Lana Rhoades
The U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA) has released its latest estimates of county-level Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and personal income for 2024, revealing a complex economic landscape across the nation. In 2024, real GDP saw an increase in 2,273 counties, a decrease in 809 counties, and remained unchanged in 24 counties, underscoring a period of uneven economic performance at the local level. The percent change in real GDP fluctuated dramatically, ranging from an impressive 76.6 percent surge in Carter County, Montana, to a substantial 46.3 percent contraction in Baca County, Colorado. This data highlights the significant economic volatility experienced by different regions of the United States.
The scale of economic activity also varied immensely among counties. In 2024, New York County, New York, led the nation with a real GDP of $813.7 billion, a testament to its status as a global economic hub. Conversely, Issaquena County, Mississippi, registered the lowest economic output, with a real GDP of just $15.7 million. These figures illustrate the vast disparities in economic size and capacity across American counties, a trend that has persisted for decades and is influenced by factors such as population density, industry composition, and access to resources.
Economic Performance by County Size
The BEA’s analysis further categorizes economic trends by county population size, offering a more granular understanding of how different types of communities are faring.
Large Counties (Population > 500,000)
In 2024, 145 large counties experienced economic growth, while none saw a decline, and one remained unchanged. The largest recorded growth was 10.7 percent in Pinal County, Arizona, indicating robust expansion in some of the nation’s most populous areas. Johnson County, Kansas, reported a stable economic standing with no appreciable change. The economic output in these large counties is substantial, with New York County, New York, again leading at $813.7 billion. Pinal County, Arizona, while showing strong growth, had a GDP of $12.7 billion.
Medium Counties (Population 100,000 to 500,000)
A total of 451 medium-sized counties recorded GDP growth in 2024, with 20 experiencing declines and 3 remaining unchanged. Jefferson County, Texas, achieved a notable 12.4 percent increase, showcasing dynamic economic activity. On the other hand, Black Hawk County, Iowa, faced a contraction of 2.6 percent. The economic scale in this category is also significant, with Mercer County, New Jersey, boasting a GDP of $46.6 billion, and Liberty County, Texas, at $2.6 billion.
Small Counties (Population < 100,000)
Small counties presented the most varied economic picture. A total of 1,677 small counties experienced GDP growth, while a significant 789 counties saw a decline, and 20 remained unchanged. Carter County, Montana, with its remarkable 76.6 percent increase, and Baca County, Colorado, with a sharp 46.3 percent decrease, represent the extreme ends of this spectrum. The economic output in small counties can range widely, from $15.1 billion in Martin County, Texas, to as low as $15.7 million in Issaquena County, Mississippi.
Personal Income Trends Mirror Economic Activity
Parallel to GDP trends, personal income figures for 2024 also illustrate a mixed economic environment at the county level. Personal income, in current dollars, increased in 2,768 counties, decreased in 331, and was unchanged in 7 counties. The percent change in personal income ranged from a healthy 22.6 percent increase in Harding County, South Dakota, to a significant 23.3 percent decline in Issaquena County, Mississippi.
Similar to GDP, personal income levels exhibit considerable disparities across the United States. In 2024, Los Angeles County, California, recorded the highest total personal income at $818.5 billion, reflecting its immense population and diverse economy. In contrast, Loving County, Texas, had the lowest personal income at $10.6 million, highlighting the economic challenges faced by some of the nation’s smallest and most remote communities.
Personal Income by County Size
The BEA’s breakdown of personal income by county population size provides further insights:
Large Counties (Population > 500,000)
Out of 146 large counties analyzed, all showed an increase in personal income in 2024. San Joaquin County, California, experienced a growth of 9.7 percent, while Philadelphia County, Pennsylvania, saw a more modest increase of 2.7 percent. Los Angeles County, California, stands out with a total personal income of $818.5 billion, and Pinal County, Arizona, registered $26.1 billion.
Medium Counties (Population 100,000 to 500,000)
In the medium county category, 474 counties reported increases in personal income. Merced County, California, recorded a significant 10.9 percent rise, and Genesee County, Michigan, saw a 1.6 percent increase. The economic scale here is represented by Collier County, Florida, with $62.5 billion in personal income, and Floyd County, Georgia, at $4.9 billion.
Small Counties (Population < 100,000)
Small counties presented a diverse range of personal income trends. Out of the 2,148 small counties analyzed, 2,148 experienced growth, 331 saw a decline, and 7 remained unchanged. Harding County, South Dakota, led with a 22.6 percent increase in personal income, while Issaquena County, Mississippi, faced a substantial 23.3 percent decrease. Teton County, Wyoming, reported $12.4 billion in personal income, and Loving County, Texas, had the lowest at $10.6 million.
Updates and Methodological Changes
The BEA’s release of the 2024 county statistics incorporates significant updates and methodological shifts, aiming to provide a more comprehensive and integrated view of regional economies.
Annual Revisions and Data Integration
The estimates for 2024 are based on BEA’s annual updates to GDP and personal income by county. Crucially, the data from 2020 to 2023 has also been revised. This comprehensive revision process integrates new and updated source data, ensuring greater accuracy and completeness. The county data is now aligned with the latest annual updates to the National Income and Product Accounts (NIPA), released on September 25, 2025, and the annual state-level statistics for personal income and GDP, released on September 26, 2025. This synchronization across different levels of economic reporting enhances the consistency and reliability of the data.
Geographic Definition Changes in Connecticut
A notable change in geographic definitions will affect Connecticut’s data. Starting with the 2024 estimates, Connecticut’s planning region geographic definitions will be used instead of traditional county definitions. As these planning region estimates are only available for 2024, they have not been included in the percent change ranges presented in the current release. This shift reflects an effort to adapt data reporting to evolving administrative and planning structures.
Per Capita Personal Income Estimates
BEA has also released new estimates for per capita personal income for 2024. These estimates are calculated using population figures from the U.S. Census Bureau, providing a measure of average income per person within each county for the period 2020 through 2024.
Consolidation of County Data Releases
For the first time, the BEA has published annual GDP and personal income by county in a single, combined news release. This consolidation aims to offer a more holistic perspective on the economic health of all U.S. counties and replaces the previous practice of issuing two separate releases on different dates. This integrated approach is intended to streamline information dissemination and provide users with a more complete economic picture.
Discontinuation of Metropolitan Area Statistics
In conjunction with the release of 2024 county-level data, the BEA has discontinued the publication of statistics for metropolitan statistical areas, micropolitan statistical areas, metropolitan divisions, combined statistical areas, and metropolitan and nonmetropolitan portions. While GDP and personal income will continue to be reported by county, the discontinuation of these broader metropolitan area statistics marks a shift in the BEA’s reporting priorities, focusing more intently on the granular economic activity within counties. Further details on this change can be found in the BEA’s FAQ section.
Enhanced Data Access and Presentation
The BEA has also introduced changes to how its data tables are presented, aiming for greater efficiency and user accessibility.
Shift to Interactive Data Application
Data previously presented as tables within county news releases will now be available simultaneously through BEA’s online Interactive Data Application. This move is designed to reduce redundancy and direct users to the most comprehensive and flexible data tables available. Users can access these customizable tables, which include full time series, and download them in various formats, including PDF, Excel, and CSV. Links within the news release will guide users directly to these online resources.
Related Interactive Data Tables
For users seeking detailed data, the BEA provides access to specific interactive tables for the 2024 GDP and personal income by county statistics, as well as historical time series. These include:
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GDP by County:
- Table CAGDP1. County GDP Summary (Percent Change From Preceding Period)
- Table CAGDP1. County GDP Summary (Thousands of Chained 2017 Dollars)
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Personal Income by County:
- Table CAINC1. County Personal Income Summary (Percent Change From Preceding Period)
- Table CAINC1. County Personal Income Summary (Thousands of Dollars)
These links provide direct access to the BEA’s Interactive Data Application, allowing for in-depth analysis and customization of data sets.
Future Data Releases and Archiving
The BEA notes that the 2024 data will be superseded by the 2025 estimates, scheduled for release on December 2, 2026. After that, the 2024 data will be archived and accessible through BEA’s Data Archive. This process ensures that historical data remains available for research and comparative analysis.
Broader Economic Implications and Context
The release of these county-level economic indicators provides a critical snapshot of the nation’s economic health at its most fundamental geographic level. The disparities observed in both GDP growth and personal income highlight the diverse economic challenges and opportunities facing different communities. Factors such as industry diversification, reliance on specific sectors (e.g., agriculture, manufacturing, energy), demographic shifts, and local policy decisions all play a significant role in shaping these outcomes.
The substantial growth in counties like Carter County, Montana, could be indicative of a boom in natural resource extraction or a burgeoning tourism sector, while significant declines in counties such as Baca County, Colorado, might signal the impact of industry contraction, natural disasters, or out-migration. The BEA’s comprehensive data allows for deeper dives into the specific drivers of these trends, enabling policymakers, businesses, and researchers to better understand and address regional economic disparities.
The discontinuation of metropolitan area statistics is a significant shift, potentially impacting how regional economic development is analyzed and planned. While county-level data offers a more granular view, the absence of aggregated metropolitan data may require new approaches to understanding the interconnectedness of urban and surrounding rural economies.
The BEA’s commitment to providing timely and detailed economic data is crucial for informed decision-making. The ongoing updates and methodological improvements, such as the integration of new source data and the consolidation of release formats, reflect the agency’s dedication to maintaining the accuracy and relevance of its economic indicators in a dynamic global economy. As these statistics are used to inform policy, guide investment, and understand the lived experiences of Americans, their accuracy and accessibility remain paramount.
