Treasure map: See the wealthiest person in each U.S. state

With a personal fortune of more than $80 billion,
Washington state’s Bill Gates is not only the richest
person in America but also in the entire world. And at
$41.4B New York’s David Koch may be the nation’s most
divisive billionaire.
But those are just two high-profile examples. The U.S. is
home to more billionaires than any other country in the
world. So, real estate broker site Movoto has created a
cool, interactive map showing exactly who is the richest
individual in each of the nation’s 50 states .
The map is an interesting way of looking at wealth across
our country, full of fun, intriguing and some surprising
results.
For example, Phil Knight may have humble roots,
developing his now famous waffle sole shoe swoosh brand
in Eugene, Oregon. But he’s now the state’s richest person,
valued at more than $19 billion.
And who knew that the descendants of Walmart founder
Sam Walton had so richly spread their inheritance that it
makes them the wealthiest persons in three states ? It’s
true; Alice Walton is the richest Texan with $35.3B to her
name. Jim Walton rules neighboring Arkansas with his
$35.7B and Christy Walton is the richest of the three,
setting up her vast $37.9B fortune in Wyoming.
For political junkies, it’s worth noting that two of the
states with the highest taxes (California and New York)
are also home to two of the nation’s wealthiest individuals
(Larry Ellison and Koch). And Alaska, home of the nation’s
lowest tax rate is also home to the “poorest” person with
the most money in a respective state.
Movoto also put together a second interactive and
sobering graphic that shows the disparity between each
state’s richest person compared with the income of the
average individual in each state.
For example, businessman and major Republican donor
Sheldon Adelson is worth $35.7B, making him the richest
person in Nevada. But the average citizen in Nevada
makes $67,452 per year.
According to Forbes, the U.S. is home to 442 of the
world’s 1,426 billionaires.
But before you start chanting, “We’re number one!” it’s
also worth noting that not every state is home to its own
billionaire. Alaska’s Robert Gilliam is the least wealthy
person on the list to lead a state’s treasure chest with an
estimated personal fortune of $700 million.
And Delaware, home of numerous corporations who take
advantage of the state’s low taxes, isn’t actually home to
its own billionaire either. The first state’s richest person is
Robert Gore, who has a personal wealth estimated at $830
million.
Still, there’s no need to cry over spilled gold bullions.
Gilliam’s $700 million is nearly 14,000 times larger than
the average U.S. household income of $50,233. Though it
still wouldn’t be enough to buy the Los Angeles Clippers.