Same reason why most of western Europe has higher per capita incomes in general!!! States that are well regulated, have good infrastructure, promote education and a good business climate draws high quality people.
The south is a shit hole because government is always evil and they have low standards.
Why is California broke then?
California broke?
California Budget Surplus Nears $1 Billion
California tax revenues continue to pour in. A strong October pulled the state nearly $1 billion above budget projections for the fiscal year that began in July.
The non-partisan Legislative Analyst’s Office says October income and sales tax proceeds each came in more than $200 million higher than projections in the state budget Gov. Jerry Brown signed this summer. And even though corporate tax revenues fell a bit short, last month’s gains give California a budget surplus so far this fiscal year of just under $900 million.