The new Forbes 400 list for 2025 shows America’s billionaires are worth a record $6.6 trillion. But these ultra-rich Americans aren’t spread out evenly across our great nation. Instead, they’re packing up and moving to states that know how to treat success right.
California still leads with 85 billionaires worth $1.7 trillion combined. That’s a lot of wealth stuck in a state that punishes achievement with sky-high taxes. Oracle founder Larry Ellison tops California’s list at $276 billion, but you have to wonder how much more he’d have if he lived somewhere that respected hard work.
New York comes in second with 57 billionaires worth nearly $691 billion. Most of these financial wizards made their fortunes on Wall Street, including Michael Bloomberg at $19 billion. But they’re watching their money get eaten up by liberal tax policies that would make any patriot sick.
Florida ranks third with 49 billionaires worth over $716 billion. Amazon’s Jeff Bezos moved there from Seattle in 2023, and who can blame him? No state income tax means more money stays where it belongs – in the pockets of job creators.
Texas proves that conservative values create wealth, landing fourth with 43 billionaires worth $1 trillion. Elon Musk fled California’s socialist nightmare for the Lone Star State, bringing his $428 billion fortune with him. He even built his own town called Starbase, showing what happens when government gets out of the way.
Illinois rounds out the top five with just 16 billionaires worth $132.8 billion. Even their own governor, JB Pritzker, is worth $3.9 billion from the Hyatt Hotel fortune. Maybe he should focus less on big government and more on keeping wealthy job creators in his state.
The pattern is crystal clear – billionaires are fleeing high-tax liberal states for places that celebrate success. Texas and Florida keep attracting these wealth creators because they understand basic economics. Low taxes and fewer regulations mean more jobs for regular Americans.
This wealth migration should be a wake-up call for every red-blooded American. When the people who create jobs and drive innovation start moving, you better believe they’re running toward freedom and away from government overreach. Smart states are rolling out the red carpet, while others just roll out more taxes.
