Ontario falls behind several US States in GDP per person

By Gazette Staff

April 8th, 2026

BURLINGTON, ON

A new Fraser Institute study shows that Ontario’s standard of living – measured by GDP per person – is lower than all eight neighbouring U.S. Great Lakes states, and the gap is widening.

Key findings (2024 data, CAD):

• Ontario’s GDP per person was $74,143 – second-lowest in the region, ahead of only Quebec.
• The regional average (including Michigan, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Illinois, Indiana, Minnesota, and Wisconsin) was $94,523 – 27.5% higher than Ontario.
• New York led the region at $134,470.
• From 2001 to 2024, the regional average grew by 22.5%, while Ontario’s grew by only 12.7%.

This means Ontario’s standard of living is falling further behind its American neighbours.

It’s important for Ontarians and policymakers to recognize that the province’s relatively poor economic performance has real consequences for the economic well-being of families and workers.

Read the full study here to see the detailed comparisons – and share it with friends, colleagues, or your MPP!