To Be 'Rich' in the U.S., Salaries Range From $198K to $635K Annually

The income needed to be in the top 10% of earners varies widely by state, with Washington, D.C. having the highest threshold.

Published on Feb. 16, 2026

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A new report from Visual Capitalist found that the annual income needed to be considered 'rich' or in the top 10% of household earners in the U.S. ranges from $198,000 in West Virginia to $635,000 in Washington, D.C. The Northeast and West Coast generally have the highest income thresholds for being considered wealthy, while states in the South and Midwest have lower thresholds.

Why it matters

This data highlights the significant regional disparities in the cost of living and what it means to be financially successful across the United States. It underscores how a high income in one state may not translate to the same level of affluence in another, especially when it comes to affording housing in the most expensive markets.

The details

The report, which used data from the U.S. Census Bureau, found that the top 10 states and D.C. where it takes the most money to be considered wealthy are: 1) Washington, D.C. ($635,000), 2) Massachusetts ($386,800), 3) Connecticut ($344,400), 4) New Jersey ($341,000), 5) Washington ($330,800), 6) New York ($327,400), 7) Hawaii ($323,900), 8) Alaska ($315,000), 9) California ($314,700), and 10) Maryland and Rhode Island (both $311,000). Conversely, the five states where it costs the least to be 'rich' are West Virginia ($198,000), Mississippi ($200,900), Kentucky ($204,300), Arkansas ($206,000), and Oklahoma ($206,800).

  • The report used data from the United States Census Bureau.

The players

Visual Capitalist

A data visualization company that produced the report on the income needed to be considered 'rich' in each U.S. state.

Hannah Jones

Senior economic research analyst at Realtor.com®.

Evangela Brock

Real estate agent with Douglas Elliman based in Greenwich, Connecticut.

Libby McKinney-Tritschler

Luxury properties specialist with Team AFA at William Raveis.

Lisa K. Lippman

Real estate agent with Brown Harris Stevens in New York City.

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What they’re saying

“Affordability differences are especially clear at the state level. In the nation's most expensive housing markets, Hawaii, New York, California, and Massachusetts, a $200,000 income would make only about 50% to 55% of homes affordable.”

— Hannah Jones, Senior economic research analyst at Realtor.com®

“High income does not equal high buying power in luxury coastal Connecticut.”

— Evangela Brock, Real estate agent with Douglas Elliman

“At this level, it's not just about income. It's about lifestyle, reputation, and long-term value.”

— Evangela Brock, Real estate agent with Douglas Elliman

“In New York City, it is not enough to have the money to purchase. With cooperatives accounting for approximately 60% of our inventory, and 90% of the inventory near Central Park, buyers seeking a co-op often need to have multiples of the purchase price in order to be considered by the board.”

— Lisa K. Lippman, Real estate agent with Brown Harris Stevens

“It is not just about the earnings, it is about liquidity. For the high-priced co-ops in New York City, anywhere from 20% to 50% or even 100% is what boards look for in terms of cash to buy — plus a multiple of the purchase price in liquid assets.”

— Sonia I. Christian-Bendt, Real estate agent with Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices New York Properties

The takeaway

This report underscores the significant regional disparities in the cost of living and what it means to be financially successful across the United States. A high income in one state may not translate to the same level of affluence in another, especially when it comes to affording housing in the most expensive markets like the Northeast and West Coast.