Where Young Americans Earn the Most - Mapped (Median Income)

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Massachusetts ranks first at $123.2K, followed closely by Washington, D.C. and New Jersey. At the other end, Mississippi ranks last at $66K, meaning young households in Massachusetts earn about 87% more.

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At the other end of the spectrum, Mississippi, Louisiana, Arkansas, and West Virginia report the country’s lowest median incomes for young households, all below $72K. These states generally have lower concentrations of high-wage industries and lower rates of bachelor’s degree attainment.

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Several of the top-ranked states, including Massachusetts, California, and New Jersey, also have some of America’s highest housing costs. In many large coastal metros, rising rents, childcare expenses, and home prices absorb a substantial share of household earnings.

While Massachusetts households earn the most, a median family of four retains just 16% of its paycheck after major expenses, compared to the U.S. average of 24.7%. By comparison, households in states such as Iowa and South Dakota keep roughly 35%.

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many younger Americans continue relocating to lower-cost states in the South and Mountain West, even if salaries are lower on paper. Ultimately, the best-paying states are not always the easiest places to get ahead. For many young households, the question is whether higher salaries are enough to offset housing, childcare, and everyday costs.

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