Alaska receives the highest amount of federal subsidies per person, with over 50% of its state revenue derived from federal funding, WalletHub reports. In FY 2024, Alaska led with $24,796 in federal funds per capita, followed by Virginia and New Mexico. In terms of total volume, California, Texas, Florida, and New York receive the most, USAFacts indicates.
In-Depth Look at the Most Federally Dependent States
Alaska received the most per person from the federal government in FY 2024. A choropleth map showing attributable per-capita obligations made by the federal government by state in FY 2024. Alaska received the most per person from the government in 2024. Use the arrow keys ↑ ↓ ← → to navigate through the map regions.
Californians contribute the most of any state in federal taxes: In 2023-24 the state paid $806 billion, or nearly twice as much as Texas.
Vermont ranks as the most generous state with the average low-income person receiving about $26,000 in benefits. This is due largely to the fact that, using my measure, Vermont has the most generous Medicaid program and Medicaid accounts for about half of all of the programs I consider.
Here's a look at the total public welfare expenditures in every state, ranked from lowest to highest:
And the 10 least federally-dependent states are:
21.3 Percent of U.S. Population Participates in Government Assistance Programs Each Month.
For instance, blue states receive more funding from grants on a nominal ($2.3 trillion in blue states vs. $1.7 trillion in red) and per capita ($13,200 vs. 12,300) basis, much of which fund Medicaid; Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children; Child Care and Development Block Grants.
California generates the most tax revenue for the U.S. federal government, followed by Texas, New York, and Florida, with these four states accounting for over a third of all state contributions in recent years, primarily driven by their large populations and significant economic output (GDP). For instance, in Fiscal Year 2024, California alone contributed nearly 16% of the total federal revenue from states.
California, Wyoming and New Jersey provide more aid to low-income college students than the largest federal grant program does, new research shows, but most states give far less.
Moving to one of the states with the lowest cost of living in the country can help you achieve financial stability and build a happy, successful life.
Mississippi consistently ranks as the state with the highest poverty rate in the U.S., often followed by states like Louisiana, New Mexico, and West Virginia, according to World Population Review data from late 2024/early 2025 and U.S. Census data cited by FCNL and Visual Capitalist. Factors contributing to Mississippi's high poverty include low median household income, lower educational attainment, and higher rates of child poverty, though rates have seen some improvement over the years.