NJ Ranks Among Least Federally Dependent States In U.S.: Report

NEW JERSEY — New Jersey is 2022's second least federally dependent state, ranking only behind Delaware, according to a new report.

Updated for pandemic stimulus packages, a recent study from WalletHub shows how independent - or not - states are economically. WalletHub found that New Jersey residents rank 49 out of 50 for dependency, and the state government ranks 44 in dependency.

The study found that overall, blue states rely less on the federal government than red states. According to the study, New Jersey has low GDP and high taxes, a trend seen in the study leading to lower dependency.

New Jersey is also the third lowest in amount of grants received (per amount paid in federal taxes) and amount of other financial assistance received (per amount paid in federal taxes).

Federal assistance programs have been under scrutiny by many Americans for years, according to the report.

The top five least federally dependent states, according to WalletHub, are Delaware, New Jersey, Kansas, Utah and Washington. The most dependent states are Alaska, Mississippi, Kentucky, West Virginia and Montana.

Click here to see the full results of the study.