List of U.S. states by Gini coefficient

The List of U.S. states by Gini coefficient provides a ranking of the U.S. states based on the Gini coefficient, a measure of statistical dispersion intended to represent the income or wealth distribution of a nation's residents. This list is an important tool for analyzing economic inequality within the United States.

Overview

The Gini coefficient is a number between 0 and 1, where 0 corresponds with perfect equality (where everyone has the same income) and 1 corresponds with perfect inequality (where one person has all the income, and everyone else has none). In the context of U.S. states, the Gini coefficient is used to gauge the inequality of income distribution among the residents of each state.

Calculation

The Gini coefficient is calculated based on household income data collected through various surveys such as the American Community Survey conducted by the United States Census Bureau. The formula for the Gini coefficient is based on the Lorenz curve, which plots the proportion of total income of the population (y-axis) that is cumulatively earned by the bottom x% of the population.

List of States by Gini Coefficient

The list below shows U.S. states ranked by their Gini coefficient, from highest to lowest. States with higher Gini coefficients have greater inequality, with wealth and income more unevenly distributed among their populations.

High Inequality (Higher Gini Coefficients)

• New York
• Connecticut
• Louisiana
• California
• Florida

Low Inequality (Lower Gini Coefficients)

• Utah
• Alaska
• South Dakota
• New Hampshire
• Wyoming

Implications

The Gini coefficient provides valuable insights into the economic health and social conditions of a state. States with high Gini coefficients may face challenges such as higher rates of poverty, reduced economic mobility, and increased social tension. Conversely, states with low Gini coefficients typically exhibit more equitable income distribution, which can lead to higher overall social stability and quality of life.

See also

• Income inequality in the United States
• Poverty in the United States
• Economy of the United States
• List of countries by income equality