South-Carolina
How much money do you need to make to be in the top 5% in South Carolina?
(NEXSTAR) – The disparity between the income that an average U.S. resident brings in yearly compared to those sitting at the top of earners in each state has always been a major topic of discussion.
In fact, WalletHub states that “the highest-earning 10% of individuals in the United States earn over 12 times more than those in the lowest-earning 10%, based on the latest Census data.”
And while looking up what the “average salary” is across the country, ($74,600, according to the latest data from the Federal Reserve), appears to give a solid idea of how far off most Americans are from the 5% club, a closer look at the high-end salaries reveals that the disparity is even more stark.
WalletHub broke down the income of all 50 U.S. states and Washington D.C into three different groups: the average annual income of the top 5%, the average for the bottom 20%, and the median for all of each state’s residents.
Landing at No. 1 was New York where the top 5% makes about $553,000 a year. That’s almost $35,000 more than the next two highest states and nearly $100,000 more than the 10th-ranked state.
While the top 5% is thriving in the Empire State, its bottom 20% is falling well short, ranking 44th in salary with $13,301.
Right behind New York is Connecticut and Virginia where the average is about $518,000 apiece. Followed by New Jersey and Illinois which are both hovering around $505,000.
The state with the lowest top 5% threshold is Alaska, where earning roughly $321,000 will get you into the club. Hawaii and Vermont aren’t far behind where the top 5% makes about $334,000.
Check out what you need to make in your state:
| Rank | State | Average Annual Income of Top 5% | Median Annual Income | Average Annual Income of Bottom 20% |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | New York | $553,436 | $91,366 | $13,301 |
| 2 | Connecticut | $518,757 | $114,156 | $14,576 |
| 3 | Virginia | $518,296 | $89,393 | $18,694 |
| 4 | New Jersey | $505,621 | $117,847 | $16,445 |
| 5 | Illinois | $504,800 | $78,304 | $16,192 |
| 6 | Georgia | $487,870 | $66,612 | $16,472 |
| 7 | Texas | $481,483 | $70,513 | $16,802 |
| 8 | Washington | $474,067 | $103,748 | $18,223 |
| 9 | Florida | $470,308 | $68,818 | $15,375 |
| 10 | Massachusetts | $466,208 | $127,760 | $13,689 |
| 11 | Minnesota | $464,981 | $86,364 | $19,797 |
| 12 | Colorado | $456,603 | $97,301 | $18,451 |
| 13 | California | $454,829 | $123,988 | $13,949 |
| 14 | Tennessee | $453,539 | $59,077 | $15,679 |
| 15 | District of Columbia | $450,892 | $162,265 | $9,011 |
| 16 | North Carolina | $450,592 | $63,025 | $15,836 |
| 17 | Utah | $448,195 | $89,786 | $22,491 |
| 18 | Michigan | $446,114 | $62,446 | $17,019 |
| 19 | Missouri | $446,069 | $59,715 | $16,821 |
| 20 | Pennsylvania | $445,261 | $74,711 | $15,801 |
| 21 | Ohio | $436,922 | $61,904 | $16,188 |
| 22 | Maryland | $427,135 | $124,693 | $16,647 |
| 23 | Arizona | $424,913 | $74,375 | $16,604 |
| 24 | Kansas | $423,517 | $68,489 | $17,176 |
| 25 | Nebraska | $416,325 | $72,384 | $17,380 |
| 26 | Arkansas | $416,224 | $51,032 | $14,069 |
| 27 | South Carolina | $412,771 | $62,909 | $13,996 |
| 28 | Kentucky | $411,897 | $55,629 | $13,800 |
| 29 | Oklahoma | $405,113 | $57,215 | $15,205 |
| 30 | Idaho | $403,737 | $70,041 | $18,372 |
| 31 | Delaware | $402,989 | $87,173 | $16,930 |
| 32 | Wisconsin | $402,256 | $72,602 | $17,973 |
| 33 | Nevada | $401,062 | $80,366 | $14,472 |
| 34 | New Hampshire | $400,343 | $110,205 | $18,075 |
| 35 | Indiana | $399,270 | $64,170 | $16,670 |
| 36 | Alabama | $398,584 | $55,480 | $13,242 |
| 37 | Montana | $395,720 | $68,937 | $15,337 |
| 38 | Louisiana | $395,155 | $56,282 | $11,504 |
| 39 | Iowa | $395,093 | $68,974 | $17,621 |
| 40 | South Dakota | $393,809 | $69,266 | $17,252 |
| 41 | North Dakota | $387,548 | $79,874 | $15,661 |
| 42 | Wyoming | $387,280 | $76,307 | $16,199 |
| 43 | Oregon | $377,399 | $91,100 | $14,720 |
| 44 | Mississippi | $377,040 | $46,880 | $12,168 |
| 45 | Rhode Island | $353,721 | $104,252 | $12,668 |
| 46 | New Mexico | $351,972 | $58,911 | $11,944 |
| 47 | West Virginia | $345,239 | $52,719 | $12,477 |
| 48 | Maine | $338,866 | $79,800 | $13,749 |
| 49 | Vermont | $334,470 | $89,695 | $14,477 |
| 50 | Hawaii | $334,369 | $141,832 | $14,014 |
| 51 | Alaska | $321,634 | $113,934 | $15,646 |
As for what state’s residents make the most money on average, Washington D.C. finished with the highest median income of $162,265. Unfortunately, D.C. also finished with the lowest salary for the average annual income of the bottom 20%, with $9,011.
Other states that had a high median income were Hawaii ($141,832), Massachusetts ($127,760), Maryland ($124,693), and California ($123,988).
These states with a smaller gap between the average earner and the top 5% make it easier to make the jump, but it’s still difficult.
According to GoBankingRates, it will take a variety of factors to make that jump. First, you need a steady increase in income. This could mean you are making better financial decisions, investing wisely, or perhaps experiencing career advancements.
Another factor is maybe having a solid investment strategy, look to see that you are getting positive returns on your investment and that you have a well-diversified portfolio.
Finally, prioritize your long-term financial stability. Look to prioritize saving over short-term pleasures.
And if you’re looking to go even higher than the top 5%, Forbes found that to be one of the top 1% of earners in the U.S., you need to bring in an annual salary of at least $597,815, so start saving up!
South-Carolina
Clemson Linebacker Honored As South Carolina’s Best Athlete
This week, Clemson added another trophy to the cabinet, but this wasn’t a team award. Junior linebacker Sammy Brown was honored with the Blanchard-Rogers Award, which honors the most spectacular athlete in the state of South Carolina.
The sky is the limit for Brown, who seems to just keep getting better.
After receiving the 2024 ACC Defensive Rookie of the Year award, Brown turned around and posted an even stronger sophomore campaign, now appropriately honored by the Roger-Blanchard award.
With 106 total tackles (51 solo), five sacks and a forced fumble and an interception a piece, Brown caused mayhem in the 2025 season.
But in a year where Clemson drastically underperformed by many metrics, Brown was undoubtedly a bright spot, and he recognized that this season taught him lessons beyond football.
“There’s just so much that I can give credit to this season. It’s not all bad can come from, you know, having a bad season,” Brown said after a loss to Penn State in Clemson’s bowl game capped the season at 7-6.
Since its inception in 2013, Brown is the seventh Clemson player to be selected for the award. But in receiving the award, Sammy Brown is breaking a trend that has strongly favored the Tigers’ foe: the South Carolina Gamecocks.
The Cocks have dominated the award since Jalin Hyatt received it in 2022. Then, it was Xavier Legette, followed by Kyle Kennard, who received the nomination last year.
In its early years, the award essentially functioned as Clemson’s “best player” honor, with the Tigers claiming five of the first six selections.
Returning the award to upstate South Carolina, Brown joins the elite company of Trevor Lawrence, Deshaun Watson, Travis Etienne Jr., Vic Beasley and Tajh Boyd.
Brown is the first Clemson defensive player to win the award since Vic Beasley.
Brown will be formally honored by the South Carolina Hall of Fame on April 16, 2026 at Hotel Hartness in Greenville, South Carolina.
Heading into his third season with Clemson, Brown will be leaned on heavily in 2026. Now as a veteran with several elite awards and recognitions, Brown will be a backbone relied on for leadership and direction — and he knows it.
“Its going to be really tough and a lot of guys are going to have to take on new new roles and I’m going to have to step into the into the leadership role and take on being more of a vocal leader,” Brown said. “It’s going to be tough, but it’s going to be a new journey for me, a new journey for this team and I’m really excited and looking forward to that.”
South-Carolina
What Kim Mulkey said about Dawn Staley, South Carolina vs LSU rematch
GREENVILLE — South Carolina women’s basketball and LSU already faced off in primetime and will now meet again on a big stage.
The No. 1 seed Gamecocks (30-2) and No. 4 seed Tigers (27-4) are playing in the SEC Tournament semifinals on March 7 (4:30 p.m. ET, ESPN) at Bon Secours Wellness Arena.
South Carolina and coach Dawn Staley beat coach Kim Mulkey and LSU 79-72 on Feb. 14 to secure an 18th straight victory in the series.
It was a tight game in Baton Rouge, with the largest lead eight for the Gamecocks and six for the Tigers. South Carolina went on a 6-0 run in the final 25 seconds, with LSU missing five fourth-quarter free throws.
“I don’t know that I can expect anything, that I can just say, ‘Oh, I expect this.’ I expect two teams that respect each other, that are good for the SEC, good for women’s basketball, and they’re competitors,” Mulkey said.
Before arriving in Baton Rouge, Mulkey coached for 21 seasons at Baylor. She beat South Carolina twice at Baylor but she has yet to beat Staley with the Tigers. Staley is 7-2 against Mulkey heading into this year’s rematch.
The last six wins have gone to Staley. One came in the SEC Tournament championship in 2024, but they didn’t meet in 2025, with the Gamecocks beating Texas in last year’s tournament final.
“It should be a game that a lot of women’s basketball fans should watch because you’re looking at great talent on the floor,” Mulkey said. “You’re looking at two coaches that — well, I’m old. Dawn’s not quite as old as I am, but they’ve done a lot in the game. It will be good for the game. It will be good TV, and I don’t anticipate anything but it being a good game.”
The first matchup was the first women’s basketball game to air on ABC on a Saturday night. The network specifically chose the game, knowing the matchup always delivers in addition to MiLaysia Fulwiley layer.
Fulwiley transferred to Mulkey’s LSU team after two seasons with Staley at South Carolina. She had six points in the first meeting and comes into the rematch off 22 points and eight assists vs Oklahoma.
ESPN said the first meeting averaged 1.7 million viewers, peaking at 2.2 million, which was the most-watched women’s college basketball game across all networks this season. South Carolina’s win over Tennessee on Feb. 8 held the previous record, peaking at 1.5 million.
South Carolina has been the No. 3 team in the country most of the season. LSU was No. 6 during the matchup and still is. The Gamecocks are one of four No. 1 seeds in bracketology projections and the Tigers are a No. 2 seed for March Madness.
In just her second season with LSU, Mulkey won the national championship in 2023, which marked her fourth overall after winning three with Baylor (2005, 2012, 2019.)
Staley has three overall, all from her time at South Carolina with the first in 2017. She won in 2022 and 2024, with Mulkey’s title right in-between her two most recent championships.
“When you toss it up, you’re trying to win,” Mulkey said. “Someone’s going to win. Someone’s going to lose. But think of what’s ahead. It doesn’t matter what happens in this tournament, it’s what all of us are trying to do, and that is get to a Final Four and win a natty.”
Lulu Kesin covers South Carolina athletics for The Greenville News and the USA TODAY Network. Email her at LKesin@usatodayco.com. Follow her on X@Lulukesin and Bluesky@bylulukesin.bsky.social
South-Carolina
South Carolina Lottery Pick 3, Pick 4 results for March 5, 2026
Powerball, Mega Millions jackpots: What to know in case you win
Here’s what to know in case you win the Powerball or Mega Millions jackpot.
Just the FAQs, USA TODAY
The South Carolina Education Lottery offers several draw games for those aiming to win big.
Here’s a look at March 5, 2026, results for each game:
Winning Pick 3 Plus FIREBALL numbers from March 5 drawing
Midday: 0-3-7, FB: 2
Evening: 4-1-2, FB: 5
Check Pick 3 Plus FIREBALL payouts and previous drawings here.
Winning Pick 4 Plus FIREBALL numbers from March 5 drawing
Midday: 6-0-1-3, FB: 2
Evening: 4-0-5-9, FB: 5
Check Pick 4 Plus FIREBALL payouts and previous drawings here.
Winning Cash Pop numbers from March 5 drawing
Midday: 14
Evening: 02
Check Cash Pop payouts and previous drawings here.
Winning Palmetto Cash 5 numbers from March 5 drawing
18-21-30-31-42
Check Palmetto Cash 5 payouts and previous drawings here.
Feeling lucky? Explore the latest lottery news & results
Are you a winner? Here’s how to claim your lottery prize
The South Carolina Education Lottery provides multiple ways to claim prizes, depending on the amount won:
For prizes up to $500, you can redeem your winnings directly at any authorized South Carolina Education Lottery retailer. Simply present your signed winning ticket at the retailer for an immediate payout.
Winnings $501 to $100,000, may be redeemed by mailing your signed winning ticket along with a completed claim form and a copy of a government-issued photo ID to the South Carolina Education Lottery Claims Center. For security, keep copies of your documents and use registered mail to ensure the safe arrival of your ticket.
SC Education Lottery
P.O. Box 11039
Columbia, SC 29211-1039
For large winnings above $100,000, claims must be made in person at the South Carolina Education Lottery Headquarters in Columbia. To claim, bring your signed winning ticket, a completed claim form, a government-issued photo ID, and your Social Security card for identity verification. Winners of large prizes may also set up an Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT) for convenient direct deposit of winnings.
Columbia Claims Center
1303 Assembly Street
Columbia, SC 29201
Claim Deadline: All prizes must be claimed within 180 days of the draw date for draw games.
For more details and to access the claim form, visit the South Carolina Lottery claim page.
When are the South Carolina Lottery drawings held?
- Powerball: 10:59 p.m. ET on Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday.
- Mega Millions: 11 p.m. ET on Tuesday and Friday.
- Pick 3: Daily at 12:59 p.m. (Midday) and 6:59 p.m. (Evening).
- Pick 4: Daily at 12:59 p.m. (Midday) and 6:59 p.m. (Evening).
- Cash Pop: Daily at 12:59 p.m. (Midday) and 6:59 p.m. (Evening).
- Palmetto Cash 5: 6:59 p.m. ET daily.
This results page was generated automatically using information from TinBu and a template written and reviewed by a South Carolina editor. You can send feedback using this form.
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