6 Trillion

In Forbes' latest report on the richest people in America, it has been revealed that nearly every U.S. state is home to at least one billionaire. The report, which is the second of its kind since 2019, showcases the immense wealth held by these individuals across various sectors.

As of May 2024, Forbes identified 54 individuals who made the prestigious list, collectively worth a staggering $1.6 trillion. This marks an increase of $100 billion from the previous year's report, highlighting the continued accumulation of wealth among America's elite.

Interestingly, only three states were found to be without a billionaire according to the report. These states include Alaska, Delaware, and West Virginia. Forbes explained that West Virginia's Governor, Jim Justice, had previously held billionaire status but lost it due to heavy debts in the early 2020s.

Some states saw a shift in their richest individual. Washington, for example, witnessed the departure of Jeff Bezos, the founder of Amazon, who relocated to Florida. This move allowed Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates to claim the title of the wealthiest resident of Washington. Meanwhile, Elon Musk, the CEO of Tesla and a prominent figure in Texas, maintained his position at the top of Forbes' list, with an estimated net worth of $195 billion. Bezos closely trails behind with a fortune of $194 billion.

The top five wealthiest individuals in America, besides Musk and Bezos, include Mark Zuckerberg from California, Warren Buffett from Nebraska, and Bill Gates from Washington.

Forbes also highlighted some newcomers to the list. Among them is Todd Graves, the founder and CEO of the Raising Cane's fast-food chain, who surpassed Gayle Benson, owner of the New Orleans Saints and Pelicans, to become Louisiana's wealthiest resident.

The Cathy family, known for their success with Chick-fil-A, also saw an increase in their wealth, making them Georgia's wealthiest residents. Similarly, Jim Walton, the youngest son of Walmart founder Sam Walton, claimed the title of the wealthiest individual in Arkansas, while his nephew, Lukas Walton, holds the same distinction in Illinois.

Remarkably, eight states boast a female as their richest individual on the Forbes list. The wealthiest among them is Jacqueline Mars of Virginia, heiress to the Mars candy company, with an estimated net worth of $38.5 billion.

For those aiming to join the ranks of America's wealthiest, Forbes suggests considering a move to Alaska. Currently, Leonard Hyde and Jonathan Rubini of JL Properties are tied as the richest residents of the state, each with an estimated worth of $400 million.

The full list of Forbes' wealthiest people in America can be viewed on their website, providing an intriguing glimpse into the vast amounts of wealth accumulated by a select few individuals across the nation.