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.