We compare the distributions of U.S. state per worker output and state per capita personal income, and document their changes over time. Our analysis reveals important differences between the two distributions. Most notably, we find geographical differences are less important in understanding the current disparity of per worker output. We also find that states are more likely to change positions in the per worker output distribution. Lastly, we find that despite the decrease in disparity in personal income since 1929, the amount of switches in relative positions of states in the distribution has not changed significantly over time.
