Texas
How much money do you need to make to be in the top 5% in Texas?
(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!
Texas
Texas DPS arrests Cowboys defensive end Donovan Ezeiruaku
Texas
Rainbow Trout swim their way back to Texas waterways
With the temperatures starting to change in South Texas, it only means one thing: Trout season has arrived.
The Texas Parks & Wildlife Department is restocking the Texas waterways with thousands of Rainbow Trout. The plan is to stock over 335,000 trout from November through March 6.
This is an annual schedule, and they plan to distribute trout across various waterways. You can find the full stocking schedule, including where and how much, on their website.
The size of the lake, river, or even pond, and how much water is in it, defines how many trout can be placed. Less water means fewer trout, but it also means the water can warm up more quickly.
Known for their skin shimmering like a rainbow in the sun, they are a cold-water species that does best when oxygen-rich water temperatures stay between 40 and 60 degrees. Once water warms into the 70s, trout become stressed, which is why trout fishing in Texas is limited to cooler months.
Thermometers that use infrared technology to read surface temperatures are convenient. However, depending on the stream, the temperature can be significantly different below the surface. That’s why a traditional thermometer for some fishers is an oldie but a goodie.
REMINDERS:
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The state of Texas does not require a fishing license for anyone under the age of 17
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Adults must have a freshwater fishing endorsement on their license
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Anglers can enjoy complementary fishing without a license in a Texas state park from a bank, dock or pier
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Anyone planning a trip to a state park is recommended to reserve a day pass in advance, which can be reserved online or over the phone by calling (512) 389-8900
Copyright 2026 by KSAT – All rights reserved.
Texas
A 13 pound North Texas newborn has a lot of love, with a lot to love
One of North Texas’ newest residents, Canyon Cooper Smith, has been here for just about three weeks. But the 13 lb. newborn already has a lot of nicknames.
“We call him our squishy a lot. Big boy. Somebody called him the Grand Canyon. Supa Kupa. Chunkmeister,” said Arlington mom Markie Smith. “Yeah he’s hefty, he’s solid.”
His size was just a bit of a shock to Mom when he was born.
“We were expecting him to be about 10 lbs. When he came out, and they said 12, I did not believe them,” said Smith, “and they were like, ‘He’s huge,’ and he was screaming. They were holding him up like this, and it was just rolls. That’s all I could see. Just bright red mad and rolls.”
Joshua photographer Kim Fain has been taking newborn photos for more than a decade.
“This is the biggest baby I’ve ever had. Chunk,” said Fain.
You probably didn’t know, but just a few pounds can make a big difference when photographing a baby.
“Yeah, my wrists will hurt tomorrow, said Fain. “You can definitely tell the difference between a six-pound baby and a 10-pound baby. Add three or four more pounds; he’s over 13 pounds now.”
However, there is no confusion; Canyon is a fan favorite around here.
“From the moment he’s arrived, he’s just changed… I mean, look at all this hoopla over him,” said Smith.
Canyon is a big baby who’s going to get a whole lot of love. And possibly, a scholarship.
“I’ve been jokingly shouting out ‘Jerry Jones’ because, you know,” said Smith.
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