You won't believe where your state ranks in the global economy—See which one just claimed the fourth spot!
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When we think of economic powerhouses, countries like the United States, China, and Germany often come to mind.
But did you know that individual US states are economic titans in their own right?
In fact, one of them has just been crowned the fourth-largest economy in the world, trailing only behind entire nations.
California's Economic Triumph
Governor Gavin Newsom recently announced that California's nominal gross domestic product (GDP) has soared to an impressive $4.1 trillion.
That's right, the Golden State shines bright not just in name, but in its staggering economic might.
This places the state ahead of Japan, which sits at $4.02 trillion, and only behind the overall US, China, and Germany, according to data from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the US Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA).
“California isn’t just keeping pace with the world – we’re setting the pace,” Newsom proudly stated. The state's success is attributed to its investments in people, commitment to sustainability, and a culture that fosters innovation.
Also read: From tariffs to the courtroom: 12 states challenge sweeping trade policy under Trump
However, not everyone sees California's economic status through rose-colored glasses.
White House spokesperson Kush Desai expressed concerns to USA TODAY about challenges that could threaten the state's progress, including intellectual property theft, wildfire management, and social issues.
The Trump administration believes that California could reach even greater heights if not for what they perceive as hindrances from the state's leadership.
The Economic Landscape of the United States
Beyond California, the economic landscape of the US is diverse and robust.
There's a significant gap of over $1 trillion between California and the second-largest state economy, Texas, which boasts a GDP of $2.7 trillion. New York follows closely with $2.3 trillion, and Florida rounds out the top four with $1.7 trillion.
Also read: Living the American Dream for less: Discover the most affordable US city that still requires a six-figure salary
Here's a snapshot of where other US states stand in the economic rankings based on preliminary 2024 numbers from the BEA:
Read next: The resurgence of American manufacturing: How tariffs are bringing jobs back home
Source: The Washington Examiner / Youtube.
Are you surprised by where your state ranks? How do you think your state's economy impacts your life as a senior? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below!
But did you know that individual US states are economic titans in their own right?
In fact, one of them has just been crowned the fourth-largest economy in the world, trailing only behind entire nations.
California's Economic Triumph
Governor Gavin Newsom recently announced that California's nominal gross domestic product (GDP) has soared to an impressive $4.1 trillion.
That's right, the Golden State shines bright not just in name, but in its staggering economic might.
California is recognized as the fourth-largest economy globally, behind only the United States as a whole, China, and Germany, according to Governor Gavin Newsom, citing IMF and BEA data. Image source: Paul Hanaoka / Unsplash.
This places the state ahead of Japan, which sits at $4.02 trillion, and only behind the overall US, China, and Germany, according to data from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the US Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA).
“California isn’t just keeping pace with the world – we’re setting the pace,” Newsom proudly stated. The state's success is attributed to its investments in people, commitment to sustainability, and a culture that fosters innovation.
Also read: From tariffs to the courtroom: 12 states challenge sweeping trade policy under Trump
However, not everyone sees California's economic status through rose-colored glasses.
White House spokesperson Kush Desai expressed concerns to USA TODAY about challenges that could threaten the state's progress, including intellectual property theft, wildfire management, and social issues.
With a nominal GDP of $4.1 trillion, California's economy surpasses that of Japan and is significantly ahead of the next largest state economy, Texas, at $2.7 trillion. Image source: Lala Miklos / Unsplash.
The Trump administration believes that California could reach even greater heights if not for what they perceive as hindrances from the state's leadership.
The Economic Landscape of the United States
Beyond California, the economic landscape of the US is diverse and robust.
There's a significant gap of over $1 trillion between California and the second-largest state economy, Texas, which boasts a GDP of $2.7 trillion. New York follows closely with $2.3 trillion, and Florida rounds out the top four with $1.7 trillion.
Also read: Living the American Dream for less: Discover the most affordable US city that still requires a six-figure salary
Here's a snapshot of where other US states stand in the economic rankings based on preliminary 2024 numbers from the BEA:
State | GDP (USD) |
| Texas | $2.7 trillion |
| New York | $2.3 trillion |
| Florida | $1.7 trillion |
| Illinois | $1.1 trillion |
| Pennsylvania | $1.02 trillion |
| Ohio | $928 billion |
| Georgia | $883 billion |
| Washington | $855 billion |
| New Jersey | $847 billion |
| North Carolina | $839 billion |
| Massachusetts | $781 billion |
| Virginia | $764 billion |
| Michigan | $707 billion |
| Colorado | $553 billion |
| Arizona | $552 billion |
| Tennessee | $550 billion |
| Maryland | $543 billion |
| Indiana | $527 billion |
| Minnesota | $501 billion |
| Wisconsin | $451.3 billion |
| Missouri | $451.2 billion |
| Connecticut | $366 billion |
| South Carolina | $350 billion |
| Oregon | $331 billion |
| Louisiana | $328 billion |
| Alabama | $321 billion |
| Utah | $301 billion |
| Kentucky | $293 billion |
| Oklahoma | $266 billion |
| Nevada | $261 billion |
| Iowa | $257 billion |
| Kansas | $235 billion |
| Arkansas | $189 billion |
| District of Columbia | $186 billion |
| Nebraska | $185 billion |
| Mississippi | $157 billion |
| New Mexico | $141 billion |
| Idaho | $128 billion |
| New Hampshire | $121 billion |
| Hawaii | $116 billion |
| West Virginia | $108 billion |
| Delaware | $103 billion |
| Maine | $99 billion |
| Rhode Island | $82 billion |
| Montana | $76 billion |
| North Dakota | $75.4 billion |
| South Dakota | $75.2 billion |
| Alaska | $70 billion |
| Wyoming | $53 billion |
| Vermont | $46 billion |
Read next: The resurgence of American manufacturing: How tariffs are bringing jobs back home
Source: The Washington Examiner / Youtube.
Are you surprised by where your state ranks? How do you think your state's economy impacts your life as a senior? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below!
