#49: Wisconsin
Minimum wage: $7.25
Wealth in Wisconsin is often connected to manufacturing leadership, healthcare, finance, agriculture, and corporate headquarters. Affluent residents tend to live in suburban areas around Madison or Milwaukee, enjoying stable careers, strong schools, and access to lakes, dining, and cultural activities.

For lower-income Wisconsinites, common jobs include retail, food service, hospitality, and factory support roles. Cold winters raise heating and transportation costs. While housing is more affordable than in many states, minimum-wage earnings still make saving and long-term planning challenging.
