There can only be one person in the United States that gets the honor of being the wealthiest resident in all states, and that man also happens to be the wealthiest man in the entire world. Bill Gates, who is worth an estimated $80 billion, is the richest man in the world. His income is far higher than most of the other wealthiest men and women in the country, but those who make the list of being the richest person in their own state aren’t exactly hurting. Read on to find out which men and women are the wealthiest in every state. It might surprise you to see this list range from (what would be considered tiny) $700 million to $80 billion. Still though, it’d be nice to earn a tiny percentage of what these folks bring in on a yearly basis.
Robert Gillam, Alaska – $700 million
Robert Gillam is the founder and CEO of McKinley Capital, one of the top wealth management firms in the world. He’s also the poorest rich person in the United States. In comparison to many of the men and women on this list, Gillam is not worth much money at all. In fact, Bill Gates, the wealthiest man in the world and in the country is worth more than 100 times Robert Gillam. However, having $700 million as a net worth is not all the shabby, especially considering the cost of living in Alaska is not overly expensive.
Robert Gore, Delaware – $830 million
His family is very wealthy. They own their own company that manufactures so many things we can’t even begin to list them all. However, Gore is most famous for his invention Gore-Tex, which everyone is familiar with. He was born in Utah and moved to Delaware with his family in 1950 because of his father’s work priorities. While his father was working for someone else in Delaware, he was working on experiments that would later enable him to start his own company and bring his family mass amounts of wealth that he then passed on to his son.
Leon Gorman, Maine – $860 million
He’s retired now, but he was the former President and Chairman of the Board at one of the most prominent and most famous companies in the world; L.L. Bean. He was a college graduate when he began working for the company and he worked his way up over the years until he was put in charge of the company. He is the grandson of the founder of the brand, and he was able to take over his role in 1967 and work as the president until he retired in 2001. He’s worth an estimated $860 million thanks to his business success in working with the company.
Gary Tharaldson, North Dakota – $900 million
Gary Tharaldson is the founder of Tharaldson Companies, a company that builds, buys and sells hotels across the world. He began his business in 1982 when he purchased a Super 8 motel as his first venture into the business. He later sold more than 130 hotels to a subsidiary of Goldman Sachs in 2006, which caused him to become of the richest men in the country, as well as find a place on the list of 400 wealthiest people in the country.
Marguerite Harbert, Alabama – $1 billion
She’s not responsible for her significant wealth, but she is the person who holds it so it doesn’t really matter. Marguerite was married for many years to a man by the name of John M. Harbert, who was the founder of Harbert Corporation, a construction firm. He managed to start and grow his billion dollar business from the ground up when he was younger, and when he passed away almost 20 years ago, he left his fortune to his wife. She just turned 90-years-old in 2014 and she’s the richest resident of Alabama, and also the poorest billionaire on the list.
Maloof Brothers, New Mexico – $1 billion
The Maloof brothers are the richest residents in New Mexico. They have a collective $1 billion each and they are business owners. Some of their more famous holdings include businesses such as the Palms Resort and Casino in Las Vegas, which is by far their most famous and lucrative business dealing. They have a sister by the name of Adrienne Maloof, who was married to a Hollywood plastic surgeon but is now estranged from him, and she is a former Real Housewife of Beverly Hills. The family also owns the Sacramento Kings.
Frank VanderSloot, Idaho – $1.2 billion
Frank VanderSloot has several unique titles that help him in his role of being the wealthiest man in Idaho. For example, he is 92nd on the list of men and women who own the most land in the country. He holds a seat on the board of directors for the US Chamber of Commerce, and he’s the man who owns several different businesses, including a radio network and a ranch. He amassed much of his fortune in these ventures, and he’s managed to turn himself into one of the most important men in not only the state in which he resides, but also the country.
Jon Huntsman Sr., Utah – $1.2 billion
Jon Huntsman Sr. is the founder of a corporation by the name of Huntsman Chemical Corporation. His business is the largest manufacturer of polystyrene in the country. He’s managed to make his money in this field, and he’s done an impressive job of becoming the wealthiest man in Utah. In addition to his personal wealth, he is also a huge philanthropist. He has, in his lifetime, donated more than $1 billion to aid in finding a cure for cancer and other charities that mean something to him.
T. Denny Sanford, South Dakota – $1.3 billion
Sanford earned his wealth and made his name by founding a bank called First Premier Bank and he’s also the owner of the First Premier Bankcard. He’s also chairman and CEO of United National Corp. His fortune was made helping people with no credit or less-than-perfect credit secure a card with a very high interest rate and the ability to graduate to a card with a lower interest rate provided they pay on time every month after about 18 months. It’s a venture in which few people are able to succeed, but he’s been able to do it with ease.
Tom Benson, Louisiana – $1.5 billion
He began his career as a car salesman in Louisiana before making the decision to purchase a car dealership that was failing. He turned it into a successful dealership and went on to purchase several more dealerships. In 1985, Benson learned that the New Orleans Saints’ program was being broken down and sold to many different parties, and then moved to Jacksonville, Florida. He didn’t care for that idea, so he purchased the Saints. He’s not the proud owner of the Superbowl Champs as well as the New Orleans Pelicans.
Jim Justice, West Virginia – $1.6 billion
Jim Justice is the wealthiest man in West Virginia, and he made his money doing what most people in the state do for a living; working coal. However, unlike most people in West Virginia, Justice doesn’t get his hands dirty working in the coal mines that provide so much employment for residents of the state. He owns those coal mines, and even though he’s seen some difficult times recently – he was worth $1.7 billion only a few years ago – he’s still successful enough to be the wealthiest man in the state.
Johnathan Nelson, Rhode Island – $1.8 billion
Johnathan Nelson is the founder of a company by the name of Providence Equity Partners. His firm manages more than $40 billion in American assets, and it’s one of the most famous and most successful private investment firms in Rhode Island. It’s a small state, so it’s always impressive that the company handles such a large client base. He made his fortune by founding this company and using his knowledge to create a successful business that’s been around for many years.
Bradley Hughes, Kentucky – $2.3 billion
Bradley Hughes is a name you might recognize. If you do, it’s because he is the founder of Public Storage, the company that you see on every roadside in America. He’s a self-made billionaire, and he’s the richest man in Kentucky. While most of his wealth comes from his founding of Public Storage, he’s also been active in high-end real estate investment for the past 30+ years, which has helped him to make even more money.
Leslie Lampton, Mississippi – $2.4 billion
Leslie Lampton is the founder and CEO of Ergon Inc. She founded the company back in 1954 and has been the driving force behind the success of this petroleum-related industry for more than 60 years. Since Lampton started her company it has grown tremendously. What began as an operation with only two employees is now a corporation that has more than 2,300 employees across the country, and even a few internationally. Her company is one of the most famous in the South, and it’s been recognized for outstanding service and many humanitarian efforts over the years.
Anita Zucker, South Carolina – $2.7 billion
Anita Zucker is an impressive woman. She was born to Holocaust survivors and went on to earn her Master’s Degree from the University of Florida. She then married the man who was the CEO of Hudson’s Bay, and upon his death she took over as CEO and chairperson. She’s also the owner of the Carolina Ice Palace and half owner of the South Carolina Stingrays. She’s been very active in the business world her entire adult life, and was a part of the everyday operations of her company long before the death of her husband, and it’s here that she and her husband made most of their fortune.
Mary Alice Dorrance Malone, Pennsylvania – $3 billion
Mary Alice Dorrance Malone is the granddaughter of the man who founded the brand Campbell’s Soup. She’s the largest shareholder for the company at this time, and she sits on the board of directors with her cousins, who are also billionaires thanks to their grandfather’s business sense. She’s one of the wealthiest billionaires in the country, and she’s the wealthiest resident in Pennsylvania at the moment. She, at this time, has no plans on selling her shares of the company, which she will likely leave to her own two children.
Harry Stine, Iowa – $3.1 billion
Harry Stine is the owner of the largest seed company in the country. He founded the company on his own, and he is relatively new to the billionaire’s list. He’s also relatively new as the state of Iowa’s richest resident. He’s been in the soybean industry since the 1960s and managed to create some soybean patents that earned him millions in the 90s, which enabled him to expand his business and eventually earn his current billions.
John Abele, Vermont – $3.3 billion
John Abele earned his money in the medical device industry. He’s been working on medical devices for many years, which led him to co-found the company Boston Scientific. His company provides medical devices to people all around the world and many of those are the most well-known medical companies in the country. Being the cofounder and CEO of the company that’s worth billions has given him the ability to earn his own billions and top the list of wealthiest men in the state of Vermont.
Ted Lerner, Maryland – $4.6 billion
At almost 90-years-old, Ted Lerner is one of the most impressive men in the country. He’s not only the wealthiest man in Maryland, he’s also the largest land owner in the Washingon D.C. area, the founder of Lerner Enterprises and the owner of hundreds of commercial, residential and hotel properties. He’s also the owner of Chelsea Piers in New York City. He’s one of the most famous men in the country in the real estate market, and his shrewd business sense has helped to make him one of the most successful men in the country.
Bruce Halle, Arizona – $4.8 billion
Everyone needs tires, and most people want to pay a discounted price for these expensive pieces of rubber. Bruce Halle understood that, and that’s what led him to found the company Discount Tires. It’s one of the most successful tire and automotive companies in the country, and Halle is the CEO. He’s also one of the most philanthropic residents in the country. It is because of Halle that so many of the world’s leading health charities receive millions of dollars on an annual basis, and this includes the American Heart Association.
Whitney MacMillan, Minnesota – $5.3 billion
He was born in 1929 and he graduated from Yale, but that’s not what made him so wealthy. Even though he’s retired now, he was the CEO of Cargill, the company that his grandfather founded many years before he was born. The company is one of the most successful in the world, and he made his billions by being one of several different heirs to the company. However, now that he’s retired, he spends his time on his Minnesota Ranch working as a rancher and enjoying his time with his family.
Ken Griffin, Illinois – $5.5 billion
He’s one of the younger men (or women) on this impressive list. Ken Griffin is the founder of Citadel, Inc., which is one of the largest hedge-fund companies in the world. He was singlehandedly responsible for creating this company, which is one of the most successful in the world. The company manages billions of dollars in investor’s money to a great deal of success. He was able to create a stellar reputation for himself and his company, and he’s the richest man in Chicago because of it.
Leslie Wexner, Ohio – $5.7 billion
Les Wexner is a pretty impressive man. He dropped out of law school in the 1960s to begin running one of his parents’ clothing boutiques in Ohio. He borrowed nearly $5,000 from one of his aunts to open his own store, which he named The Limited, because the selection was limited to only apparel for younger women, unlike his parent’s stores. He was able to build his brand and become owner to hundreds of The Limited stores around the country, and he made his billions as the CEO and founder of Limited Brands.
Gayle Cook, Indiana – $6 billion
In 1963, Gayle Cook and her husband Bill Cook founded a medical device company in the basement of their own home. It didn’t take long before the two were seeing so much success that they were able to move their business elsewhere. It was then that it became one of the most successful medical device industries in the world. Cook Group now has offices in several countries all over the world, and she’s the CEO. Her husband died in 2011, leaving his shares of the corporation to his wife, which made her the wealthiest woman in Indiana.
Dennis Washington, Montana – $6.1 billion
Dennis Washington is wealthy because he has the controlling shares in Washington Companies, which he began in the 1980s. He successfully opened his own construction company and eventually began to buy other companies that he’d run and put into his company, Washington Companies. He’s a self-made billionaire with plenty of success in several different industries. He might be the wealthiest man in Montana, but he’s actually 79th on the list of wealthiest men in the country.
Thomas Frist Jr., Tennessee – $6.9 billion
Thomas Frist Jr. is the son of Thomas Frist Sr. with whom he helped cofound a medical supply company that’s one of the most successful in the world. He and his father founded Hospital Corporation of America in the 1960s and became very wealthy men. Jr. is also credited with helping Colonel Sanders begin the Kentucky Fried Chicken industry, which he has many shares of. Though he stepped down from the board of his medical supply company many years ago, he is the president of an aircraft company, and that helps him continue making money.
John Menard, Wisconsin – $7.7 billion
John Menard is a bit of a busy man. Not only did he found one of the biggest home improvement stores in Wisconsin – Menards – he’s also a former owner of a racing team and his son is a race car driver. He is a man known for his generous giving. He frequently donates large sums to charities that are important to his family, and once even gave $15 million of his own money to a local hospital for their emergency services so that the Mayo Clinic could help educate the doctors in the facility to make them more aware of certain issues.
Pierre Omidyar, Hawaii – $7.9 billion
Omidyar has been a billionaire since he was 31-years-old, in 1998. He was the founder of a little company by the name of eBay, and when the company went public in 1998, he was made a billionaire overnight. Since then, he’s been busy doing other things in his life. He’s the founder of an investigative journalism enterprise and he’s a big philanthropist along with his wife. They donate much of their time and money to helping nonprofit organizations succeed. Though he spends much of his time in Las Vegas, he’s a Hawaiian resident, and the richest man in the state.
Hank & Doug Meijer, Michigan – $7.9 billion
If you think that their name sounds familiar, it’s because they are the founders of the supermarket chain, Meijer. Hank and Doug Meijer are brothers. They are the grandsons of the man who founded the supermarket, which was one of the top 25 retailers in the country as of 2005. Meijer is one of the most successful supermarket chains in the country that is still privately held, and almost half of the grocery store’s locations are located in Southern Michigan, though they can be found in other locations as well.
Charles Johnson, Florida – $8.1 billion
Charles Johnson is the richest man in Florida. He’s the former chairman of Franklin Resources, one of the most successful mutual fund purveyors in the country. His father founded the company in the 1940s, and his son is now the chairperson for the company, along with his half-brother. Even though he resigned from his position in 2013, he is still considered one of the most generous people in the country. He is often regarded as being very generous with his time and resources and he is written about as a giver often.
James Goodnight, North Carolina – $8.1 billion
When he was on staff at North Carolina State University in the 1970s, he founded SAS Institute. He spent more than 3 decades as the CEO of the company. His success and business sense has created a company that is worth billions, and often regarded as a great business model by other companies around the world. He began making computers when he was a sophomore in college and has been in the technological field ever since. His love of technology has created him the title of richest man in North Carolina.
David Tepper, New Jersey – $10 billion
He’s not quite 60 years old, but he’s one smart man. He founded a hedge fund company by the name of Appaloosa Management, which specializes in fixing distressed companies. It’s been a successful venture for him, as he was ranked as the highest earner in the country for two years for earning $2.2 billion in 2012 and more than $5 billion in 2013. He’s also one of the most generous donators in the history of donations. He gave Carnegie Mellon University a staggering $67 million in 2013. Not surprisingly, the school then named the business school after him.
Rick Cohen, New Hampshire – $11.2 billion
Rick Cohen is not someone who receives a lot of media attention. In fact, since he took over C&S Wholesale Grocers in 1989, he hasn’t really been in the news. He works out of a small office, doesn’t really deal in perks and has taken the company with more than 4,000 supermarkets across the country to a whole new level. However, most people don’t even know his name. He has managed to turn the company into one that isn’t used to seeing sales of less than $21 billion on an annual basis. He’s also one of the 100 richest people in the world, but you wouldn’t know it by looking at him.
Jack Taylor, Missouri – $13.5 billion
When you are the person who founds a company by the name of Enterprise Car Rental, you get to be the richest man in your state. Taylor is a completely self-made billionaire, and he did it by founding one of the leading car rental agencies in the world. It was the 1940s when he began working for a car dealership and began leasing vehicles by taking a 50% pay cut and putting up $25k of his own money to his employers. That took off and he was able to found Enterprise. Now he’s one of the wealthiest men in the world.
Ray Dalio, Connecticut – $14.4 billion
He’s the founder of Bridgewater Associates, an investment firm. The wealthiest man in state of Connecticut began working in the investment world when he was only 12. He had $300 and he invested in a few shares of an airline that then merged with another, and he tripled his money in no time at all. That only solidified his love of investments, and he founded his company. He even predicted in 2007 that the economy would crash in 2008, and he was correct. He’s an only child and he lives with his wife in Greenwich.
Charles Ergen, Colorado – $15 billion
He is the cofounder and chairman of the board of Dish Network and he’s also the former president for EchoStar Communications Corporation. He’s also the former president of Dish Network. Much of his time has been spent working with the companies since founding Dish Network, and though he did retire from his job as president, he’s still on the board of each. He’s also the majority shareholder of both companies, with a total of 52 percent of both. This makes him the wealthiest man in Colorado.
Anne Cox Chambers, Georgia – $16.1 billion
She is the primary shareholder of Cox Enterprises, which is the company her father founded when he was younger. Her father was also a presidential candidate in 1920, and she and her sister inherited his company upon his death. After her sister passed away, she became the sole owner of the company. She’s no longer actively involved in the day-to-day, but she does sit on the board and she does have the controlling interest in the company. She currently resides in Atlanta.
Abigail Johnson, Massachusetts – $18.2 billion
Most people see her last name and her wealth and mistakenly assume she is the heir to the Johnson & Johnson fortune, but she’s not. She is a businesswoman that actually serves as the chairman of Fidelity Investments, the co-chairman of Fidelity and Management Research and the President of Fidelity Investments Personal and Workplace investing. Her grandfather founded Fidelity Investments and she worked her way into the position she currently holds because she’s always had an interest in the company.
Phil Knight, Oregon – $19 billion
You know his name because he is the founder of one of the most successful, most famous companies in the world. He began the Nike Corporation. All those shoes, socks, clothes and sports equipment with the check on them belong to him. He made billions of dollars and managed to make his way to the 43rd place on the list of richest men in the world as recently as 2012 from the company he founded. He also owns a production company that’s known, but not nearly as well-known as Nike.
Harold Hamm, Oklahoma – $19.7 billion
He was born the 13th child of cotton sharecroppers in Oklahoma. Now, at almost 70-years-old, he’s the wealthiest person in the state of Oklahoma. He’s also one of the richest people in the world – number 76. He’s also been named as the energy advisor for Mitt Romney during his quest for the presidency. He is a large shareholder in several major companies, some of which are the most successful in the country, which is where he made his billions of dollars and found his way onto this list.
Jacqueline Mars, Virginia – $20 billion
She may be the richest woman in Virginia, but she’s also the 15th richest person in the country. She holds the controlling interest in the Mars Corporation, known for its candy bars and other sweet treats. The company was founded by her father and grandfather, and she took over when they passed away. She’s managed to keep the company relevant and make it one of the most successful companies in the world. she lives in Virginia, where she spends much of her time attending charity functions and giving back to the world.
Alice Walton, Texas – $35.3 billion
Alice Walton is one of the most famous business owners in the world. She is the daughter of Sam Walton, the man famous for founding the biggest retail chain the world – Wal-Mart. She is the daughter of Sam Walton, who left a substantial amount of his money to his daughter. She’s had some trouble with the law, being arrested more than once on the suspicion of driving while under the influence of alcohol, but formal charges have never been filed against the Wal-Mart heir.
Jim Walton, Arkansas – $35.7 billion
Jim Walton is the youngest son of his father, who just so happens to be Sam Walton, the man who founded Wal-Mart. The store was founded in Arkansas, where Jim Walton lives. Most of his siblings have moved around the country, but he’s always stayed put. He earned his money by being born into it, though he did obtain a degree in business when he graduated from college. His primary role in the Wal-Mart company is in its real estate dealings, where he’s been highly successful.
Sheldon Adelson, Nevada – $35.7 billion
He’s famous – and wealthy- for being the CEO and chairman of the board for the Las Vegas Sands Corporation. This just happens to be the company with a controlling interest in the Venetian as well as several other major hotels and companies around the country. He owns an Israeli newspaper, and he is a major benefactor of the Republican party, which has given him considerable influence in the Republican political party. He’s also the 10th wealthiest person in the world with a net worth of $35.7 billion.
Christy Walton, Wyoming – $36.7 billion
She is the widow of John Walton, one of Sam Walton’s sons. Sam Walton founded Wal-Mart, and when his son died, he left his fortune to his wife. She doesn’t do much to participate in the Wal-Mart business, but she is known for her philanthropy. Not too long ago, in fact, she was named as the top leading woman philanthropist in the country after donating a considerable amount of time and money to foundations and charities that she feels are important for their cause and for her own family.
Charles Koch, Kansas – $41.4 billion
He is the co-owner and chairman of the board of Koch Industries along with his brother. The company was founded by his father and was primarily in the oil industry. However, he and his brother decided to turn the company around and make it something more substantial. They’ve since turned it into an even bigger company that makes even more money, and they’ve done a good job at becoming some of the richest people in the world.
David Koch, New York – $41.4 billion
He is the other co-owner of Koch Industries along with this brother. They have the same net worth because their father split their inheritance right down the middle and they are both as actively involved in the running of their business as the other. He is known for his generous and considerable donations, and he’s known as being one of the most admired men in the business world. His keen mind and eye for business make him successful, and it seems to be a trait that was passed down through his family as entrepreneurs and businessmen are successful in his family.
Larry Ellison, California – $49.4 billion
Larry Ellison founded Oracle Corporation, a huge software company. His success has made him one of the richest men in the world, and the richest man in California. In fact, he is considered the third wealthiest person in the country and the fifth wealthiest man in the world. He was one of many men and women who started software companies in the Silicon Valley area with great success, and that’s something he can say has been of great interest to him. He’s also one of the younger men on this list.
Warren Buffett, Nebraska – $63.1 billion
He is the founder, CEO and largest shareholder of Berkshire Hathaway. He’s one of the most famous people in the world, and he’s one of the most successful business owners in the world. What he might be most famous for is his generosity. He’s pledged to spend 99 percent of his wealth on charities, leaving it all but the one percent he will leave to his family to charities that are of great importance to him. He was diagnosed with cancer in 2012 and was able to undergo treatment to successful get rid of the cancer.
Bill Gates, Washington – $80 billion
He’s the richest man in Washington, the richest man in the United States and the richest man in the world. With a net worth of more than $80 billion, he’s so wealthy he will never be able to spend all his money. The founder of Microsoft Corporation, Bill Gates, is a very philanthropic person, however, and he’s managed to give much of his money to charity and has pledged to continue doing so for the rest of his life and in his will.
