In this article, we will take a look at the 5 most powerful states in the US. If you want to learn more about the most powerful states and check out our detailed analysis of the global defense industry, you can go to 20 Most Powerful States in the US.
5. Illinois
Real Gross Domestic Product (2023): $875.56 Billion
Total Population (2023): 12,549,689
Insider Monkey Score: 5.5
Illinois, a state in the Midwestern region, ranks among the top 5 on our list of the most powerful states in the US. Illinois has a highly diversified economy, with strengths in agribusiness and food processing, as well as advanced manufacturing, energy, life sciences and biotechnology, and business and professional services. In 2023, Illinois recorded a real GDP of $875.56 billion.
4. Florida
Real Gross Domestic Product (2023): $1.27 Trillion
Total Population (2023): 22,610,726
Insider Monkey Score: 3.5
Florida, a state in the Southeastern region, ranks high among the most powerful states in the US. Florida’s economy is supported by various sectors, including agriculture, tourism, construction, international banking, biomedical and life sciences, healthcare research, aerospace and defense, and commercial space travel. Florida’s real GDP in 2023 was $1.27 trillion. It is also one of the best states in the US to live in.
3. New York
Real Gross Domestic Product (2023): $1.77 Trillion
Total Population (2023): 19,571,216
Insider Monkey Score: 3.5
New York State is a Mid-Atlantic state in the Northeastern US. It ranks among the top 3 on our list of the 20 most powerful states in the US. The state has a significant manufacturing sector and is a leading center for banking, finance, and communication in the United States. In 2023, New York State recorded a real GDP of $1.77 trillion.
2. Texas
Real Gross Domestic Product (2023): $2.03 Trillion
Total Population (2023): 30,503,301
Insider Monkey Score: 2
Texas, in the South Central region of the United States, is the second-largest state by both area and population. Key sectors contributing to the state’s economy include manufacturing, aerospace, aviation and defense, biotechnology and life sciences, energy, information technology, petroleum refining, and chemical products. With a real GDP of $2.03 trillion in 2023, Texas ranks second on our list of the most powerful states in the US.
1. California
Real Gross Domestic Product (2023): $3.23 Trillion
Total Population (2023): 38,965,193
Insider Monkey Score: 1
California, located in the Western United States, tops our list of the most powerful states in the US. It is the most populated state in the US. California’s economy is diverse, featuring significant sectors such as finance, business services, and manufacturing. Additionally, California’s Silicon Valley is home to some of the world’s biggest technology companies. California ranks as the most powerful state in the US due to its combination of population size and wealth, boasting a real GDP of $3.23 trillion in 2023. If it were a separate country, California would be among the five largest economies globally, thanks to its enormous GDP.
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