Why Your State’s GDP Affects Your...

I couldn't find specific projections for US states' GDP in 2030. However, I can tell you that traditionally, California, Texas, and New York have consistently held the top spots in terms of GDP. #Economy #GDP #USStates #EconomicForecast pic.twitter.com/oPa3XT5aIN

— facting (@facting182168) February 6, 2025

California’s economy is bigger than most countries. Texas could buy New Zealand twice over. New York? Forget Wall Street – their GDP is 90% eyeball rolls from subway delays.

I crunched the Bureau of Economic Analysis data. Here’s what matters.

The GDP Hierarchy: Top 8 States Explained

#1 California ($3.9T): Matches India’s entire economy. Runs on tech + agriculture + Hollywood ego.

#2 Texas ($2.6T): Oil money now competing with Silicon Valley transplants. Austin’s condo boom says it all.

#8 New Jersey ($806B): Pharma labs and NYC commuters. Still cheaper than Manhattan studios.

3 Reasons GDP Numbers Lie to You

• Population skew: California has 39M people. Texas? 30M. Per capita? Texas wins.
• Industry bubbles: Florida’s $1.6T? Tourism dies = economy tanks.
• Debt ratios: Illinois’ $1.1T GDP but $130B pension debt? Net worth matters more.

“But How Does This Affect ME?” (Real Talk)

GDP growth = job openings. Example: Texas added 400K jobs in 2022. Ohio? 82K.

Your move if you’re a:

• Job seeker: Target high-GDP states with labor shortages (see: Florida healthcare)
• Business owner: Pennsylvania’s $974B economy = hungry mid-market customers
• Investor: Commercial real estate in growing states (Georgia, Tennessee not listed but rising)

FAQs: State GDPs Demystified

Do these numbers include federal aid?

Nope. Pure private sector + state activity. COVID money isn’t baked in.

Why isn’t Alaska on the list?

Their GDP sits at $63B. Oil-dependent. One pipeline shutdown away from trouble.

Action Steps Based on 2023 Data

1. Compare your state’s GDP growth to your industry’s trajectory
2. If under 40? Prioritize high-GDP states for career moves
3. Retiring? Low GDP states = cheaper living (Mississippi, West Virginia)