Which US States Have the Biggest Economies

In 2024, certain US states with the highest GDP stand out as economic powerhouses in US states, fueled by a range of industries from cutting-edge tech to robust manufacturing. This guide ranks top US state economies and uncovers each one’s driving factors—from Silicon Valley’s innovations to agricultural heartlands and financial hubs. By examining US state GDP rankings for the top 25 (counting 25 to 1), we see how diverse sectors—energy, entertainment, aerospace, finance, and more.

25. Oregon – $331 B (1.14% of U.S. GDP)

• Leading Industries: High-tech manufacturing (Silicon Forest), agriculture/forestry, outdoor tourism, food processing

Oregon balances advanced electronics (Intel’s chip fabs) with timber traditions, significant agriculture (hazelnuts, wine grapes), and outdoor tourism. Scenic wonders like Crater Lake or the Columbia Gorge draw visitors, while the “Silicon Forest” around Portland fosters high-tech innovation. This synergy of tech, timber, and tourism underpins Oregon’s stability in top US state economies.

24. South Carolina – $350 B (1.21% of U.S. GDP)

• Leading Industries: Tourism/hospitality, automotive/tire manufacturing, aerospace, logistics

Sun-soaked beaches (Myrtle Beach) and historic Charleston drive South Carolina’s booming tourism sector. Meanwhile, automotive plants (BMW, Michelin) and Boeing’s 787 assembly define the manufacturing-aerospace side. Ports in Charleston and export-friendly policies further strengthen the state’s economy, balancing resort-driven hospitality with assembly-line might.

23. Connecticut – $366 B (1.26% of U.S. GDP)

• Leading Industries: Finance/insurance/real estate, advanced manufacturing (aerospace, submarines), healthcare, tourism

Connecticut flourishes on finance and insurance centered in Hartford, plus high-tech manufacturing (Pratt & Whitney jets, Electric Boat submarines). Biotech and healthcare add further depth, while coastal towns and casinos like Foxwoods aid tourism. This synergy of financial, defense, and service industries yields one of the nation’s highest per capita incomes, solidifying Connecticut’s place in which US states have the biggest economies.

22. Missouri – $451 B (1.55% of U.S. GDP)

• Leading Industries: Aerospace/transportation manufacturing, agriculture, chemicals, financial services

Missouri leans on advanced manufacturing (Boeing defense aircraft, autos) and farm output (corn, soy). Chemical companies and financial hubs in St. Louis or Kansas City also bolster the economy, while major rivers facilitate shipping. Balancing farmland with factories, Missouri stands firm among the top 25 economic states even in volatile times.

21. Wisconsin – $451 B (1.55% of U.S. GDP)

• Leading Industries: Manufacturing (machinery, metals, paper, brewing), dairy/food processing, tourism

Nicknamed “America’s Dairyland,” Wisconsin excels in milk, cheese, and related processing. Manufacturing thrives on machinery, metals, and beer (Milwaukee). Tourists frequent the state’s lakes, Northwoods, and cultural festivals, adding variety. This triple emphasis—farming, factories, festivals—sustains Wisconsin’s place in largest US state economies.

20. Minnesota – $501 B (1.72% of U.S. GDP)

• Leading Industries: Healthcare/medical technology, food/agriculture, advanced manufacturing, corporate HQ services

Minnesota’s economy thrives on med-tech giants (Medtronic, Boston Scientific), agribusiness (Cargill, General Mills), and advanced manufacturing (3M). A dense cluster of Fortune 500 headquarters also contributes to robust professional services. Whether in producing medical devices or shipping farm outputs, Minnesota’s balanced portfolio consistently lands it among top US state economies by per capita GDP.

19. Indiana – $527 B (1.82% of U.S. GDP)

• Leading Industries: Auto/steel manufacturing, machinery production, life sciences, agriculture

Indiana is a manufacturing stronghold, producing vehicles (GM, Subaru) and steel in the northwest. Machinery and parts suppliers fill out its industrial base. Rising life sciences around Indianapolis add modern flair, while farmland (corn, soy, hogs) underpins rural economies. This manufacturing-centered identity keeps Indiana a classic US state economic powerhouse.

18. Maryland – $543 B (1.87% of U.S. GDP)

• Leading Industries: Government (federal/military), science & technology (biotech, cybersecurity), healthcare, transportation

Maryland’s closeness to Washington, D.C. influences its large government/defense sector (NSA, NASA, defense contractors). Biotech thrives around NIH and Johns Hopkins, while the Port of Baltimore drives maritime trade. Though geographically small, the state’s high-income workforce and advanced R&D ecosystem anchor it in leading US state economies.

17. Tennessee – $550 B (1.89% of U.S. GDP)

• Leading Industries: Automotive manufacturing, healthcare services, music/entertainment, tourism

Tennessee blends car factories (Nissan, GM), a booming Nashville healthcare sector, and a globally famous music scene (Memphis, Nashville). Great Smoky Mountains, the top-visited national park, boosts tourism. This synergy of autos, healthcare, music, and outdoor recreation sustains strong growth, elevating Tennessee’s rank in US states’ economic rankings.

16. Arizona – $552 B (1.90% of U.S. GDP)

• Leading Industries: Semiconductor/aerospace manufacturing, mining (copper), real estate/construction, tourism, agriculture

Arizona’s “5 C’s” (copper, cattle, cotton, citrus, climate) meet modern high-tech manufacturing—especially semiconductors (Intel, TSMC) in Phoenix. Copper mining remains central, while tourism thrives at the Grand Canyon and desert resorts. Real estate booms with Sunbelt migrations, helping Arizona maintain a prominent spot in US state GDP comparison.

15. Colorado – $553 B (1.91% of U.S. GDP)

• Leading Industries: Tourism/recreation, energy/mining, aerospace, electronics manufacturing, agriculture

Rocky Mountain tourism and winter sports define Colorado’s recreational draw, while Denver-Boulder anchors aerospace and electronics. Energy extraction (oil, gas, coal) remains vital, yet the state also trends toward renewables. Agriculture (cattle, wheat, corn) feeds rural communities. This balanced approach ranks Colorado well among largest US state GDP share out west.

14. Michigan – $707 B (2.44% of U.S. GDP)

• Leading Industries: Automotive manufacturing, advanced manufacturing (machinery, chemicals), agriculture, tourism

Historic Big Three automakers (GM, Ford, Stellantis) root Michigan’s economy in vehicle production. Broader manufacturing spans machinery and chemicals, while agriculture (milk, fruit, grain) plus Great Lakes tourism diversifies GDP. With an eye on EV and mobility tech, Michigan evolves its century-long auto legacy, ensuring a leading position in top state economies in the US.

13. Virginia – $764 B (2.63% of U.S. GDP)

• Leading Industries: Government/defense, tech (software, cybersecurity), agriculture, tourism

Virginia’s alignment with federal spending, especially around D.C. (defense contractors, military bases), underpins its economy. Tech thrives in Northern Virginia’s “Data Center Alley,” while agriculture (tobacco, peanuts, wine) shapes rural areas. Iconic sites (Williamsburg, Blue Ridge Mountains) pull tourists. This public-private synergy cements Virginia’s stable ranking in US states economic leaders.

12. Massachusetts – $781 B (2.69% of U.S. GDP)

• Leading Industries: Technology/R&D, higher education & healthcare, finance (asset management, insurance), biotechnology

Innovation drives Massachusetts, from MIT/Harvard R&D to robust biotech and finance in Boston. Advanced manufacturing (aerospace, medical devices) complements the service-based core. Transitioning from maritime/industrial roots to high-value knowledge sectors, Massachusetts leads in per capita GDP, underscoring its role among top US state economies for advanced research.

11. North Carolina – $839 B (2.89% of U.S. GDP)

• Leading Industries: Finance & banking, tech/biotech (Research Triangle), manufacturing (auto/machinery), agriculture

North Carolina’s pivot from tobacco/textiles to modern finance and tech emerges via Charlotte’s banking hub (BofA, Truist) and the Research Triangle’s biotech prowess. Manufacturing remains strong (vehicles, machinery), while agriculture (tobacco, hogs, soybeans) anchors rural zones. This multi-sector approach fuels a swift climb in US states with the highest GDP.

10. New Jersey – $847 B (2.92% of U.S. GDP)

• Leading Industries: Pharmaceuticals & life sciences, financial services & insurance, transportation & logistics, advanced manufacturing

Adjacent to NYC, New Jersey excels in finance/insurance (Hartford’s proximity, Newark’s offices) and pharma/biotech (Johnson & Johnson, Merck). Transport/logistics leverage Port Newark/Elizabeth, and advanced manufacturing (chemicals, devices) persists. This advanced, service-focused economy ensures New Jersey’s top-10 place in largest US state economies.

9. Washington – $855 B (2.95% of U.S. GDP)

• Leading Industries: ICT/software (Microsoft, Amazon), aerospace (Boeing), forestry & wood products, agriculture, tourism

Washington marries cutting-edge tech (Seattle-based Microsoft, Amazon) with Boeing’s storied aerospace presence. Forestry (timber, paper) and farmland (apples) maintain a resource backbone, while scenic national parks spur tourism. This modern-meets-traditional mix secures a major slice of US state GDP for the Pacific Northwest.

8. Georgia – $883 B (3.0% of U.S. GDP)

• Leading Industries: Agribusiness & food processing, film & entertainment, logistics & transportation, aerospace, financial technology

Georgia showcases agrarian strength (top in peanuts, poultry) and Hollywood-level film production in Atlanta. A top logistic hub (major rail and the world’s busiest airport) plus a thriving fintech corridor sustain growth. Aerospace contributes via Gulfstream jets on the coast. This synergy across industries vaults Georgia up which US states have the biggest economies lists.

7. Ohio – $928 B (3.2% of U.S. GDP)

• Leading Industries: Manufacturing (automotive, steel, machinery), wholesale/retail trade, healthcare, agriculture

Ohio’s legacy as a manufacturing center persists with auto, steel, and machinery. Wholesale/retail trade and healthcare now employ more, but industry anchors GDP. Fields of corn and soy also contribute to robust ag production. Columbus, Cleveland, Cincinnati host finance, biotech, and distribution, rounding out Ohio’s longstanding status among US states economic rankings.

6. Pennsylvania – $1,024 B (3.5% of U.S. GDP)

• Leading Industries: Financial services & real estate, manufacturing (chemicals, metals), energy (natural gas), healthcare, agriculture

Pennsylvania spans from Philadelphia’s finance hub to Pittsburgh’s industrial heritage, shaped by steel, machinery, and now advanced services. Natural gas from the Marcellus Shale amplifies energy output, while farmland (dairy, mushrooms) adds to GDP. A flourishing healthcare and education sector broadens the state’s diversified base, solidifying its place in leading US state economies.

5. Illinois – $1,137 B (3.9% of U.S. GDP)

• Leading Industries: Manufacturing (machinery, food processing, chemicals), agriculture (corn, soybeans, livestock), finance & insurance, transportation/logistics

Illinois fuses farmland profits with Chicago’s financial might. Corn, soy, and livestock feed top-tier agricultural output, while manufacturing produces machinery, food, and chemicals. The Windy City’s exchanges and banking sectors strengthen state GDP, complemented by prime transit infrastructure. This union of farm, factory, and finance keeps Illinois among biggest state economies USA.

4. Florida – $1,706 B (5.9% of U.S. GDP)

• Leading Industries: Tourism & hospitality, real estate/construction, aerospace & defense, agriculture, financial services

Florida’s sunshine and beaches underpin a massive tourism sector (theme parks, cruise ports, resorts). Booming real estate/construction mirrors population growth, while NASA’s presence fosters aerospace innovation. Agriculture (citrus, sugar) remains strong, and financial centers in Miami anchor international banking. This sun-belt synergy secures Florida’s #4 position in US states economic rankings.

3. New York – $2,297 B (7.9% of U.S. GDP)

• Leading Industries: Financial services, insurance & real estate, professional & business services, media & publishing, tourism

Wall Street’s banks and insurers form the core of New York’s massive GDP share, with Manhattan’s finance commanding global reach. Media (Broadway, film, TV) thrives alongside tourism icons like Times Square. Upstate manufacturing (machinery, optics) and agriculture (dairy, apples) complement the city’s service epicenter. This diversity cements New York in the top three largest US state economies.

2. Texas – $2,709 B (9.3% of U.S. GDP)

• Leading Industries: Oil & gas, information technology, aerospace & defense, biomedical research, agriculture

Texas fuses old-school energy—oil and natural gas still shape Houston’s sector— with new-age tech expansions in Austin and Dallas. Aerospace (NASA, private space companies) and biomedical (Houston’s medical hub) also thrive. Sprawling farmland and top export stats reflect the state’s size and pro-business climate, confirming Texas as the second-most formidable US state economic powerhouse.

1. California – $4,103 B (14.1% of U.S. GDP)

• Leading Industries: Technology (Silicon Valley), entertainment/media (Hollywood), finance/business services, manufacturing, agriculture

Commanding the nation’s biggest GDP, California spans Silicon Valley tech (Apple, Google) to Hollywood entertainment, fueling global pop culture. Fertile farmland in the Central Valley ensures top agricultural output. With advanced finance, trade through Pacific ports, and constant innovation, California leads the pack in which US states have the biggest economies by a large margin.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which US states have the biggest economies?
According to 2024 GDP data, California, Texas, and New York dominate, followed by Florida and Illinois, reflecting varied mixes of tech, finance, agriculture, and more.

How do US states rank by economic size?
Post-big-three states include Florida (#4) and Illinois (#5), while Pennsylvania, Ohio, Georgia, Washington, and New Jersey round out the top ten in largest US state GDP.

What factors contribute to a state’s economic success?
Industry diversity, infrastructure, business-friendly regulations, workforce education, and demographic growth typically propel top state economies in the US. Many combine strong resource sectors with advanced service/tech industries.

Which industries drive the largest state economies in the US?
Key sectors include tech (California, Washington), energy (Texas), finance (New York, New Jersey), automotive (Michigan), and aerospace (Washington, Georgia). Agriculture and tourism also bolster many states.

How do these top states differ in economic composition?
Some, like California and New York, rely heavily on high-tech/finance. Others, like Texas or Florida, balance energy or tourism with diverse services. Still others (Midwest states) merge manufacturing might with farming traditions, revealing the variety powering US economic performance by state.

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These 25 economic powerhouses in US states demonstrate the nation’s variety, from California’s tech and media empire to Texas’s energy and Florida’s tourism surge. Each harnesses distinct industries—such as aerospace, finance, manufacturing, or agriculture—to forge impressive GDP figures. By examining which US states have the biggest economies, we see how local strengths and global market forces shape American prosperity, ensuring a dynamic landscape for continued growth.