Inequality is Higher in Some States Like New York and Louisiana Because of Corporate Welfare

Income inequality made big headlines in 2019, after the U.S. Census Bureau released data showing that the gap between the richest and poorest Americans is at its highest level in at least half a century.

Less reported was the significant variation among the states. New York and California had the highest inequality in 2018, while Utah and Alaska had the lowest. In addition, states as diverse as Alabama, Texas and New Hampshire experienced large increases from the prior year.

Why are some states more or less equal than others?