New Jersey has been dethroned as the state with the highest median household income in the United States, according to recent census data. Massachusetts now holds the top spot, with a median household income averaging about $100,000 last year. New Jersey's median household income was slightly below that of Massachusetts.
The national household median income rose to $80,610 in 2023, according to the U.S. Census Bureau Current Population Survey estimates. However, income levels vary significantly from state to state. For instance, Maryland has the highest median household income in the nation at $94,384, while Mississippi has the lowest at $44,966.
In terms of average salaries, Massachusetts also came in first, followed by New York, with average salaries just under $75,000. Despite the high median income, New Jersey ranked fifth in the nation, with a median household income of $85,239 in 2024, according to a report by World Population Review.
The shift in rankings highlights the economic disparities across the United States, with the highest-paid households found in the country's Northeast and West Coast regions. However, high incomes often translate to higher living costs, which must be considered when comparing income levels across states.