Kansas Climbs to No. 23 in 2026 WalletHub Economy Ranking

2 articles · Updated · The Topeka Capital-Journal · Jun 29

Kansas moved up to 23rd in WalletHub’s 2026 state economy ranking, rebounding from 34th in 2025 after placing 21st in 2024.
WalletHub based the ranking on 28 indicators across economic activity, economic health and innovation potential; Kansas ranked 13th in economic health, 20th in activity and 30th in innovation.
The state outperformed three of its four neighbors, finishing behind only Colorado at ninth, while Nebraska ranked 34th, Missouri 42nd and Oklahoma 43rd.
Massachusetts led the national list, followed by Washington, Utah, California and Delaware, placing Kansas in the upper half of the 50 states and District of Columbia.