What's Your Income Score? The Truth About Earning Top 10% in America

Income inequality varies dramatically across the United States, and where you live makes an enormous difference in what constitutes “making it” financially. While everyone deserves a comfortable living wage, the reality shows a wide chasm between average earners and those pulling in top-tier incomes—but the size of that gap depends heavily on your location.

The Regional Divide

The analysis of U.S. Census Bureau data from the 2021 American Community Survey reveals striking disparities. In some states, top 10% earners make roughly double the median income, while in others, they pocket three to four times as much. This geographic variation is crucial for anyone considering relocating for better earning potential.

New York leads the nation with the most extreme wealth gap: top earners need approximately $302,676 annually to hit the top 10%, compared to a median income of $75,157—a staggering 303% difference. Connecticut and New Jersey follow closely behind with similarly steep income requirements.

Meanwhile, Hawaii shows one of the tightest spreads, where the top 10% earn just 209% more than median earners, making it slightly more attainable despite the state’s high cost of living.

High-Income States vs. Lower-Barrier States

The High Earners’ Club

To reach top 10% status, you’ll need deep pockets in coastal powerhouses:

• California: $309,857 (a 268% jump from the $84,097 median)
• Massachusetts: $316,447 (255% above median of $89,026)
• Maryland: $293,979 (222% above median of $91,431)

These states combine strong median incomes with exceptionally high income ceilings for the top tier.

More Achievable Thresholds

Some states present lower barriers to entry despite still maintaining significant gaps:

• Utah: $239,149 (202% above $79,133 median)—the smallest percentage gap of any high-income state
• South Dakota: $200,212 (213% above $63,920 median)
• Iowa: $203,398 (211% above $65,429 median)

The Southern Story

Southern states consistently show lower median incomes but surprisingly high income gaps. Mississippi sits at the bottom with the nation’s lowest median income of $49,111, yet top earners there still pull in $175,581—a 258% premium. Louisiana ($201,514 top 10% threshold) and Arkansas ($188,510) follow similar patterns.

This phenomenon reveals an important truth: high inequality isn’t exclusively a wealthy-state problem. It’s a nationwide challenge affecting economic mobility regardless of regional prosperity levels.

What This Means For Your Financial Goals

The data spans from Mississippi’s modest $49,111 median to Maryland’s robust $91,431, while top 10% thresholds range from West Virginia’s $174,019 to Massachusetts’ $316,447. The gaps consistently fall between 200-280%, with rare exceptions dipping below or rising above.

If you’re earning at median levels in your state and considering a move to boost income, neighboring states may offer better prospects. However, even within lower-income states, substantial entry-level positions exceed median thresholds—suggesting advancement is possible regardless of where you currently reside.

Understanding these benchmarks helps contextualize your earning potential and the real-world income stratification across the United States.

Methodology: Analysis based on U.S. Census Bureau 2021 American Community Survey data, comparing median household income to top quintile (20%) earnings estimates for each state.