[conservative in nyc]

That's what I thought. But then why isn't Alaska higher up on the list?

[george76]

Alaska, which gets much of it revenue from oil production, saw its state tax receipts drop 1 percent, to $2,035 per person.

Oil revenue helped Alaska spend $12,294 per person in 2004, far more than any other state.

[LexBaird]

That's what I thought. But then why isn't Alaska higher up on the list?

Probably because Wyoming has a smaller population than Alaska. (around 500k vs 700k). That means more tax $ per head.