Pandemic relief aid increased the portion of state government revenue coming from federal dollars to nearly 36% in fiscal year 2020, the highest level on record. The federal share of revenue hit new highs in most states. Federal funds were the largest source of dollars in 18 states, up from just four states a year earlier. Taxes remained the largest revenue source in the other 32 states and overall, at 45.8% of state revenue.
This infographic displays a breakdown of each state’s revenue by major categories.
Percentage of State Revenue by Source, FY 2020
Select revenue sources below to highlight them and resort the chart:
Taxes
Federal funds
Service charges
Miscellaneous
Local funds
0%25%50%75%100%0%25%50%75%100%
Note: This analysis uses “general revenue,” which accounts for all state revenue sources except state-owned liquor stores, utilities, and insurance trust funds. Vermont received more federal funds than it collected in tax revenue, although the shares appear equal due to rounding.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau’s 2020 Annual Survey of State Government Finances
Fiscal 50: State Trends and Analysis, an interactive resource from The Pew Charitable Trusts, allows you to sort and analyze data on key fiscal, economic, and demographic trends in the 50 states and understand their impact on states’ fiscal health.
Taxes make up about half of state government revenue, with two-thirds of states’ total tax dollars coming from levies on personal income (39.8%) and general sales of goods and services (29.2%).
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