#10: Georgia
Minimum wage: $7.25
Wealthy Georgians are often concentrated around Atlanta’s suburbs, tied to corporate leadership, logistics, film, tech, and finance. Many live in large homes with access to private schools, dining, and travel. Proximity to a major airport and a growing economy supports high-income, globally connected lifestyles.

On the lower-income side, many Georgians work in retail, food service, warehousing, and care work. Rural areas face fewer opportunities and lower pay. Housing and transportation costs continue to rise, making it difficult for minimum-wage workers to save, even when employed full-time.
