Mississippi is the poorest state in the nation, with median
household income of $36,919, while Maryland, with median income
of $70,004, is the richest state, according to the 2011 American
Community Survey from the U.S. Census Bureau. The poorest states
are almost entirely located in the South, according to an
analysis of the census data by 24/7 Wall Street, while the more
prosperous states are spread across the country. Median U.S.
household income declined for the second straight year,
according to the census data, dropping to $50,502 in 2011, more
than 8 percent below the 2007 pre-recession peak. Twenty-seven
states had household income levels lower than the U.S. median,
while 19 states had higher income levels. Vermont was the only
state where median income increased. Income fell in 18 states
and remained statistically unchanged in 31 states. Household
income was higher than the U.S. median in the District of
Columbia. Seven of the nation’s 10 most affluent counties are
located in the Washington, D.C., ar