Economy, jobs and prices in District of Columbia, United States: official figures
The economy of the District of Columbia (gross domestic product) was worth $193.0 billion in 2025 at current prices, 0.6% of the US total of $30.86 trillion; 16th smallest of 51. In current dollars it was up 3.5% on 2024.
How fast is the economy of the District of Columbia growing?
After adjusting for inflation, real GDP in the District of Columbia shrank 1.0% in 2025, against 2.3% for the United States; the slowest-growing of 51.
Source: U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis · saved copyWhat is the GDP per capita of the District of Columbia?
Dividing 2025 GDP by the Census Bureau's population estimate gives $278,205 of output per resident, against $90,294 for the US economy divided by the population of the 50 states and DC; the highest of 51.
Source: U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis · saved copyIs the economy of the District of Columbia growing or shrinking?
In the second quarter of 2026, real GDP in the District of Columbia grew at an annual rate of 0.8% (United States: 2.2%); tied for 14th slowest-growing of 51.
Source: U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis · saved copyWhat are the main industries in the District of Columbia?
In 2025 the largest private industry in the District of Columbia's economy was professional, scientific and technical services (20.6% of GDP), followed by real estate, rental and leasing (8.9%) and information (7.3%). Government accounted for 30.1% and manufacturing for 0.2%; the manufacturing share was the lowest of 51 (United States: 9.5%).
Source: U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis · saved copyHow much do people in the District of Columbia spend?
Consumer spending (personal consumption expenditures) in the District of Columbia came to $98,784 per person in 2025 (United States: $61,062); the highest of 51.
Source: U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis · saved copyIs the District of Columbia expensive to live in?
Prices in the District of Columbia were 9.9% above the national average in 2024, by BEA's regional price parity of 109.9 (US = 100), which covers goods, services and housing; 3rd most expensive of 51.
Source: U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis · saved copyWhat is the inflation rate in the District of Columbia?
Prices in the District of Columbia rose 1.9% in 2024, measured by BEA's implicit regional price deflator, against 2.6% nationally (PCE price index).
Source: U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis · saved copyWhat is the per capita income in the District of Columbia?
Personal income per person in the District of Columbia was $119,772 in 2025, against $77,028 for the United States; the highest of 51. It was up 3.8% on 2024 and up 32.4% on 2020, before inflation.
Source: U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis · saved copyWhat is the disposable income per person in the District of Columbia?
After taxes, disposable personal income per person was $99,475 in 2025 (United States: $67,251); the highest of 51.
Source: U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis · saved copyHow far does income go in the District of Columbia?
Adjusted for local price levels, real personal income per person in the District of Columbia was $81,872 in 2024 in 2017 dollars (United States: $59,195); the highest of 51.
Source: U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis · saved copyWhat is the median household income in the District of Columbia?
Median household income in the District of Columbia was $109,707 in 2024 (margin of error ±$4,149), against $81,604 for the United States; the highest of 51 by the point estimate. It was not statistically different from 2023 after adjusting for inflation (American Community Survey).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau · saved copyHow unequal are incomes in the District of Columbia?
The Gini index of household income inequality in the District of Columbia was 0.524 in 2024 (0 means equal incomes, 1 means one household has everything; United States: 0.481); the most unequal of 51.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau · saved copyWhat is the unemployment rate in the District of Columbia?
The unemployment rate in the District of Columbia was 5.6% in September 2026 (seasonally adjusted, preliminary), down from 6.6% a year earlier; the highest of 51. The rate for the 50 states and DC combined was 4.2%.
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · saved copyHow many people are unemployed in the District of Columbia?
In September 2026, 22,492 people in the District of Columbia were unemployed and 380,402 employed, out of a labor force of 402,894.
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · saved copyWhat was the unemployment rate in the District of Columbia in 2025?
Over 2025 the unemployment rate in the District of Columbia averaged 6.3% (an 11-month average: October 2025 was not collected during the federal shutdown), against 5.3% in 2024; the highest of 51. The lowest annual rate since 1976 was 4.7% in 2022.
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · saved copyWhat is the average salary in the District of Columbia?
Workers covered by unemployment insurance in the District of Columbia were paid $128,901 on average in 2025 ($2,479 a week), up 4.8% on 2024; the US average was $78,720. That is the highest of 51.
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · saved copyHow many jobs are there in the District of Columbia?
Employers in the District of Columbia had an average of 741,646 jobs on their payrolls in 2025 across 51,277 establishments, down 2.4% on 2024 (United States: up 0.5%).
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · saved copyWhat is the median wage in the District of Columbia?
The median annual wage across all occupations in the District of Columbia was $91,540 in May 2025 (mean $111,010); the highest of 51. One in ten workers earned less than $39,650 and one in ten more than $195,190.
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · saved copyWhat is the most common job in the District of Columbia?
The most common occupation in the District of Columbia in May 2025 was business operations specialists, all other, with 37,790 workers and a median annual wage of $108,160.
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · saved copyWhat is the median household income in the District of Columbia?
Median household income in the District of Columbia was $109,289 in 2024, the highest among the 50 states and DC (U.S.: $81,604). In 2019 it was $90,395, so it has risen 20.9% before allowing for inflation.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau · saved copyWhat is the average rent in the District of Columbia?
The median gross rent in the District of Columbia, including utilities, was $1,931 a month in 2024, up 1.4% on 2023 ($1,904); 3rd highest among the 50 states and DC (U.S.: $1,487).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau · saved copyWhat is the median home value in the District of Columbia?
Homeowners in the District of Columbia valued their homes at a median of $733,400 in 2024, up 2.5% on 2023 ($715,500); 3rd highest among the 50 states and DC (U.S.: $360,600).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau · saved copyHow affordable are homes in the District of Columbia?
The median home value in the District of Columbia was 6.7 times the median household income in 2024 ($733,400 against $109,289); 3rd highest ratio among the 50 states and DC (U.S.: 4.4).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau · saved copyIs rent affordable in the District of Columbia?
A household on the median income in the District of Columbia would spend 21.2% of its income on the median rent of $1,931 a month in 2024 (U.S.: 21.9%).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau · saved copyHow District of Columbia compares with other federal districts
Gross domestic product, 2025 (current dollars) (2025)
District of Columbia ranks 36 of 51, highest first.
| Rank | Region | Gross domestic product, 2025 (current dollars) |
|---|---|---|
| 33 | Kansas | $232.1 billion |
| 34 | Nebraska | $206.6 billion |
| 35 | Arkansas | $196.0 billion |
| 36 | District of Columbia | $193.0 billion |
| 37 | Mississippi | $162.8 billion |
| 38 | New Mexico | $152.1 billion |
| 39 | Idaho | $137.4 billion |
GDP per resident, 2025 (BEA GDP / Census population) (2025)
District of Columbia ranks 1 of 51, highest first.
| Rank | Region | GDP per resident, 2025 (BEA GDP / Census population) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | District of Columbia | $278,205 |
| 2 | New York | $123,273 |
| 3 | Delaware | $115,043 |
| 4 | Massachusetts | $113,724 |
| 5 | Washington | $111,518 |
| 6 | California | $109,196 |
| 7 | Connecticut | $103,727 |
Real GDP growth, 2025 (2025)
District of Columbia ranks 51 of 51, highest first.
| Rank | Region | Real GDP growth, 2025 |
|---|---|---|
| 45 | Wisconsin | 0.8% |
| 46 | Maryland | 0.8% |
| 47 | Minnesota | 0.7% |
| 48 | North Dakota | 0.5% |
| 49 | Wyoming | 0.1% |
| 50 | Iowa | -0.4% |
| 51 | District of Columbia | -1.0% |
Real GDP growth, 2026:Q2 (annual rate) (2026:Q2)
District of Columbia ranks 38 of 51, highest first.
| Rank | Region | Real GDP growth, 2026:Q2 (annual rate) |
|---|---|---|
| 35 | Colorado | 1.0% |
| 36 | Rhode Island | 0.9% |
| 37 | Oregon | 0.8% |
| 38 | District of Columbia | 0.8% |
| 39 | Kentucky | 0.7% |
| 40 | Hawaii | 0.7% |
| 41 | Washington | 0.6% |
Personal income per person, 2025 (2025)
District of Columbia ranks 1 of 51, highest first.
| Rank | Region | Personal income per person, 2025 |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | District of Columbia | $119,772 |
| 2 | Connecticut | $102,307 |
| 3 | Massachusetts | $98,700 |
| 4 | New York | $91,504 |
| 5 | Wyoming | $91,109 |
| 6 | California | $90,957 |
| 7 | New Jersey | $89,720 |
Real personal income per person, 2024 (adjusted for local prices, 2017 dollars) (2024)
District of Columbia ranks 1 of 51, highest first.
| Rank | Region | Real personal income per person, 2024 (adjusted for local prices, 2017 dollars) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | District of Columbia | $81,872 |
| 2 | Wyoming | $75,501 |
| 3 | Connecticut | $74,254 |
| 4 | Massachusetts | $71,629 |
| 5 | South Dakota | $69,153 |
| 6 | Nebraska | $65,297 |
| 7 | North Dakota | $65,271 |
Median household income, 2024 (ACS) (2024)
District of Columbia ranks 1 of 51, highest first.
| Rank | Region | Median household income, 2024 (ACS) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | District of Columbia | $109,707 |
| 2 | Massachusetts | $104,828 |
| 3 | New Jersey | $104,294 |
| 4 | Maryland | $102,905 |
| 5 | Hawaii | $100,745 |
| 6 | California | $100,149 |
| 7 | New Hampshire | $99,782 |
Regional price parity, 2024 (US = 100) (2024)
District of Columbia ranks 3 of 51, highest first.
| Rank | Region | Regional price parity, 2024 (US = 100) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | California | 110.7 |
| 2 | Hawaii | 110.0 |
| 3 | District of Columbia | 109.9 |
| 4 | New Jersey | 108.8 |
| 5 | New York | 107.9 |
| 6 | Washington | 107.0 |
| 7 | Massachusetts | 105.8 |
Unemployment rate, September 2026 (seasonally adjusted) (September 2026)
District of Columbia ranks 1 of 51, highest first.
| Rank | Region | Unemployment rate, September 2026 (seasonally adjusted) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | District of Columbia | 5.6% |
| 2 | California | 5.1% |
| 3 | Connecticut | 5.1% |
| 4 | Michigan | 5.0% |
| 5 | Oregon | 5.0% |
| 6 | Arizona | 4.9% |
| 7 | Washington | 4.8% |
Unemployment rate, 2025 annual average (2025)
District of Columbia ranks 1 of 51, highest first.
| Rank | Region | Unemployment rate, 2025 annual average |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | District of Columbia | 6.3% |
| 2 | California | 5.5% |
| 3 | Nevada | 5.3% |
| 4 | Michigan | 5.2% |
| 5 | New Jersey | 5.2% |
| 6 | Oregon | 5.2% |
| 7 | Delaware | 4.8% |
Labor force participation rate, September 2026 (September 2026)
District of Columbia ranks 1 of 51, highest first.
| Rank | Region | Labor force participation rate, September 2026 |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | District of Columbia | 70.3% |
| 2 | Nebraska | 69.2% |
| 3 | North Dakota | 68.9% |
| 4 | Iowa | 66.9% |
| 5 | Minnesota | 66.7% |
| 6 | Utah | 66.5% |
| 7 | Kansas | 66.4% |
Average annual pay, 2025 (QCEW) (2025)
District of Columbia ranks 1 of 51, highest first.
| Rank | Region | Average annual pay, 2025 (QCEW) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | District of Columbia | $128,901 |
| 2 | Massachusetts | $100,085 |
| 3 | New York | $99,941 |
| 4 | Washington | $99,675 |
| 5 | California | $96,963 |
| 6 | Connecticut | $90,982 |
| 7 | New Jersey | $86,247 |
Median annual wage, all occupations, May 2025 (OEWS) (May 2025)
District of Columbia ranks 1 of 51, highest first.
| Rank | Region | Median annual wage, all occupations, May 2025 (OEWS) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | District of Columbia | $91,540 |
| 2 | Massachusetts | $63,590 |
| 3 | Washington | $62,990 |
| 4 | Alaska | $61,000 |
| 5 | Colorado | $59,800 |
| 6 | Connecticut | $59,690 |
| 7 | New York | $59,670 |
Median household income (2024)
District of Columbia ranks 1 of 51, highest first. Census Bureau SAIPE model estimates
| Rank | Region | Median household income |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | District of Columbia | $109,289 |
| 2 | Massachusetts | $104,569 |
| 3 | New Jersey | $104,202 |
| 4 | Maryland | $102,835 |
| 5 | Hawaii | $101,581 |
| 6 | New Hampshire | $100,364 |
| 7 | California | $100,130 |
Median gross rent (monthly) (2024)
District of Columbia ranks 3 of 51, highest first. Renter-occupied units paying cash rent
| Rank | Region | Median gross rent (monthly) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | California | $2,104 |
| 2 | Hawaii | $1,942 |
| 3 | District of Columbia | $1,931 |
| 4 | Massachusetts | $1,848 |
| 5 | Washington | $1,824 |
| 6 | Colorado | $1,822 |
| 7 | Florida | $1,812 |
Median value of owner-occupied homes (2024)
District of Columbia ranks 3 of 51, highest first. Owner-reported value
| Rank | Region | Median value of owner-occupied homes |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Hawaii | $875,900 |
| 2 | California | $759,500 |
| 3 | District of Columbia | $733,400 |
| 4 | Massachusetts | $607,400 |
| 5 | Washington | $602,200 |
| 6 | Colorado | $574,600 |
| 7 | Utah | $545,200 |
More on District of Columbia: overview · health · education and schools · poverty and living standards · the United States
Sources
- U.S. Census Bureau: Household Income in States and Metropolitan Areas: 2024 (ACSBR-025), Appendix Table 1: median household income and Gini index by state, 2023 and 2024 American Community Survey, read 23 October 2026 · saved copy (SHA-256 5de1b0d5ec46…)
- U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis: SASUMMARY: State annual summary statistics: personal income, GDP, consumer spending, price indexes, and employment (updated 30 September 2026), read 23 October 2026 · saved copy (SHA-256 a3757d207c05…)
- U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis: SAGDP: Annual GDP by state, 1997-2025 (table SAGDP2, GDP in current dollars by industry), read 23 October 2026 · saved copy (SHA-256 3d3c5bc7bd24…)
- U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis: SQGDP: Quarterly GDP by state, 2005-2026 Q2 (table SQGDP11, percent change in real GDP at annual rate), read 23 October 2026 · saved copy (SHA-256 1649260cdceb…)
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics: Local Area Unemployment Statistics: employment status of the civilian noninstitutional population, states, monthly, seasonally adjusted, read 23 October 2026 · saved copy (SHA-256 7bb6f18d4145…)
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics: Local Area Unemployment Statistics: employment status of the civilian noninstitutional population, states, annual averages 1976-2025, read 23 October 2026 · saved copy (SHA-256 262aba7d00df…)
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics: Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025 state estimates (state_M2025_dl.xlsx), read 23 October 2026 · saved copy (SHA-256 74d5be0e1df8…)
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics: Quarterly Census of Employment and Wages, 2025 annual averages, all industries (open data CSV slice), read 23 October 2026 · saved copy (SHA-256 5a5f89142aae…)
- U.S. Census Bureau: American Community Survey 2024 1-year estimates, table-based summary file: Median gross rent (B25064), read 23 October 2026 · saved copy (SHA-256 8624f9775add…)
- U.S. Census Bureau: American Community Survey 2024 1-year estimates, table-based summary file: Median value of owner-occupied homes (B25077), read 23 October 2026 · saved copy (SHA-256 27120d5d8a5f…)
- U.S. Census Bureau: Small Area Income and Poverty Estimates (SAIPE): 2024 poverty and median household income, states and counties, read 23 October 2026 · saved copy (SHA-256 cb52c47d75c1…)
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