without health insurance: 12.9 (21st lowest)
Unemployment: 6.1 (9th lowest)

In terms of wealth and poverty, Virginia can be divided into two regions. The vast majority of the state is rural, located to the south and west. Of its 135 counties, 83 have a median income well below the national average. However, the upper east portion of the state forms a large part of the D.C. suburbs, which are home to many of the nation’s wealthiest families. In fact, six of the counties near the border — Loudon, Falls Church City, Arlington, Prince William, Stafford and Fairfax — are all among the fifteen wealthiest counties in the entire country. The last of these, Fairfax, is also the most populous county in Virginia, representing nearly 40 percent of the state’s total population.

See the top 5 richest states here:

(Michael B. Sauter/Becket Adams – 24/7 Wall St./The Blaze)

Comments (146)

1 2 3
  • City-zen
    Posted on September 19, 2011 at 3:08pm

    runchel_

    Islam and Puritan england did or do not have the moral basis. Neither one treats women or children properly and they both consider anyone diferent than or opposed to them as lesser beings. They seek to control rather than to guide and they restrict or disallow agency.

    Report Post » City-zen  
    • runchel_
      Posted on September 19, 2011 at 10:51pm

      After reading your post i re-read mine to make sure of what I said because I don’t understand what your point is. but most assuredly neither treats women and children properly but they have a “moral basis” it just doesn’t coincide with moralities of modern christianity. I’m not defending them or any religion, or attacking any. i just want to point out that religious states are not always prosperous. the best intentions don’t always have the best result. New England did not prosper until the “rule of law” was established a concrete footing. For the Islamic state you can look at afgani education rates after the removal of the Taliban. things get better with liberty(for all) not necessarily religion. To me the equation should read ” Liberty for all + Non-aggression principle = ++prosperity ” (a little G. Orwell for ya:) hope that clears up what i’m trying to say :)

      Report Post » runchel_  
  • olddog
    Posted on September 19, 2011 at 3:05pm

    If you’re an illegal immigrant these are the very best states to move too..All of them offer free education, housing, healthcare and $1500. a week per person unemployment and a free car. Why wait, make the move today…

    Report Post » olddog  
    • Gypsy123
      Posted on September 19, 2011 at 8:18pm

      Wise beyond your ears or years I should say. .

      Report Post » Gypsy123  
    • RebelSon
      Posted on September 20, 2011 at 11:22am

      Va rates #6 wealthiest, and does NOT pay $1500 per week unemployment. It ranges from $54 to $378 per week.

      Report Post » RebelSon  
    • Yeah_Buddy
      Posted on September 21, 2011 at 2:17pm

      How much is that in Pesos?

      Report Post »  
  • proantisocialist
    Posted on September 19, 2011 at 2:55pm

    buckeye broke

    Report Post » proantisocialist  
    • boncarbo7
      Posted on September 19, 2011 at 3:08pm

      I live in Colorado, and this is not a rich state, we have a high percentage of population that are Illegal and a high percentage of people that are on welfare. As everyone is aware that Denver is a sanctuary city, and I am sure there are more cities that do not report crimes that Illegal immigrants commit and they do not deport them.

      Report Post »  
    • lemmings4obama
      Posted on September 20, 2011 at 11:39am

      What about Aurora, CO being a resort city? Maybe if you’re a drug dealer… There is a reason we call it Saudi Aurora. Maybe they meant, Vail, Aspen, Breckenridge.

      Report Post » lemmings4obama  
  • NHBuckeye
    Posted on September 19, 2011 at 2:51pm

    And that is just one of the reasons we live in New Hampshire instead of Ohio. New Hampshire is the best state I have ever lived in by far and for many reasons.

    Report Post »  
    • Mike N
      Posted on September 19, 2011 at 4:49pm

      Don’t gloat too loudly or the freeloaders will take notice and move to your unspoiled haven, demand increased benefits, drive up taxes, drive down quality of life, eliminate your freedoms, and then move on again . . . it’s in their DNA to get as much as they can while giving nothing in return.

      Report Post »  
    • addie
      Posted on September 19, 2011 at 6:27pm

      NH might be a good state until someone trespasses on your property and you tell them to leave and they don;t and when you show them your gun you get arrested for trying to protect your property. NH does not have the Castle law and thus, you have no right to protect your property! If someone breaks into your house in the middle of the night and you shoot them, they can sue you. If they doe, their family can sure you. No castle law to protect you. Also, NH has extremely high property tax and the additional fees added to buying/selling a house is crazy! All states have good points and bad points, but I could never leave in a state that didn’t allow me to protect my house/family like NH.

      Report Post »  
  • Git-R-Done
    Posted on September 19, 2011 at 2:44pm

    Most of those states are only wealthy from government employment, so they aren‘t truly wealthy states since the government can’t create wealth.

    Alaska is one of the few states that actually has private sector industries that create wealth such as the oil and timber industries and these are two out of the many industries that the left wants to destroy.

    Report Post »  
    • cessna152
      Posted on September 19, 2011 at 2:55pm

      As a NJ resident I can vouch that I have the highest taxes, highest car insurance, most tolls, most regulations, etc. I need to make a lot of money to live here, so this study is not accurate at all.

      Report Post » cessna152  
    • Mr. Vitriol
      Posted on September 19, 2011 at 2:55pm

      @ GIT-R-DONE

      Hey Tex,
      I’m a Utah boy. Them there tech jobs ain’t government. And we’s take care of our own, too. All ’cause them damn’ backward Mormons!

      Report Post » Mr. Vitriol  
    • Git-R-Done
      Posted on September 19, 2011 at 4:03pm

      I’m sorry that I forgot to mention Utah. Utah is one of the few private sector wealth creating states.

      Report Post »  
    • Git-R-Done
      Posted on September 19, 2011 at 4:04pm

      I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to insult Utah. Utah is one of the few states that has private sector wealth and you take care of yourselves, which I applaud.

      Report Post »  
    • Git-R-Done
      Posted on September 19, 2011 at 4:06pm

      Mr. Vitriol, I didn’t mean to lump Utah into one of the government wealth states. It is one of the few private sector prosperity states, which I applaud.

      And I consider CA and NY to be more backwards than UT.

      Report Post »  
    • addie
      Posted on September 19, 2011 at 6:46pm

      Mr Vitriol, I love Utah! I would move there in a heartbeat if it wasn’t so far from the ocean. (I would go through withdrawals and it wouldn’t be pretty) I have visited many times though for my job and love it, love the people, love the scenery, love the Mountains, Utah rocks and it’s certainly not due to government.

      Report Post »  
  • Eff the Poor
    Posted on September 19, 2011 at 2:44pm

    How is it that the federally funded state of Michigan didn’t make this list?

    Report Post »  
  • BrayDeck
    Posted on September 19, 2011 at 2:10pm

    Utah is also the fourth lowest in the cost of living. With that calculation, it’s probably the richest. It just goes to show you that…
    Morality + Conservativism = Prosperity
    This coming from a resident of Nevada where…
    Immorality + Libertarianism = Poverty

    Report Post » BrayDeck  
    • LibertyGoddess
      Posted on September 19, 2011 at 2:39pm

      spot on

      Report Post » LibertyGoddess  
    • black9897
      Posted on September 19, 2011 at 2:42pm

      Sweet i’m 6

      Report Post » black9897  
    • runchel_
      Posted on September 19, 2011 at 2:56pm

      i can’t really agree with “morality+ conservatism = prosperity” looking back in history this isn’t really true. Islamic states & Puritan New England to name two are not and were not really prosperous until there were a legitimacy give to individuals rights on a secular level. Im not saying your for a mandatory church but that is then end result of states like these. Also its kinda unfair to say “Immorality + Libertarianism = Poverty” Your state is not a Libertarian state. It might have some characteristics of one but most assuredly not. Nevada has strict concealed carry laws and a sales tax. Really in my opinion and according to the cato institute Nevada is not even in the top 10. I know alot of people mix up the libertarian views with state and progressive liberal views i suggest watching some stuff on youtube that i think clearly states what real libertarians believe. try http://www.youtube.com/user/LearnLiberty?v=7QLoeehMw0w&feature=pyv&ad=7850274849&kw=ron+paul#p/c/48/PgTnjTm3YhQ

      thanks for the discord. hit me back when you’ve watched it. :)

      Report Post » runchel_  
    • City-zen
      Posted on September 19, 2011 at 3:06pm

      Braydeck,

      Islam and Puritan england did or do not have the moral basis. Neither one treats women or children properly and they both consider anyone diferent than or opposed to them as lesser beings. They seek to control rather than to guide and they restrict or disallow agency.

      Report Post » City-zen  
    • GERATMO
      Posted on September 19, 2011 at 3:28pm

      I live in Utah and you dont see much poverty here. The only thing that sucks is that almost everyone is conservative so there’s no one to argue with.

      Report Post » GERATMO  
    • Chuck Stein
      Posted on September 20, 2011 at 4:07pm

      A note about Utah: anything good about it is in spite of Huntsman, not because of him. For example, he tried to get a liberal on the Utah Supreme Court — the Republican Senate stopped him. Utah is a state where the legislature is solidly conservative. So, what are the liberals trying to do about that? They want to change the primary system, of course. Let Massachusetts be to lab for that, I say.

      Report Post »  
  • NuffSaid
    Posted on September 19, 2011 at 2:04pm

    aJust a note: The advertisements you are hearing on radio for US Postal Service are sponsored by and paid for by the Public Unions.. USPS itself can not lobby you, the taxpayer directly. Postal Management, is the hostage of the UNIONS and loves to have the troops do their dirty work

    The UNIO)N are NO Differnetnt the the SEIU- They will steal the USPS Blind. Each raise the Unions get, the USPS Management gets the equivalent or more. It is a RACKET! DO not belive there commite, slick bs. All public uniuons must have their collective bargaining limited to wages only. We are being fleeced by these Unions who produce NOTHING for this country, Nothing and they steal millions form the weak, inbred US Agency managers-

    The public employee Union is a scam and a racket.

    I wish I had know this years ago. I thought they were only petty thieves.

    Report Post »  
    • ThatsRight
      Posted on September 19, 2011 at 3:47pm

      “I wish I had known this years ago”
      I might have pursued a golden government retirement too. Unfortunately they will be forced to reel these freebie pensions back in as they no longer have the revenue to pay them. This will not be pretty and will happen quickly once it starts. The USPS (& Greece) will pave the way for many cities and states filing for bankruptcy.

      Report Post »  
  • Alvin691
    Posted on September 19, 2011 at 1:58pm

    You can’t possibly live on what is concerned “poverty” level in the DC area. The scales are all higher, and there are so many government contractors.

    Report Post »  
    • Yeah_Buddy
      Posted on September 21, 2011 at 2:21pm

      I’m sure underground biz in DC (District of Crackheads) skews the poverty numbers significantly.

      Report Post »  
  • Lloyd Drako
    Posted on September 19, 2011 at 1:58pm

    They all not only have relatively healthy economies, many of them also have relatively healthy people. Utah Mormons avoid alcohol and tobacco. Hawaiians and Coloradans have vigorous outdoor lifestyles. In Massachusetts, people enjoy a more equal distribution of wealth than in most places, as well as a plethora of good hospitals–and can we hear two cheers at least for Romneycare?

    Report Post » Lloyd Drako  
    • Locked
      Posted on September 19, 2011 at 2:05pm

      Not sure how many cheers you’ll get, but probably a few boos :-P

      MA isn’t bad at all. Pretty good education system, Boston’s a nice mid-size city, the Cape is beautiful in the summer. I wouldn’t want to live there most of the year, but it’s great to visit in summer and fall.

      Report Post »  
    • Midwest Blonde
      Posted on September 19, 2011 at 2:13pm

      Another thing Utah has going for it is the “work ethic”. There are fewer freeloaders/welfare moms, and a higher percentage of 2 parent homes.

      Report Post » Midwest Blonde  
    • MAProg
      Posted on September 19, 2011 at 2:52pm

      @Locked: actually, MassHealth is pretty popular up here. Just to clearify.

      Report Post » MAProg  
    • love the kids
      Posted on September 19, 2011 at 2:54pm

      Romneycare, how old is it? Remember, Social security was successful at the beginning.

      Report Post »  
    • City-zen
      Posted on September 19, 2011 at 2:57pm

      I do cheer Romney care. He managed to establish a health care system that operates within the bounds of the constitution. Something Obama can’t seem to figure out how to do with any of his policies let alone healthcare. Now if the Left in Mass would stop tossing bugs into Romneys’ system it just might achieve long term success.

      Report Post » City-zen  
    • Locked
      Posted on September 19, 2011 at 3:00pm

      @MAPROG:

      I meant Lloyd would get boos on this site, not in general :)

      Report Post »  
    • Brizz
      Posted on September 19, 2011 at 3:00pm

      @MIDWEST BLONDE
      I think you’re on to something with 2 parent homes. Being a good parent is key.

      Report Post » Brizz  
    • MAProg
      Posted on September 19, 2011 at 3:12pm

      @Locked: ah, my mistake!

      Report Post » MAProg  
  • karenm
    Posted on September 19, 2011 at 1:53pm

    Virginia made it because people commute to D.C. The areas surrounding D.C. are unbelievable. You can just see the wealth because it’s fake money and building coming from Washington. They are not producing but taking

    Report Post » karenm  
  • martnee777
    Posted on September 19, 2011 at 1:52pm

    Live Free or Die

    Report Post » martnee777  
  • PoliticalJunkieToo
    Posted on September 19, 2011 at 1:41pm

    Since Hawaii is a series of islands completely surrounded by “beach fronts” and since they are the “richest” US citazens living there,……

    How much “FEDERAL (Meaning taxpayer out of of Hawaii) MONEY is used to “maintain” the beaches in Hawaii?

    I CANNOT BELIEVE ALL taxpayers have to pay millions to maintain PRIVATE beachfronts stateside but I never thought of Hawaii untill this article came out.

    While I don’t like 90% of what Obama does, one thing I do like is HE OPENED THE BEACHES even those on so-called private property to the PUBLIC. The SAME PUBLIC that maintains the beaches.

    Report Post »  
    • Locked
      Posted on September 19, 2011 at 2:01pm

      The reason Hawaii gets so much funding per capita is two-fold:
      1. They have a smaller population than many states
      2. The funding by and large goes to the military presence on the islands.

      I doubt much of it goes to “maintaining beachfront property” as you put it. The closest might be hurricane relief or some of the natural parks (I think some volcanoes classify as national parks, but I’m not positive).

      Report Post »  
    • Ailina
      Posted on September 21, 2011 at 2:09am

      The beaches in the state of Hawaii are public…even at the One’s estate in Kailua.

      @Locked: our hurricane fund has already been raided to balance the budget (Clinton trick) by our Gov. Neil Abercrombie, you know, the one who’s known Obama since birth.

      Report Post » Ailina  
  • FaithfulFriend
    Posted on September 19, 2011 at 1:38pm

    We‘ll stay where we’re at. Thanks anyway.

    Report Post » FaithfulFriend  
  • Eraldo NY Tea Party
    Posted on September 19, 2011 at 1:37pm

    I’m in trouble living in New York, Long Island, being a tea party activist, even my dog don’t like me.

    Report Post » Eraldo NY Tea Party  
    • rangerp
      Posted on September 19, 2011 at 1:41pm

      why do the ten richest states have the whitest populations?

      Report Post » rangerp  
    • encinom
      Posted on September 19, 2011 at 1:44pm

      Nobody likes the Tea Party, nothing more than a group of reactionary bigots and fools.

       
    • Servant Of YHVH
      Posted on September 19, 2011 at 1:46pm

      Since most of these states are where the wealthiest liberal congress people live at. I wonder how much their individual incomes have raised those amount by themselves?

      Report Post » Servant Of YHVH  
    • Locked
      Posted on September 19, 2011 at 1:54pm

      Especially considering NY isn’t one of the ten richest states…?

      Report Post »  
    • cgizzy
      Posted on September 19, 2011 at 1:55pm

      Eraldo, I understand completely. I live in the heart NYC and while not a member of the Tea Party, fully support them and If I still lived in Michigan, might have become one.

      Report Post »  
    • icer22x
      Posted on September 19, 2011 at 1:57pm

      @ encinom
      Bigots and fools? Do you have proof of this? Is it foolish to love your country? The Tea Party is a grassroots movement of concerned citizens that want this president to stop destroying their country. Do you see the Tea Party teaching children to kill like the Black Panthers? Do you see the Tea Party starting riots like liberal activists or burning cars like the French? The media has soiled your mind. You need to redirect your insults to those to whom they apply.

      Report Post » icer22x  
    • Sleazy Hippo
      Posted on September 19, 2011 at 2:02pm

      Ranger – Hawaii has never been a white state and never will.

      Montana, Kentucky, West Virginia, Tennessee, Arkansas, North & South Carolina, Louisiana and Mississippi ~ the ten poorest states include the classic white porcelain citizenry of the reconstruction. Guess they blew it.

      Report Post » Sleazy Hippo  
    • David_Bromberg
      Posted on September 19, 2011 at 2:05pm

      I go to Tea Party meetings often. They are filled with mainly elderly Americans. You know not what you talk about.

      Report Post »  
    • rangerp
      Posted on September 19, 2011 at 2:36pm

      @encinom
      Wow, that last post was just so articulate, and packed with history, facts, and statistics.

      You really went all out on that one. Thanks for enlightening us with that masterful and brilliant post.

      I

      Report Post » rangerp  
    • Walkabout
      Posted on September 19, 2011 at 2:50pm

      I think enicom (momicne) or Encino, CA said he was a school kid and spewed here as a goof.

      I guess his short post is due to most of his time being taken up by school.

      Report Post »  
    • Brizz
      Posted on September 19, 2011 at 2:50pm

      @ICER22X

      Great commentary. Unfortunately, ENCINOM is just here to aggravate and incite; not reasonably discuss or debate the issues.

      Report Post » Brizz  
    • MAProg
      Posted on September 19, 2011 at 2:58pm

      @Icer22X: I can’t speak for him (her), but I think Encinom was referring to Ranger’s post.

      @Ranger: It‘s pretty ironic that you are critical of others’ arguments considering you provided no “history” “statistics” or “facts” to support your bigoted statement.

      Report Post » MAProg  
    • masimo
      Posted on September 19, 2011 at 3:02pm

      To ENCINOM
      your comments about the tea party people is ignorant at best. You are going the Alinsky tactic of bashing what you think is the enemy with lies. I hope the money you make from Georgie boy makes you feel all warm and fuzzy inside. I have read your posts over the last number of months and as usual “Always accuse your enemies of what you yourself are doing” by Vladimir Lenin, probably one of your hero’s.

      Report Post »  
    • bornagaincowgirl
      Posted on September 19, 2011 at 3:04pm

      I like tea party people :)

      Report Post »  
    • wisehiney
      Posted on September 19, 2011 at 3:32pm

      Yep encinom, you’re a nobody.

      Report Post »  
    • Sleazy Hippo
      Posted on September 19, 2011 at 4:28pm

      Do the ten richest states have the most Taxed Enough Already party activity?

      Report Post » Sleazy Hippo  
    • rangerp
      Posted on September 19, 2011 at 7:59pm

      @MAProg

      what was bigoted or racist about what I stated? I stated fact, and just asked a open ended question. Most of the states listed (outside of hawaii) have very low numbers of minorities. Go to US Statistics website, and check for yourself.

      My comment was based on another poste. Last week, the poorest states were listed, and it was discussed about the lower cost of living, and the higher number of minorities (in states such as Alabama, Arkansas).

      Get thicker skin, and grow up. No one used the “N”word, or said anything derogotory. Some of use do not drink the PC Kool Aid by the gallon, and are not affradi to discuss real topics. this aint high school, it is the blaze.

      Report Post » rangerp  
    • MAProg
      Posted on September 20, 2011 at 12:39am

      @Ranger: it’s bigoted because of the implication you are making. You are drawing a correlation between a state’s wealth and its “whiteness.“ You seem to believe that the ”whitest” states are the wealthiest, probably by virtue of their “whitenes.”

      First, your claim isn’t even accurate. The data shows that the only state that would fit the criteria for being in both the top ten in wealth and in percentage of caucasians would be New Hampshire. Beyond that, every other state on the wealth list has fairly large percentages of ethnic minorities, and certainly aren’t in the top ten in “whiteness.” Secondly, I’m not even going to get into “correlation doesn’t equal causation” because your argument isn’t even accurate to begin with.

      Lastly, my skin is plenty thick. You can hide your bigotry under the guise of being a “real topic” but it’s still bigotry. You’re right, this isn’t highschool, it’s red meat for the Tea Party. If it was high school, you’d flunk out.

      Report Post » MAProg  
    • rangerp
      Posted on September 20, 2011 at 7:20am

      @MAProg

      “you seem to believe”

      Most of your argument is made up, and did not come from me. Compare the ten richest states in this article, with the ten poorest states in last weeks article. In last weeks article, it was discussed about hte poorest states like Alabama, SC, Arkansas as states that have very high minority populations. the states that are the richest have much lower minority rates, especially the northe eastern states. Colorado and Utah also have much lower minority rates.

      No one asserted that black people are the cause of a state being poor or not poor. You assumed a whole lot that was not said. Once again, my comment was based on arguments from last weeks article. the states at the top end, do not have large populations on welfare, states Alabam do. States at the top end do not have large populations of people in federal housing, on food stamps. Some of our government programs have grown the poverty rate, not shrunk it. Look at a state like Utah. Look at the work ethic, and how few people on the gov system. Montana was a poor state, but not a state wtih high crime, or high welfare rates (why).

      You do have thin skin, and you made up things that I never said. It is a topic of discussion, not a chance to poke someone in the eye with a stick.

      Report Post » rangerp  
  • This_Individual
    Posted on September 19, 2011 at 1:37pm

    It all depends on how you define “wealth”. A wife, kids, a rifle, & growing our own vegetables. I’d consider that wealth.

    Report Post »  
    • Locked
      Posted on September 19, 2011 at 2:15pm

      That’s not wealth, that’s satisfaction or happiness. There’s a big difference between the two though, which was doubtlessly your point :)
      “wealth: a great quantity or store of money, valuable possessions, property, or other riches”

      Report Post »  
  • SICKOFPCNESS
    Posted on September 19, 2011 at 1:31pm

    Interesting…..It looks like those right around DC are taking care of themselves quite will….or rather we are.

    Report Post »  
    • dpselfe
      Posted on September 19, 2011 at 1:48pm

      Sir, no one is stopping you from submitting a resume’ to one of the companies in Northern Virginia. I’m sure if your skills and experience are marketable, you too could enjoy a salary in the 6 figure range. Warning: The median price for a home in those counties (and the local tax rates) more than exceeed the averages for the lower earning counties to thier South. The weather sucks pretty bad here too. Humid from April to October…..cold and snowy the rest of the time. Did I mention some of the worst traffic in the country? Yeah…….Paradise for sure!

      Report Post » dpselfe  
  • LibertyGoddess
    Posted on September 19, 2011 at 1:25pm

    These states are not riddled with entitlement programs and are business friendly…duh. Someone email this report to Obama and all of Congress.

    Report Post » LibertyGoddess  
    • MAProg
      Posted on September 19, 2011 at 3:04pm

      Did you read the article or at least look at the map? Massachusetts, Hawaii, Connecticut, New Jersey, New Hampshire, Maryland, Colorado, and Virginia aren’t exactly red states. Most are pertty blue, while a few are purple. Only two token red states (Utah and Alaska) made the list. I‘m not saying it’s a red vs. blue thing, but it pretty much debunks your initial claim.

      Report Post » MAProg  
    • KrishnaDas
      Posted on September 19, 2011 at 4:40pm

      MAPROG: NH is now a read state.

      I think the whole argument of governance being the primary component of why a state is wealthy or not is a bit of a questionable cause fallacy. I think some places are wealthy *in* *spite* of government and some are poor because they don’t have good ports or an educated or skilled (in skills that are needed) population, or are lacking natural resources. MA is a well-off state, but you have policies that contribute to a city Lawrence becoming decrepit and being run by a petty 3rd-world dictator wanna-be like the Fraudfather Willy L’Antigua and even used to advertise social programs on bulletin boards in states like FL, highway officials milking out projects like the Winter Street exit off of 95 (when will that be done???!!!) , a toll-road system that was supposed to be paid off 20 years ago, hack politicians appointed by Coupe Duval being paid huge salaries when essential government workers are laid off, or having had 3-4 of the last speakers of the state house indicted– that can’t help, yet despite that, you still thrive. Imagine how much more you would thrive without those balls and chains and removal of the corruption clotted arteries.

      Report Post »  
    • MAProg
      Posted on September 19, 2011 at 5:33pm

      @Krish: I‘m not comitting a logical fallacy because I’m not attributing a cause, but rather pointing out a trend. My intention was to refute Liberty‘s claims that the most prosperous states don’t have social programs and strong business regulations. It would seem that she didn’t read the list. I was also sure to state that it isn’t necessarily a “red state versus blue state” situation. Lastly, your assertion that New Hampshire is a red state is questionable simply because it trends one way in an election doesn’t define its political demographics.

      Report Post » MAProg  
    • KrishnaDas
      Posted on September 19, 2011 at 11:50pm

      MAPROG: I didn’t mean to say you committed the fallacy – that was more targeted to the general discussion. I do think NH is pretty Red-ish. I moved from WA state, and even the Dems here are conservative compared to WA state/Seattle.

      Report Post »  
    • MAProg
      Posted on September 20, 2011 at 12:15am

      @Krishna: well, you do have a point there. I’ve heard the term “blueneck” thrown around in Vermont and New Hampshire (in a positve way). At least some of my friends from that area describe themselves as such.

      Report Post » MAProg  
  • wisehiney
    Posted on September 19, 2011 at 1:20pm

    Siccem obummer!

    Report Post »  
  • wisehiney
    Posted on September 19, 2011 at 1:19pm

    The bigger they are, the harder they fall. Poor things.

    Report Post »  
  • KrishnaDas
    Posted on September 19, 2011 at 1:19pm

    I’m glad I llive in NH. No sales or income tax. No seatbelt laws. No helmet laws. No mandatory car insurance. Go figure! Live Free or Die!

    Report Post »  
    • GhostOfJefferson
      Posted on September 19, 2011 at 1:50pm

      New Hampshire is one of my two dream states to move to (currently I reside in Ohio). New Hampshire and Wyoming both have exactly the right idea and tend to sail closer to original intent than most of the other states.

      Report Post » GhostOfJefferson  
    • True American66
      Posted on September 19, 2011 at 2:05pm

      This is a serious question….How does New Hampshire get revenue (other than the federal government) to pay for it’s police officers, fire fighters, schools, roads, etc. without any state income tax OR sales tax?

      Report Post »  
    • warriorspirit
      Posted on September 19, 2011 at 2:37pm

      NH has a high property tax. If you want to own a home here you will pay for it. That is mostly where the state gets its money. The state also controls all the liquor sales and there is a 9% tax on meals and lodging. There are other small taxes but won’t list them all.

      Report Post »  
    • True American66
      Posted on September 19, 2011 at 3:04pm

      Thanks Warriorspirit…after I asked the question, I looked it up myself and found just about what you described. There are a few other taxes like the Timber Tax and Gravel Tax with education tied to property tax, but all-in-all, even with the 9% restaurant & hotel tax NH seems like they’re doing it right.

      Report Post »  
    • KrishnaDas
      Posted on September 19, 2011 at 4:25pm

      True American66: property tax, as Warriorspirit mentioned. And it’s very much dependent upon the town and how that town is structured, businesses, etc. I prefer it that way. You know where every dime you pay goes and there is much more transparency for people to know what they get. It’s still less than I paid in Seattle in total taxes, or what I’d pay if I lived 15 miles to the south of me (MA). I’m a selectman of my town and really do see how a budget is put together. We pinch every dime.

      Report Post »  
  • banjarmon
    Posted on September 19, 2011 at 1:18pm

    It appears most are blue states with some purple….Who are the rich people???

    Report Post » banjarmon  
    • gramma b
      Posted on September 19, 2011 at 1:26pm

      Utah, where I live, is the 8th richest, according to this article. It is also one of the reddest.

      Report Post »  
  • Sleazy Hippo
    Posted on September 19, 2011 at 1:15pm

    The other day we heard about how patriotic the ten poor states are, so i guess we are going to hear about the traitorious carpet baggers that live in these ten states.

    Personally I have been to 42 states and they all have things to admire and other things to avoid.

    Report Post » Sleazy Hippo  
  • Any_One_But_Obama
    Posted on September 19, 2011 at 1:15pm

    Interesting that the Google CEO wants stimulus to restart the economy ( http://www.americanparchment.com/video/2011/sep/google_more_stimulus.html ) because these are not the states, in this TOP TEN WEALTHIEST STATES category, that received the bulk of the stimulus.

    Minus maybe Obama’s Hawaii or Maryland (land of DC)

    Report Post » Any_One_But_Obama  
  • dthomps6
    Posted on September 19, 2011 at 1:13pm

    Again, just like the “poorest states”, this is strictly by income. It doesn’t take into account the cost of living.

    Report Post » dthomps6  
    • travlman77
      Posted on September 19, 2011 at 1:27pm

      Oh come on that wouldn’t work! That would be like comparing apples to apples! :-)

      Report Post » travlman77  
    • Locked
      Posted on September 19, 2011 at 1:30pm

      Very true. Hawaii, Alaska, Massachusetts, Connecticut, New Jersey, Rhode Island, and Maryland are all within the top 10 for highest costs of living as well.

      Interestingly, Utah has one of the lowest costs of living in the entire country.

      Report Post »  
    • riverwomansdaughter
      Posted on September 19, 2011 at 1:37pm

      The cost of living in Alaska is much higher than in the lower 48.

      Report Post »  
    • Locked
      Posted on September 19, 2011 at 1:52pm

      @River

      Not necessarily true. MA, DC, and CT are all higher than Alaska. Of course Hawaii is number 1 in cost of living, but that makes sense.

      Report Post »  
    • cgizzy
      Posted on September 19, 2011 at 1:52pm

      cost of living will hit you every time. My salarie in NYC barely allows me to save money. The same salarie back in my hometown in Michigan would allow me to rent a home, own a car, buy insurance, afford all the luxury kitchen “cooking” supplies I wanted and still allow me to save half of my income… which would allow me to pay off my student loans in one year.

      Instead, NYC + federal taxes take out enough money from my salarie, that if I were to have saved that instead, I would have paid off my student loans in a year and half. Wonderful.

      Report Post »  
    • addie
      Posted on September 19, 2011 at 6:39pm

      All of the New England states are in the top 15 highest cost of living.
      Highest is Hawaii
      2nd – DC
      3rd – MA
      4th – CT
      5th – Alaska
      etc….but the 6 NE states are all in the top 15.

      Report Post »  
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