10. Washington
> Median household income: $64,129
> Population: 7,170,351 (13th highest)
> 2015 Unemployment rate: 5.7% (15th highest)
> Poverty rate: 12.2% (17th lowest)
At $64,129, the annual median household income in Washington is the 10th highest of all states. Washington’s relatively high educational attainment rate partly accounts for the higher incomes. Of adults in the state, 34.2% have a bachelor’s degree compared to 30.6% of adults nationwide. High incomes are likely driving up home values in the state. The typical Washington home is worth $284,000, one of the highest values nationwide.
Still, the state is not without some economic challenges. Last year, 5.7% of workers were unemployed, the 15th highest jobless rate nationally. In addition,14.5% of households rely on food stamps, a slightly larger share than the national 12.8% recipiency rate.