America's East and West Coasts collectively account for approximately half of the nation's $27 trillion GDP, with the East Coast contributing about $9 trillion and the West Coast around $5 trillion. This economic disparity is notable given that the East Coast is home to 17 states and 160 million people, while the West Coast comprises just three states and 51 million residents.
Economic Overview
### East Coast
The East Coast, where roughly one-third of Americans reside, has a diverse economy with significant contributions from various states:
| **State** | **State Code** | **GDP (2023)** | **Population (2023)** |
|-------------------|----------------|----------------|-----------------------|
| New York | NY | $2.2T | 19.6M |
| Florida | FL | $1.6T | 22.6M |
| Georgia | GA | $832B | 11.0M |
| New Jersey | NJ | $806B | 9.3M |
| North Carolina | NC | $788B | 10.8M |
| Massachusetts | MA | $736B | 7.0M |
| Virginia | VA | $719B | 8.7M |
| Maryland | MD | $516B | 6.2M |
| Connecticut | CT | $346B | 3.6M |
| South Carolina | SC | $327B | 5.3M |
| New Hampshire | NH | $114B | 1.4M |
| Delaware | DE | $98B | 1.0M |
| Rhode Island | RI | $78B | 1.1M |
| Maine | ME | $93B | 1.4M |
| **Total** | | **$9.1T** | **109.2M** |
### West Coast
In contrast, the West Coast's economy, while smaller in total GDP, boasts a higher GDP per capita:
| **State** | **State Code** | **GDP (2023)** | **Population (2023)** |
|-------------------|----------------|------------------|-----------------------|
| California | CA | $3.9T | 39.0M |
| Washington | WA | $808B | 7.8M |
| Oregon | OR | $319B | 4.2M |
| **Total** | | **$5.0T** | **51.0M** |
The GDP per capita for the West Coast stands at approximately **$98,000**, compared to the East Coast's **$84,000**, indicating a more productive economy relative to its population size.
## Historical Context and Economic Drivers
The East Coast is historically significant as it was home to the original thirteen colonies and has long been a center of finance and commerce, housing major financial institutions like JPMorgan Chase and Goldman Sachs. Conversely, California has emerged as a powerhouse of innovation and technology, with its economy nearing $4 trillion largely due to its tech sector, which includes giants like Alphabet, Apple, Meta, and Nvidia.
California's historical economic drivers have evolved from agriculture during the Gold Rush era to becoming a global leader in technology today. The state also plays a crucial role in international trade through its major ports that facilitate exchanges with Asia.
While both coasts contribute significantly to the U.S. economy, they do so in different ways: the East Coast with its historical pedigree and financial might, and the West Coast with its technological prowess and higher GDP per capita. This dynamic illustrates not only regional economic strengths but also highlights the diverse fabric of America's overall economic landscape.