News Summary
Virginia has been ranked as the top state in the US for household income in 2025, according to WalletHub’s analysis. The report reveals that the top 5% of earners in Virginia make an average of $533,522, while the bottom 20% earn $19,293. The state’s median household income stands at $93,275. With significant wealth concentration and a favorable economic environment, Virginia is at the forefront of income dynamics, outperforming most states across various income metrics.
Virginia has emerged as the leading state in the nation for household income in 2025, according to an analysis conducted by WalletHub. This ranking positions Virginia at the forefront, reflecting significant wealth concentration among its residents. This comprehensive study considers multiple key income metrics, revealing essential insights into the state’s economic landscape.
The analysis utilized three primary income metrics: the average income of the top 5% of earners, the average income of the bottom 20%, and the median household income. In Virginia, the top 5% of earners generate an impressive average income of $533,522 per year, earning the third-highest rank nationwide. Conversely, the average income for the bottom 20% of earners in Virginia is reported at $19,293, which ranks fourth-highest for that group in the country. The median household income, standing at $93,275, places Virginia 17th overall among all states.
New Jersey follows closely in second place, while New York, Connecticut, and Washington round out the top five. At the opposite end, West Virginia, New Mexico, and Mississippi are listed as the states with the lowest household income. Maryland, bordering Virginia, occupies the 15th position overall with a top 5% income of $438,321 and a median income of $128,496. Notably, the District of Columbia boasts the highest median income in the nation at $169,153 but has a bottom 20% income level of only $9,768.
In its report, WalletHub highlights that both high- and low-earning households in Virginia outpace their counterparts in most other states, indicating a robust economic environment. Despite the observed substantial income gap, the report suggests that Virginia maintains a relatively balanced distribution of income among high and low earners. The rankings have been adjusted to account for cost of living variations and current national income trends, providing a nuanced view of the state’s income dynamics.
A related study by GoBankingRates has identified South Run as the wealthiest small town in Virginia, with an impressive median annual income of $238,456. In comparison, the statewide median income in Virginia was recorded at $87,249 in 2023. The real estate market in South Run reflects its wealth, with the median home price as of April at $1.12 million. Although this represents a 4.1% decrease from the previous year, homes in South Run are selling rapidly, often above listing prices.
Virginia’s middle-class income range is estimated to be between $58,165 and $174,498. The real estate landscape in South Run has received a housing market score of 91 from Redfin, categorizing it as “most competitive” in terms of home sales when compared to surrounding communities. This competitive nature of the housing market underscores the area’s desirability and economic status.
In summary, Virginia’s ranking as the leading state for household income highlights the state’s significant economic strength, with a notable disparity between the highest and lowest earners. The state’s robust income metrics not only emphasize the wealth concentration but also provide insights into the ongoing trends in household incomes across the nation.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
- Inside Nova: Virginia’s Highest Earning Counties
- Google Search: household income Virginia
- The Center Square: Virginia Economic Analysis
- Wikipedia: Economy of Virginia
- SmartAsset: Middle-Class Income Study 2025
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Income
- CNBC: Top 5% Earners in States
- Google News: Virginia Wealthiest Town
- Live Now Fox: State’s Highest Income
- Patch: Wealthiest Small Town in Virginia
Author: STAFF HERE WILLIAMSBURG WRITER
WILLIAMSBURG STAFF WRITER The WILLIAMSBURG STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREWilliamsburg.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Williamsburg, James City County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Williamsburg Farmers Market, Yorktown Market Days, and Busch Gardens Food & Wine Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Williamsburg Chamber of Commerce and Colonial Williamsburg Foundation, plus leading businesses in education and hospitality that power the local economy such as College of William & Mary, The Williamsburg Winery, and Sodexo. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREVirginiaBeach.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Virginia's dynamic landscape.
