10 States With the Largest Income Difference Between The Rich And The Poor

The Census Bureau published the 2009 American Community Survey today. The ranking of states with the largest income difference (most unequal income distribution) changed in 2009. Income distribution worsened in 22 states. In 28 states,the income distribution got better. The states with the largest income difference might be labeled as the most cut throat capitalist ones. The ones with the smallest income difference might be labeled socialist. Even the most socialist state in America is not nearly as socialist as an average European country, yet it is still the most socialist state in this country. Can you guess the most socialist state in America? Previously, Insider Monkey used another metric and found that Alaska and Wyoming are the most socialist states in America. Check for yourself:

10 States with the Largest Income Difference Between The Rich and The Poor (Most Capitalist States?)

10. Mississippi: Rich=50.0 Poor=3.2

9. California: Rich=50.2 Poor=3.3

8. Illinois: Rich=50.2 Poor=3.3 (worse Gini coefficient than California)

7. Georgia: Rich=50.2 Poor=3.2

6. Louisiana: Rich=50.4 Poor=3.2 

5. Florida: Rich=50.8 Poor=3.5

4. Texas: Rich=50.9 Poor=3.3

3. Connecticut: Rich=51.4 Poor=3.1

2. New York: Rich=53.3 Poor=2.8

1. District of Columbia: Rich=55.7 Poor=1.9

10 States with the Smallest Income Difference Between The Rich and The Poor (Most Socialist States?)

10. Wisconsin: Rich=47 Poor=3.9

9. New Hampshire: Rich=47 Poor=4

8. Iowa: Rich=46.9 Poor=4

7. Montana: Rich=46.8 Poor=3.9

6. Vermont: Rich=46.8 Poor=3.9

5. Hawaii: Rich=46.2 Poor=3.8

4. Idaho: Rich=46.3 Poor=4.3

3. Utah: Rich=45.9 Poor=4.3

2. Wyoming: Rich=45.5 Poor=4.3

1. Alaska: Rich=44.5 Poor=4.4