See more visuals like this on the Voronoi app. Use This Visualization Charted: The Rise of Silicon in EV Batteries See visuals like this from many other data creators on our Voronoi app. Download it for free on iOS or Android and discover incredible data-driven charts from a variety of trusted sources. Key Takeaways Silicon-based anodes are expected to grow from about 5% share in 2022 to roughly 20% of lithium-ion battery capacity by 2035. Because silicon stores far more lithium than graphite, it could enable longer EV range, smaller batteries, and lower costs per kilometer. Electric vehicles rely heavily on lithium-ion batteries, and the materials used inside them are evolving rapidly. For years, graphite has dominated battery anodes—the negative electrode that stores lithium during charging. However, silicon is emerging as a powerful alternative. This infographic charts the projected rise of silicon-containing anodes in EV batteries through 2035. The data for this visualization comes from Benchmark Mineral Intelligence. It tracks the weighted supply of anode materials in gigawatt-hours (GWh) of battery capacity, representing the amount of EV battery use supported by each material type. Graphite Still Dominates Today Graphite remains the backbone of lithium-ion battery anodes. In 2022, synthetic graphite alone accounted for roughly 76% of global anode capacity, while natural graphite made up another 18.6%. This dominance stems from graphite’s stability, relatively low cost, and established supply chains. Manufacturers have spent decades optimizing graphite-based batteries, making them reliable for mass EV production. However, graphite has a major limitation: it stores relatively little lithium compared to emerging alternatives. Why Silicon Is So Promising Silicon can theoretically store about 10 times more lithium than graphite. This property allows batteries with silicon-enhanced anodes to pack more energy into the same physical space. In practical terms, this could significantly extend EV range without increasing battery size. For example, an EV that previously covered 480 km on a single charge could reach 640 km—or even 800 km—using a battery pack of the same size and weight. Year/Weightedsupply in GWhNat. GraphiteSynth. GraphiteGraphite-siliconSilicon-engineeredOther 2022268.171098.9071.970.076.20 2023312.031369.1882.280.269.83 2024292.831558.32118.600.7815.96 2025325.582198.77165.200.8718.56 2026P365.582498.28257.080.9122.03 2027P459.662814.68393.160.9827.77 2028P488.393379.84574.611.0034.81 2029P571.144066.84942.0846.1840.70 2030P587.154325.931372.6144.8845.11 2031P636.844541.821366.9663.6257.93 2032P700.184745.791383.9796.5260.58 2033P822.914895.031243.78213.8661.68 2034P900.654911.501273.32214.9483.73 2035P939.884920.501304.03214.0986.69 Because silicon expands significantly during charging cycles, engineers are developing hybrid approaches. These include graphite–silicon composites and engineered silicon materials that balance higher capacity with structural stability. Silicon’s Share Could Reach 20% by 2035 Forecasts suggest silicon will steadily gain traction over the next decade. Graphite–silicon composite anodes are projected to rise from 5% of battery capacity in 2022 to 17.5% by 2035. Material20222035PShare Shift (pp) Natural Graphite18.6%12.6%-6 Synthetic Graphite76.0%65.9%-10.1 Graphite-silicon composite5.0%17.5%12.5 Silicon-engineered0.0%2.9%2.9 Other0.4%1.2%0.8 Total100.0%100.0%— Meanwhile, fully engineered silicon anodes could expand from almost zero share to about 3% over the same period. Learn More on the Voronoi App To learn more about this topic, check out this graphic on the projected battery mineral deficit by 2034.

Are Houses Losing Ground Across Europe? This was originally posted on our Voronoi app. Download the app for free on iOS or Android and discover incredible data-driven charts from a variety of trusted sources. Most European countries have seen a decline in house living since 2010. In several major markets, fewer than half of residents now live in houses. Ireland remains an outlier, with over 90% living in houses. At current trends, apartments could become Europe’s dominant housing type by the 2030s. Houses are losing ground across much of Europe as rising costs and urbanization push more people toward apartment living. This chart, created by DataPulse and Home24 using Eurostat data, shows the share of people living in houses across 30 countries in 2024, along with how those shares have changed since 2010. While houses still dominate in countries like Ireland and the Netherlands, the overall trend points downward, suggesting a steady shift toward apartments across the region. European Countries by Share Living in Houses Ireland remains a clear outlier, with over 90% of residents living in houses, far above the European average of 51.4%. But even here, the share has declined over the past decade, reflecting a broader shift seen across most countries. Country% Living in Houses (2010)% Living in Houses (2024) Ireland95.690.2 North Macedonia79.182.1 (2023) Netherlands77.177.1 Belgium79.276.8 Croatia78.475.8 Cyprus76.474.1 Hungary69.673.3 Slovenia71.172.1 Norway82.072.0 Denmark71.367.7 France65.963.5 Romania62.663.0 Finland66.560.7 Poland53.058.4 Luxembourg66.357.8 Slovakia50.354.6 Bulgaria56.852.9 Sweden56.651.2 Portugal62.551.0 Austria56.850.4 Czech Republic46.748.7 Italy45.240.8 Greece41.840.6 Lithuania42.939.5 Estonia35.038.7 Germany45.038.5 Malta50.936.6 Latvia34.334.7 Spain34.934.6 Switzerland37.433.7 In countries like Ireland, North Macedonia, and the Netherlands, detached or semi-detached homes remain the dominant housing type. However, this looks very different in practice. While Ireland and North Macedonia feature more spread-out housing, the Netherlands relies heavily on compact, high-density rowhouses, allowing single-family homes to remain common even in a densely populated environment. Eastern European countries such as Croatia and Hungary also rank relatively high, with over 70% of residents living in houses. This reflects historical housing development patterns, where single-family homes were more common than large apartment complexes. Urbanization Driving Apartment Growth The broader trend is consistent across the data: in most European countries, the share of people living in houses is declining. In major economies like Germany and Italy, fewer than half of residents now live in houses, highlighting how urbanization is reshaping housing markets. As cities grow, space constraints and affordability challenges push more people toward multi-unit dwellings. This aligns with broader findings on Europe’s housing cost burden by country, where rising prices are making standalone homes increasingly out of reach. The Biggest Shifts Since 2010 Several countries have seen notable declines in house living over the past decade. Portugal (-11.5 percentage points), Malta (-14.3), and Norway (-10) have experienced some of the steepest drops. Even traditionally house-dominant countries like Ireland and Finland have seen declines, suggesting a continent-wide shift. Germany, meanwhile, ranks among the countries with the sharpest decreases, reflecting its already urbanized housing structure becoming even more apartment-centric. So, are houses losing ground across Europe? The data suggests yes. Most countries have seen declines over the past decade, and if current trends continue, apartments could become the dominant housing type across much of Europe by the 2030s. Learn More on the Voronoi App Explore more insights in this related post: Many Europeans say their nations are on the wrong track with housing.

Where Population Growth Has Been Fastest Since 2000 See visuals like this from many other data creators on our Voronoi app. Download it for free on iOS or Android and discover data-driven charts from a variety of trusted sources. Key Takeaways India added 406 million people since 2000, the largest increase globally. Qatar and the UAE recorded the fastest growth rates, with populations rising over 250%. Population growth since 2000 has been concentrated in Africa and South Asia, both in scale and speed. The world’s population grew by more than 2 billion people between 2000 and 2025, but that growth has varied significantly across countries. This chart compares the countries with the fastest population growth over that period, measured by both percentage increase and total people added, using IMF data. While smaller Gulf nations dominate in percentage terms, the largest population gains come from countries like India, Nigeria, and Pakistan, highlighting a divide between relative growth and absolute impact. The data reveals a key split: countries leading in percentage growth are often smaller economies, while those adding the most people are already among the world’s most populous. The Most Populous Country in History India’s population growth since 2000 stands apart in scale. The country added 406 million people in just 25 years, more than the population of the United States, making it the largest population increase of any country in modern history. This represents 38% growth over its population in 2000, which had already topped one billion. In 2023, India surpassed China to become the world’s most populous country, a position it is unlikely to lose anytime soon. RankCountryPopulation growth in millions (2000-2025) 1 India406 2 China138 3 Nigeria113 4 Pakistan105 5 Indonesia78 6 United States59 7 Democratic Republic of the Congo59 8 Ethiopia50 9 Bangladesh46 10 Egypt45 11 Brazil39 12 Philippines37 13 Tanzania35 14 Mexico34 15 Uganda26 16 Iran24 17 Kenya24 18 Angola23 19 Vietnam23 20 Yemen22 21 Türkiye22 22 Sudan19 23 South Africa19 24 Mozambique18 25 Saudi Arabia18 Today, nearly a fifth of the world’s population lives in India, despite the country occupying roughly 2.5% of the world’s land area. This surge has made India the most populous country in recorded history. In recent years, population growth has slowed in the South Asian giant, raising concerns that it could follow China in facing a demographic slowdown earlier than expected. Population Booms in the Persian Gulf While Asia leads in total population gains, the fastest growth rates are concentrated in the Persian Gulf. Between 2005 and 2025, countries such as Bahrain (154%), Kuwait (139%), and the United Arab Emirates (250%) recorded some of the highest growth rates globally. With 423% growth, Qatar leads the world in population growth since 2000. The following data table lists the 25 fastest-growing countries by percentage change in population since 2000. RankCountryPopulation growth (2000–2025) 1 Qatar423.4% 2 United Arab Emirates249.7% 3 Equatorial Guinea166.6% 4 Niger157.0% 5 Bahrain153.9% 6 Papua New Guinea149.6% 7 Angola139.7% 8 Kuwait139.1% 9 Oman129.1% 10 Chad126.9% 11 Jordan126.3% 12 Burundi123.6% 13 Democratic Republic of the Congo121.8% 14 Uganda120.1% 15 Zambia119.5% 16 Mali118.4% 17 Yemen112.9% 18 Gambia112.8% 19 Madagascar108.7% 20 Republic of Congo107.0% 21 Benin106.6% 22 Tanzania106.4% 23 Mozambique102.3% 24 Ivory Coast102.3% 25 Burkina Faso102.3% The Gulf states’ population surges are driven largely by imported labor supporting construction and energy booms. Today, less than 15% of Qatar’s population consists of citizens, with the majority made up of foreign-born workers, particularly from South Asia. Africa: The Next Population Hotspot Africa is emerging as the center of global population growth. More than two-thirds of the fastest-growing countries by percentage are located on the continent, with several nations already doubling their populations since 2000. This growth has been driven by rising life expectancy and lower infant mortality, even as fertility rates remain high. The continent is projected to surpass 2 billion people by 2038, with some regions expected to more than quintuple in population over the 21st century. West Africa is one such region. With a population exceeding 400 million, about half of whom live in Nigeria, it is projected to become one of the most densely populated areas in the world in the coming decades. Learn More on the Voronoi App If you enjoyed today’s post, check out Africa’s Annual Births Are Catching up to Asia on Voronoi.Use This Visualization

See more visualizations like this on the Voronoi app. Use This Visualization Mapped: Grocery Prices Across U.S. States See visuals like this from many other data creators on our Voronoi app. Download it for free on iOS or Android and discover incredible data-driven charts from a variety of trusted sources. Key Takeaways Grocery prices vary by nearly 40% across U.S. states based on 2025 averages. Hawaii and Alaska have the highest costs, both over 25% above average. Southern states dominate the lowest-cost rankings, led by Arkansas. Hawaii and Alaska have the highest grocery costs in the U.S., with prices more than 25% above the national average. Using data from the Missouri Economic Research and Information Center, this map ranks grocery prices across all 50 states relative to a U.S. baseline of 100. While Hawaii and Alaska are far above average due to shipping costs and geographic isolation, many Southern states offer the lowest prices, highlighting how regional cost structures shape what Americans pay at the checkout. This variation comes at a time when food prices remain a top concern for consumers, with grocery costs still elevated compared to pre-pandemic levels. Ranked: States With the Highest Grocery Prices Hawaii and Alaska stand apart, with grocery prices 31.4% and 25% above the national average. Their geographic isolation means both states rely heavily on imported goods, making transportation a key driver of higher costs. For a typical household spending $8,000–$10,000 per year on groceries, this price gap can translate into an extra $2,000 or more annually in the most expensive states. The table below shows each state’s grocery price index, based on 2025 annual averages benchmarked to a U.S. baseline of 100: RankState or DistrictGrocery Price Index 2025Cost of Living Index 2025 1Hawaii131.4183.9 2Alaska125.0126.7 3California109.3143.1 4Washington108.0112.9 5Oregon106.8112.8 6Vermont105.5113.5 7Maryland105.4117.4 8District of Columbia104.8137.8 9Florida104.3101.4 10Connecticut103.6114.0 11New Jersey103.5115.3 12New York103.3125.8 13Nevada102.799.7 14Massachusetts102.7148.5 15Arizona101.9110.3 16Montana101.696.8 17Rhode Island101.4110.7 18Delaware101.3103.1 19Colorado101.2103.1 20Maine101.0114 21Minnesota100.693.6 22Kentucky99.891.5 23Wyoming99.894.6 24Illinois99.895.0 25Virginia99.7102.2 26Wisconsin99.598.5 27Ohio99.494.6 28New Hampshire99.4110.5 29Michigan99.391.9 30Indiana99.290.7 31South Carolina99.092.7 32North Carolina99.097.9 33Idaho98.999.3 34Nebraska98.691.8 35Pennsylvania98.597.1 36Georgia97.892.2 37South Dakota97.791.8 38Alabama97.588.1 39New Mexico97.093.7 40Utah96.999.5 41Tennessee96.890.1 42North Dakota96.891.1 43Iowa96.689.8 44Louisiana96.492.9 45West Virginia96.388 46Kansas95.988.4 47Missouri95.988.9 48Mississippi95.586.0 49Oklahoma95.484.7 50Texas95.391.1 51Arkansas94.390.1 California’s grocery prices are 9.3% above the U.S. average, ranking third among all states. Despite its massive agricultural output, California’s grocery prices remain elevated due to high labor, energy, and real estate costs. Washington faces similar pressures, along with some of the highest fuel costs in the country. A cluster of Northeastern states—Vermont, Maryland, and Washington, D.C.—also rank among the most expensive, with grocery prices 5–6% above average. Vermont’s low population density increases transportation costs, while Washington, D.C.’s high commercial rents and wages push prices higher. Florida ranks ninth for grocery costs, despite a more moderate cost of living. A relatively concentrated grocery market gives dominant players greater pricing power, while its tourism industry keeps demand elevated, both contributing to above-average food prices. The Least Expensive Grocery Prices in America Arkansas has the lowest grocery prices in the U.S., at 5.7% below the national average—marking a sharp contrast with the country’s most expensive states. It is followed by Southern states like Texas, Oklahoma, and Mississippi, where grocery prices are often 5–10% below the national average, well below many coastal and non-contiguous states. These states also have a lower overall cost of living, meaning housing, fuel, and groceries take up a smaller share of household budgets overall. Learn More on the Voronoi App To learn more about this topic, check out this graphic on the average weekly grocery bill by state.

Mapped: Europe’s Homeownership Divide See visuals like this from many other data creators on our Voronoi app. Download it for free on iOS or Android and discover data-driven charts from a variety of trusted sources. Key Takeaways Homeownership ranges from over 90% in Eastern Europe to under 50% in Germany and Switzerland. Some of Europe’s richest countries have the lowest ownership rates. Mass privatization in the 1990s created a lasting East–West ownership gap. Homeownership in Europe shows a stark contrast: in some countries, more than 9 in 10 households own their homes, while in others, fewer than half do. That gap is not driven by income alone. In fact, some of Europe’s richest economies, like Germany and Switzerland, have the lowest ownership rates, where renting is far more common. This map uses the latest available data from Eurostat and the UK Parliament to show how homeownership varies across Europe by share of households. Why this matters: Homeownership is closely tied to wealth building, financial security, and long-term stability. Countries with lower ownership rates often have more developed rental markets, while higher rates can reflect historical policies rather than current affordability. Europe’s Highest Homeownership Rates The highest homeownership rates on the Old Continent are found in the eastern half of the European Union, led by Romania (93.2%), Slovakia (93.1%), and Croatia (91.4%). On average, countries in Central and Eastern Europe have homeownership rates roughly 30% higher than their peers in Western Europe. The following data table lists European countries alongside their household homeownership rate. RankCountryHomeownership Rate by share of households (%) 1 Romania93.2 2 Slovakia93.1 3 Croatia91.4 4 Hungary89.8 5 Lithuania87.4 6 Poland87.2 7 Bulgaria86.1 8 Latvia82.2 9 Norway80.0 10 Estonia79.7 11 Italy77.1 12 Czechia75.1 13 Slovenia74.2 14 Spain73.6 15 Portugal71.2 16 Belgium70.9 17 Greece69.4 18 Ireland69.3 19 Cyprus69.2 20 Netherlands68.8 21 Malta68.1 22 Finland66.9 23 Sweden64.6 24 Luxembourg63.5 25 UK61.7 26 France61.2 27 Denmark60.9 28 Austria54.5 29 Germany47.2 30 Switzerland42.0 -- EU68.4 A major driver of Eastern Europe’s high ownership rates is the mass privatization of housing in the 1990s. As governments sold off state-owned apartments, often at steep discounts, millions of residents became homeowners, creating a structural gap with Western Europe that persists today. Homeownership in Western Europe In contrast, Western Europe tends to have lower homeownership rates on average, including roughly 61.5% of households in France and the United Kingdom and approximately 68% across the Benelux countries. In Western Europe, higher home prices and stricter lending standards have made ownership less accessible, especially for younger generations. At the same time, strong tenant protections and stable rental markets make long-term renting a more common and viable alternative. Meanwhile, dynamic labor markets in major cities have also contributed to the growth of large rental markets, where property owners rent to working professionals and young families. The Germanic Outliers Low homeownership rates are most pronounced in the DACH region (Germany, Austria, and Switzerland), where high incomes and strong economies coexist with some of the lowest ownership levels in Europe. In Switzerland, one of the wealthiest countries in the world, only 42% of households own the home in which they live. Germany similarly sees less than half of households classified as owner-occupiers (47.2%), while neighboring Austria is only slightly higher at 54.5%. These countries’ low rates relative to the rest of Europe can be partly explained by cultural factors, such as young adults leaving home earlier than in Southern Europe. In addition, the post-socialist transition in places like East Germany followed a different path, with state-owned housing often sold to corporations rather than residents during the 1990s. Learn More on the Voronoi App If you enjoyed today’s post, check out Share of European Households with Children on Voronoi.Use This Visualization

See more visualizations like this on the Voronoi app. Use This Visualization Ranked: The Most Productive Countries in the World See visuals like this from many other data creators on our Voronoi app. Download it for free on iOS or Android and discover incredible data-driven charts from a variety of trusted sources. Key Takeaways Ireland ranks #1 in GDP per hour at $151, far ahead of its peers—but the figure is heavily influenced by multinational corporations. European economies dominate the top of the ranking, with Norway and Luxembourg also exceeding $120 per hour. The U.S. generates $97 per hour—above average, but behind many smaller, high-income economies. Not all hours worked generate the same economic value. This chart ranks OECD countries by GDP per hour worked, a common measure of productivity. The gap at the top is striking: Ireland produces over 50% more per hour than most advanced economies. However, these figures come with an important caveat. In countries like Ireland and Luxembourg, productivity is significantly boosted by multinational firms shifting profits, which can inflate GDP relative to actual domestic output. Using data from the OECD, this visualization highlights where workers appear most productive—and what drives those differences. GDP per Hour Worked by Country With output per hour at $151 in purchasing power parity-adjusted dollars, Ireland stands well above its peers. This table shows GDP per hour worked by country in 2023, in PPP-adjusted dollars, which account for differences in cost of living: CountryGDP Per Hour WorkedPurchasing Power Parity Dollars Ireland$151 Norway$132 Luxembourg$125 Belgium$100 Switzerland$99 Denmark$99 United States$97 Austria$95 Iceland$95 Netherlands$94 Germany$94 Sweden$90 France$88 Finland$83 Australia$79 United Kingdom$79 Italy$77 Canada$75 Spain$73 Slovenia$66 Israel$61 Czechia$60 Lithuania$60 Slovak Republic$60 Portugal$59 Japan$56 Latvia$56 New Zealand$55 Korea$55 Hungary$54 Poland$54 Estonia$53 Greece$45 Chile$37 Costa Rica$32 Mexico$25 Colombia$21 OECD Average$71 Ireland’s productivity is heavily influenced by the presence of multinational corporations, particularly in tech and pharmaceuticals. For perspective, Ireland’s productivity drops by 31% to $115 when using gross national income (GNI) as an alternative measure. Norway ($132) and Luxembourg ($125) also benefit from distinct structural advantages. Norway is supported by its energy sector, while Luxembourg’s finance industry significantly boosts its output. Similarly, Luxembourg’s productivity drops by 54% when measured using GNI. Countries with a higher concentration of capital-intensive or knowledge-based industries, such as technology, finance, and pharmaceuticals, tend to generate more value per hour. Meanwhile, economies with larger shares of agriculture, tourism, or lower-value services typically report lower productivity levels. This helps explain why countries like the U.S. ($97) and Germany ($88) rank above the OECD average of $71, given their strong industrial and innovation-driven sectors, while others fall further down the list. Learn More on the Voronoi App To learn more about this topic, check out this graphic on the world’s 50 largest economies by GDP in 2026.

Click to view this graphic in a higher-resolution. Use This Visualization Every S&P 500 Company in One Giant Chart See visuals like this from many other data creators on our Voronoi app. Download it for free on iOS or Android and discover incredible data-driven charts from a variety of trusted sources. Key Takeaways This chart shows all 500 companies in the S&P 500, sized by market cap and grouped by sector. Nvidia, Apple, and Microsoft alone make up about 18% of the $57.6 trillion index. A small group of mega-cap companies occupies a disproportionate share of the market. What does the entire S&P 500 actually look like? This visualization brings all 500 companies into a single view, with each sized by its share of the index and grouped by sector. It is based on data from Slickcharts as of March 30, 2026. Each circle represents a company, making it easy to compare how market value is distributed across sectors—and to see which firms dominate the index. One immediate takeaway is how much space is occupied by just a handful of companies. Just 10 firms now make up over 36% of the S&P 500, up from 23% in 2000. Ranked: The Top S&P 500 Companies by Index Weight Nvidia is now the largest company in the S&P 500, with a 7.0% index weight—larger than entire sectors like energy or utilities. Apple follows with a 6.3% share, while Microsoft ranks third at 4.6%. These three companies account for about 18% of the S&P 500’s total value, while AI-driven firms represent 10 of the top 20 largest companies. This table ranks every company in the S&P 500 by index weight as of March 30, 2026: RankNameSectorWeight %(Mar 30, 2026) 1NvidiaInfo Tech7.0% 2Apple Inc.Info Tech6.3% 3MicrosoftInfo Tech4.6% 4AmazonConsumer Discretionary3.7% 5Alphabet Inc. (Class A)Communication Services3.0% 6Alphabet Inc. (Class C)Communication Services2.8% 7BroadcomInfo Tech2.4% 8Meta PlatformsCommunication Services2.4% 9Tesla, Inc.Consumer Discretionary2.3% 10Berkshire HathawayFinancials1.8% 11WalmartConsumer Staples1.7% 12Lilly (Eli)Health Care1.4% 13JPMorgan ChaseFinancials1.3% 14ExxonMobilEnergy1.2% 15Johnson & JohnsonHealth Care1.0% 16Visa Inc.Financials1.0% 17CostcoConsumer Staples0.8% 18MastercardFinancials0.8% 19Chevron CorporationEnergy0.7% 20Oracle CorporationInfo Tech0.7% 21NetflixCommunication Services0.7% 22AbbVieHealth Care0.7% 23Micron TechnologyInfo Tech0.6% 24Bank of AmericaFinancials0.6% 25Procter & GambleConsumer Staples0.6% 26Coca-Cola Company (The)Consumer Staples0.6% 27Palantir TechnologiesInfo Tech0.6% 28Home Depot (The)Consumer Discretionary0.6% 29Advanced Micro DevicesInfo Tech0.6% 30Caterpillar Inc.Industrials0.5% 31CiscoInfo Tech0.5% 32Merck & Co.Health Care0.5% 33GE AerospaceIndustrials0.5% 34Philip Morris InternationalConsumer Staples0.5% 35Applied MaterialsInfo Tech0.5% 36Morgan StanleyFinancials0.4% 37RTX CorporationIndustrials0.4% 38Lam ResearchInfo Tech0.4% 39T-Mobile USCommunication Services0.4% 40Goldman SachsFinancials0.4% 41Wells FargoFinancials0.4% 42UnitedHealth GroupHealth Care0.4% 43Linde plcMaterials0.4% 44IBMInfo Tech0.4% 45McDonald'sConsumer Discretionary0.4% 46GE VernovaIndustrials0.4% 47VerizonCommunication Services0.4% 48PepsiCoConsumer Staples0.4% 49IntelInfo Tech0.4% 50AT&TCommunication Services0.4% 51American ExpressFinancials0.4% 52CitigroupFinancials0.3% 53AmgenHealth Care0.3% 54NextEra EnergyUtilities0.3% 55Thermo Fisher ScientificHealth Care0.3% 56Abbott LaboratoriesHealth Care0.3% 57KLA CorporationInfo Tech0.3% 58TJX CompaniesConsumer Discretionary0.3% 59SalesforceInfo Tech0.3% 60Walt Disney Company (The)Communication Services0.3% 61Gilead SciencesHealth Care0.3% 62Texas InstrumentsInfo Tech0.3% 63ConocoPhillipsEnergy0.3% 64Charles Schwab CorporationFinancials0.3% 65Intuitive SurgicalHealth Care0.3% 66PfizerHealth Care0.3% 67Deere & CompanyIndustrials0.3% 68BoeingIndustrials0.3% 69Analog DevicesInfo Tech0.3% 70UberIndustrials0.3% 71BlackRockFinancials0.3% 72HoneywellIndustrials0.3% 73Union Pacific CorporationIndustrials0.3% 74AmphenolInfo Tech0.3% 75Arista NetworksInfo Tech0.3% 76Lockheed MartinIndustrials0.2% 77QualcommInfo Tech0.2% 78WelltowerReal Estate0.2% 79Booking HoldingsConsumer Discretionary0.2% 80Lowe'sConsumer Discretionary0.2% 81Danaher CorporationHealth Care0.2% 82Eaton CorporationIndustrials0.2% 83Chubb LimitedFinancials0.2% 84S&P GlobalFinancials0.2% 85Stryker CorporationHealth Care0.2% 86AppLovin CorporationInfo Tech0.2% 87Palo Alto NetworksInfo Tech0.2% 88Bristol Myers SquibbHealth Care0.2% 89AccentureInfo Tech0.2% 90IntuitInfo Tech0.2% 91PrologisReal Estate0.2% 92Progressive CorporationFinancials0.2% 93Vertex PharmaceuticalsHealth Care0.2% 94AltriaConsumer Staples0.2% 95Capital OneFinancials0.2% 96CME GroupFinancials0.2% 97MedtronicHealth Care0.2% 98Parker HannifinIndustrials0.2% 99Corning Inc.Info Tech0.2% 100ServiceNowInfo Tech0.2% 101NewmontMaterials0.2% 102Southern CompanyUtilities0.2% 103Constellation EnergyUtilities0.2% 104ComcastCommunication Services0.2% 105McKesson CorporationHealth Care0.2% 106HCA HealthcareHealth Care0.2% 107Dell TechnologiesInfo Tech0.2% 108Duke EnergyUtilities0.2% 109StarbucksConsumer Discretionary0.2% 110Northrop GrummanIndustrials0.2% 111Adobe Inc.Info Tech0.2% 112CrowdStrikeInfo Tech0.2% 113Boston ScientificHealth Care0.2% 114Waste ManagementIndustrials0.2% 115General DynamicsIndustrials0.2% 116Vertiv Holdings CoIndustrials0.2% 117Howmet AerospaceIndustrials0.2% 118Trane TechnologiesIndustrials0.2% 119EquinixReal Estate0.2% 120Marriott InternationalConsumer Discretionary0.2% 121Williams CompaniesEnergy0.2% 122Intercontinental ExchangeFinancials0.2% 123Blackstone Inc.Financials0.2% 124Marsh & McLennan Companies, Inc.Financials0.2% 125CVS HealthHealth Care0.2% 126Western DigitalInfo Tech0.2% 127Sandisk CorporationInfo Tech0.2% 128EOG ResourcesEnergy0.1% 129PNC Financial ServicesFinancials0.1% 130KKRFinancials0.1% 131BNY MellonFinancials0.1% 132U.S. BancorpFinancials0.1% 133Regeneron PharmaceuticalsHealth Care0.1% 134Automatic Data ProcessingIndustrials0.1% 135FedExIndustrials0.1% 136United Parcel ServiceIndustrials0.1% 137Quanta ServicesIndustrials0.1% 138Seagate TechnologyInfo Tech0.1% 139Freeport-McMoRanMaterials0.1% 140Sherwin-WilliamsMaterials0.1% 141American TowerReal Estate0.1% 142O'Reilly Auto PartsConsumer Discretionary0.1% 143Nike, Inc.Consumer Discretionary0.1% 144AirbnbConsumer Discretionary0.1% 145Mondelez InternationalConsumer Staples0.1% 146SchlumbergerEnergy0.1% 147Kinder MorganEnergy0.1% 148Valero EnergyEnergy0.1% 149Phillips 66Energy0.1% 150Marathon PetroleumEnergy0.1% 151Moody's CorporationFinancials0.1% 152Johnson ControlsIndustrials0.1% 1533MIndustrials0.1% 154CSX CorporationIndustrials0.1% 155Illinois Tool WorksIndustrials0.1% 156Cadence Design SystemsInfo Tech0.1% 157SynopsysInfo Tech0.1% 158EcolabMaterials0.1% 159Warner Bros. DiscoveryCommunication Services0.1% 160Royal Caribbean GroupConsumer Discretionary0.1% 161Hilton WorldwideConsumer Discretionary0.1% 162Ross StoresConsumer Discretionary0.1% 163Monster BeverageConsumer Staples0.1% 164Colgate-PalmoliveConsumer Staples0.1% 165AonFinancials0.1% 166CignaHealth Care0.1% 167CumminsIndustrials0.1% 168Emerson ElectricIndustrials0.1% 169Republic ServicesIndustrials0.1% 170CintasIndustrials0.1% 171Motorola SolutionsInfo Tech0.1% 172CRH plcMaterials0.1% 173American Electric PowerUtilities0.1% 174General MotorsConsumer Discretionary0.1% 175DoorDashConsumer Discretionary0.1% 176Occidental PetroleumEnergy0.1% 177Apollo Global ManagementFinancials0.1% 178Travelers Companies (The)Financials0.1% 179Elevance HealthHealth Care0.1% 180TransDigm GroupIndustrials0.1% 181L3HarrisIndustrials0.1% 182Norfolk Southern RailwayIndustrials0.1% 183Air ProductsMaterials0.1% 184SempraUtilities0.1% 185AutoZoneConsumer Discretionary0.1% 186Baker HughesEnergy0.1% 187ONEOKEnergy0.1% 188Diamondback EnergyEnergy0.1% 189Robinhood Markets, Inc.Financials0.1% 190AflacFinancials0.1% 191Arthur J. Gallagher & Co.Financials0.1% 192Truist FinancialFinancials0.1% 193CencoraHealth Care0.1% 194PaccarIndustrials0.1% 195FortinetInfo Tech0.1% 196TE ConnectivityInfo Tech0.1% 197CortevaMaterials0.1% 198Digital RealtyReal Estate0.1% 199Simon Property GroupReal Estate0.1% 200Realty IncomeReal Estate0.1% 201Electronic ArtsCommunication Services0.1% 202Target CorporationConsumer Discretionary0.1% 203Targa ResourcesEnergy0.1% 204AllstateFinancials0.1% 205ZoetisHealth Care0.1% 206FastenalIndustrials0.1% 207W. W. GraingerIndustrials0.1% 208Ciena CorporationInfo Tech0.1% 209AutodeskInfo Tech0.1% 210Monolithic Power SystemsInfo Tech0.1% 211Dominion EnergyUtilities0.1% 212EntergyUtilities0.1% 213ExelonUtilities0.1% 214Vistra Corp.Utilities0.1% 215Xcel EnergyUtilities0.1% 216Ford Motor CompanyConsumer Discretionary0.1% 217GarminConsumer Discretionary0.1% 218KrogerConsumer Staples0.1% 219Hershey Company (The)Consumer Staples0.1% 220Nasdaq, Inc.Financials0.1% 221MetLifeFinancials0.1% 222Cardinal HealthHealth Care0.1% 223Edwards LifesciencesHealth Care0.1% 224Idexx LaboratoriesHealth Care0.1% 225Becton DickinsonHealth Care0.1% 226AmetekIndustrials0.1% 227Carrier GlobalIndustrials0.1% 228United RentalsIndustrials0.1% 229Comfort Systems USA, Inc.Industrials0.1% 230NXP SemiconductorsInfo Tech0.1% 231Lumentum Holdings Inc.Info Tech0.1% 232Keysight TechnologiesInfo Tech0.1% 233TeradyneInfo Tech0.1% 234Public StorageReal Estate0.1% 235Yum! BrandsConsumer Discretionary0.1% 236Carvana Co.Consumer Discretionary0.1% 237Chipotle Mexican GrillConsumer Discretionary0.1% 238eBayConsumer Discretionary0.1% 239D. R. HortonConsumer Discretionary0.1% 240EQT CorporationEnergy0.1% 241Coinbase GlobalFinancials0.1% 242PayPalFinancials0.1% 243Fifth Third BancorpFinancials0.1% 244Ameriprise FinancialFinancials0.1% 245American International GroupFinancials0.1% 246MSCIFinancials0.1% 247Delta Air LinesIndustrials0.1% 248WabtecIndustrials0.1% 249Old DominionIndustrials0.1% 250Rockwell AutomationIndustrials0.1% 251Coherent, Inc.Info Tech0.1% 252DatadogInfo Tech0.1% 253NucorMaterials0.1% 254CBRE GroupReal Estate0.1% 255VentasReal Estate0.1% 256Consolidated EdisonUtilities0.1% 257Public Service Enterprise GroupUtilities0.1% 258PG&E CorporationUtilities0.1% 259WEC Energy GroupUtilities0.1% 260Take-Two InteractiveCommunication Services0.1% 261Live Nation EntertainmentCommunication Services0.1% 262EchoStar CorporationCommunication Services0.1% 263Las Vegas SandsConsumer Discretionary0.1% 264CarnivalConsumer Discretionary0.1% 265Keurig Dr PepperConsumer Staples0.1% 266Archer Daniels MidlandConsumer Staples0.1% 267SyscoConsumer Staples0.1% 268KenvueConsumer Staples0.1% 269Kimberly-ClarkConsumer Staples0.1% 270HalliburtonEnergy0.1% 271Texas Pacific Land CorporationEnergy0.1% 272Devon EnergyEnergy0.1% 273Hartford (The)Financials0.1% 274State Street CorporationFinancials0.1% 275Block, Inc.Financials0.1% 276Arch Capital GroupFinancials0.1% 277Prudential FinancialFinancials0.1% 278ResMedHealth Care0.1% 279Axon EnterpriseIndustrials0.1% 280PaychexIndustrials0.1% 281Roper TechnologiesInfo Tech0.1% 282Workday, Inc.Info Tech0.1% 283Microchip TechnologyInfo Tech0.1% 284Vulcan Materials CompanyMaterials0.1% 285Martin Marietta MaterialsMaterials0.1% 286Crown CastleReal Estate0.1% 287Charter CommunicationsCommunication Services0.1% 288Expedia GroupConsumer Discretionary0.1% 289Tapestry, Inc.Consumer Discretionary0.1% 290Dollar GeneralConsumer Discretionary0.1% 291Kraft HeinzConsumer Staples0.1% 292Constellation BrandsConsumer Staples0.1% 293CoterraEnergy0.1% 294Expand EnergyEnergy0.1% 295Huntington BancsharesFinancials0.1% 296M&T BankFinancials0.1% 297Cboe Global MarketsFinancials0.1% 298Fiserv, Inc.Financials0.1% 299Interactive Brokers GroupFinancials0.1% 300Raymond James FinancialFinancials0.1% 301Willis Towers WatsonFinancials0.1% 302Agilent TechnologiesHealth Care0.1% 303GE HealthCareHealth Care0.1% 304Waters CorporationHealth Care0.1% 305IQVIAHealth Care0.1% 306BiogenHealth Care0.1% 307CopartIndustrials0.1% 308EMCOR Group, Inc.Industrials0.1% 309Ingersoll RandIndustrials0.1% 310Otis WorldwideIndustrials0.1% 311Xylem Inc.Industrials0.1% 312United Airlines HoldingsIndustrials0.1% 313Dover CorporationIndustrials0.1% 314Hewlett Packard EnterpriseInfo Tech0.1% 315CognizantInfo Tech0.1% 316Teledyne TechnologiesInfo Tech0.1% 317JabilInfo Tech0.1% 318Dow Inc.Materials0.1% 319LyondellBasellMaterials0.1% 320Iron MountainReal Estate0.1% 321Vici PropertiesReal Estate0.1% 322Extra Space StorageReal Estate0.1% 323Atmos EnergyUtilities0.1% 324DTE EnergyUtilities0.1% 325AmerenUtilities0.1% 326NRG EnergyUtilities0.1% 327FirstEnergyUtilities0.1% 328PPL CorporationUtilities0.1% 329CenterPoint EnergyUtilities0.1% 330Edison InternationalUtilities0.1% 331American Water WorksUtilities0.1% 332Omnicom GroupCommunication Services0.04% 333Tractor SupplyConsumer Discretionary0.04% 334Darden RestaurantsConsumer Discretionary0.04% 335Ulta BeautyConsumer Discretionary0.04% 336PulteGroupConsumer Discretionary0.04% 337Williams-SonomaConsumer Discretionary0.04% 338LennarConsumer Discretionary0.04% 339Dollar TreeConsumer Staples0.04% 340Estée Lauder Companies (The)Consumer Staples0.04% 341Bunge GlobalConsumer Staples0.04% 342Tyson FoodsConsumer Staples0.04% 343Church & DwightConsumer Staples0.04% 344Northern TrustFinancials0.04% 345W. R. Berkley CorporationFinancials0.04% 346Citizens Financial GroupFinancials0.04% 347Fidelity National Information ServicesFinancials0.04% 348Cincinnati FinancialFinancials0.04% 349Ares Management CorporationFinancials0.04% 350Synchrony FinancialFinancials0.04% 351Brown & BrownFinancials0.04% 352Loews CorporationFinancials0.04% 353Regions Financial CorporationFinancials0.04% 354KeyCorpFinancials0.04% 355Mettler ToledoHealth Care0.04% 356DexcomHealth Care0.04% 357LabCorpHealth Care0.04% 358Quest DiagnosticsHealth Care0.04% 359SterisHealth Care0.04% 360Verisk AnalyticsIndustrials0.04% 361Rollins, Inc.Industrials0.04% 362Hubbell IncorporatedIndustrials0.04% 363EquifaxIndustrials0.04% 364VeraltoIndustrials0.04% 365Fair IsaacInfo Tech0.04% 366VerisignInfo Tech0.04% 367Qnity ElectronicsInfo Tech0.04% 368ON SemiconductorInfo Tech0.04% 369Steel DynamicsMaterials0.04% 370PPG IndustriesMaterials0.04% 371CF IndustriesMaterials0.04% 372Albemarle CorporationMaterials0.04% 373AvalonBay CommunitiesReal Estate0.04% 374Equity ResidentialReal Estate0.04% 375Eversource EnergyUtilities0.04% 376CMS EnergyUtilities0.04% 377NiSourceUtilities0.04% 378TKO Group HoldingsCommunication Services0.03% 379Ralph Lauren CorporationConsumer Discretionary0.03% 380NVR, Inc.Consumer Discretionary0.03% 381Lululemon AthleticaConsumer Discretionary0.03% 382Genuine Parts CompanyConsumer Discretionary0.03% 383General MillsConsumer Staples0.03% 384McCormick & CompanyConsumer Staples0.03% 385APA CorporationEnergy0.03% 386CorpayFinancials0.03% 387T. Rowe PriceFinancials0.03% 388Principal Financial GroupFinancials0.03% 389Broadridge Financial SolutionsFinancials0.03% 390Global PaymentsFinancials0.03% 391HumanaHealth Care0.03% 392ModernaHealth Care0.03% 393IncyteHealth Care0.03% 394West Pharmaceutical ServicesHealth Care0.03% 395Zimmer BiometHealth Care0.03% 396HologicHealth Care0.03% 397Centene CorporationHealth Care0.03% 398ViatrisHealth Care0.03% 399Insulet CorporationHealth Care0.03% 400LeidosIndustrials0.03% 401J.B. HuntIndustrials0.03% 402C.H. RobinsonIndustrials0.03% 403Expeditors InternationalIndustrials0.03% 404Snap-onIndustrials0.03% 405Southwest AirlinesIndustrials0.03% 406FortiveIndustrials0.03% 407Lennox InternationalIndustrials0.03% 408TextronIndustrials0.03% 409Jacobs SolutionsIndustrials0.03% 410Huntington Ingalls IndustriesIndustrials0.03% 411NetAppInfo Tech0.03% 412First SolarInfo Tech0.03% 413HP Inc.Info Tech0.03% 414PTC Inc.Info Tech0.03% 415Akamai TechnologiesInfo Tech0.03% 416F5, Inc.Info Tech0.03% 417CDWInfo Tech0.03% 418Trimble Inc.Info Tech0.03% 419Tyler TechnologiesInfo Tech0.03% 420Smurfit WestRockMaterials0.03% 421Packaging Corporation of AmericaMaterials0.03% 422International PaperMaterials0.03% 423International Flavors & FragrancesMaterials0.03% 424DuPontMaterials0.03% 425AmcorMaterials0.03% 426Ball CorporationMaterials0.03% 427SBA CommunicationsReal Estate0.03% 428WeyerhaeuserReal Estate0.03% 429CoStar GroupReal Estate0.03% 430Essex Property TrustReal Estate0.03% 431Invitation HomesReal Estate0.03% 432Kimco RealtyReal Estate0.03% 433EvergyUtilities0.03% 434Alliant EnergyUtilities0.03% 435Fox Corporation (Class B)Communication Services0.02% 436Fox Corporation (Class A)Communication Services0.02% 437The Trade Desk, Inc.Communication Services0.02% 438Paramount Skydance CorpCommunication Services0.02% 439News Corp (Class A)Communication Services0.02% 440AptivConsumer Discretionary0.02% 441Deckers BrandsConsumer Discretionary0.02% 442Best BuyConsumer Discretionary0.02% 443HasbroConsumer Discretionary0.02% 444Domino'sConsumer Discretionary0.02% 445Wynn ResortsConsumer Discretionary0.02% 446MGM ResortsConsumer Discretionary0.02% 447Hormel FoodsConsumer Staples0.02% 448CloroxConsumer Staples0.02% 449Brown–FormanConsumer Staples0.02% 450J.M. Smucker Company (The)Consumer Staples0.02% 451Everest GroupFinancials0.02% 452Erie IndemnityFinancials0.02% 453Franklin ResourcesFinancials0.02% 454AssurantFinancials0.02% 455Globe LifeFinancials0.02% 456InvescoFinancials0.02% 457Cooper Companies (The)Health Care0.02% 458Align TechnologyHealth Care0.02% 459Universal Health ServicesHealth Care0.02% 460SolventumHealth Care0.02% 461DaVitaHealth Care0.02% 462RevvityHealth Care0.02% 463Nordson CorporationIndustrials0.02% 464IDEX CorporationIndustrials0.02% 465PentairIndustrials0.02% 466AllegionIndustrials0.02% 467MascoIndustrials0.02% 468GeneracIndustrials0.02% 469Stanley Black & DeckerIndustrials0.02% 470A. O. SmithIndustrials0.02% 471Builders FirstSourceIndustrials0.02% 472SupermicroInfo Tech0.02% 473Jack Henry & AssociatesInfo Tech0.02% 474GartnerInfo Tech0.02% 475Gen DigitalInfo Tech0.02% 476GoDaddyInfo Tech0.02% 477Zebra TechnologiesInfo Tech0.02% 478Avery DennisonMaterials0.02% 479Mid-America Apartment CommunitiesReal Estate0.02% 480Regency CentersReal Estate0.02% 481Host Hotels & ResortsReal Estate0.02% 482Healthpeak PropertiesReal Estate0.02% 483UDR, Inc.Real Estate0.02% 484Camden Property TrustReal Estate0.02% 485Federal Realty Investment TrustReal Estate0.02% 486Pinnacle WestUtilities0.02% 487AES CorporationUtilities0.02% 488News Corp (Class B)Communication Services0.01% 489Norwegian Cruise Line HoldingsConsumer Discretionary0.01% 490Pool CorporationConsumer Discretionary0.01% 491Molson Coors Beverage CompanyConsumer Staples0.01% 492Conagra BrandsConsumer Staples0.01% 493Campbell Soup CompanyConsumer Staples0.01% 494FactSetFinancials0.01% 495Henry ScheinHealth Care0.01% 496Baxter InternationalHealth Care0.01% 497Bio-TechneHealth Care0.01% 498Charles River LaboratoriesHealth Care0.01% 499Skyworks SolutionsInfo Tech0.01% 500EPAM SystemsInfo Tech0.01% 501Mosaic Company (The)Materials0.01% 502BXP, Inc.Real Estate0.01% 503Alexandria Real Estate EquitiesReal Estate0.01% Berkshire Hathaway is the only financials company in the top 10 by market cap, with its ranking falling from sixth to 10th place since 2023. By contrast, Walmart has climbed to 11th from 29th in just two years amid strong online sales. Among health care firms, Eli Lilly (#12) has overtaken UnitedHealth Group (#42) as the most valuable company, fueled by sales of its weight-loss drugs. Why This Concentration Matters While the top 10 companies’ share of the index has edged down from 41% in 2025, its still-elevated concentration relative to historical levels has real implications: Diversification is shrinking: Index investors are more exposed to a handful of companies than at previous market-cycle peaks Market performance is narrowing: A small group of firms is increasingly driving overall returns The index is evolving: The S&P 500 may no longer broadly reflect the U.S. economy In effect, the market is behaving less like a 500-company index, and more like a concentrated bet on a few dominant firms. At the center of this shift is the AI boom, illustrating how a single technological wave is reshaping the market’s hierarchy. Learn More on the Voronoi App To learn more about this topic, check out this graphic on 151 years of S&P 500 returns.

See more visuals like this on the Voronoi app. Mapped: The Salary Needed to Live Comfortably in U.S. Cities See visuals like this from many other data creators on our Voronoi app. Download it for free on iOS or Android and discover incredible data-driven charts from a variety of trusted sources. Key Takeaways New York and San Jose require nearly $160K a year to live comfortably, the highest among the 56 cities mapped. In much of the U.S., a comfortable lifestyle now effectively means earning six figures. How much do you need to earn to live comfortably in a major American city? Increasingly, the answer is a six-figure salary. This map shows the income required for a comfortable lifestyle across 56 U.S. cities, factoring in housing, food, transportation, savings, and discretionary spending. The data comes from SmartAsset, using the MIT Living Wage Calculator and updated in February 2026. The Highest-Cost Cities Now Require Nearly $160K New York tops the list at $158,954, narrowly ahead of San Jose at $158,080. California accounts for many of the highest-cost cities overall, with Irvine, San Diego, San Francisco, Oakland, Los Angeles, and Sacramento all ranking near the top. RankCitySalary to live comfortably 1New York, NY$158,954 2San Jose, CA$158,080 3Irvine, CA$151,965 4Boston, MA$139,776 5San Diego, CA$136,781 6San Francisco, CA$134,950 7Oakland, CA$134,410 8Honolulu, HI$128,253 9Seattle, WA$127,296 10Jersey City, NJ$127,005 11Arlington, VA$125,882 12Los Angeles, CA$120,307 13Riverside, CA$119,974 14Sacramento, CA$117,021 15Portland, OR$116,106 16Washington, DC$111,155 17Denver, CO$110,781 18Raleigh, NC$110,490 19Virginia Beach, VA$110,448 20Plano, TX$109,242 21Atlanta, GA$108,451 22Miami, FL$108,077 23Charlotte, NC$106,205 24Phoenix, AZ$106,122 25Chicago, IL$105,830 26Tacoma, WA$105,290 27Newark, NJ$104,125 28Boise, ID$104,000 29Tampa, FL$102,710 30Nashville, TN$102,502 31Reno, NV$102,419 32Minneapolis, MN$102,045 33Anchorage, AK$101,795 34Madison, WI$101,754 35Durham, NC$101,296 36Colorado Springs, CO$100,464 37Austin, TX$98,550 38Fort Worth, TX$97,552 39Richmond, VA$97,178 40Philadelphia, PA$97,094 41Dallas, TX$96,970 42Buffalo, NY$96,221 43St. Paul, MN$96,054 44Pittsburgh, PA$95,472 45Omaha, NE$94,765 46Orlando, FL$93,475 47Columbus, OH$92,810 48Jacksonville, FL$92,518 49Kansas City, MO$92,144 50Indianapolis, IN$90,896 51Houston, TX$89,981 52Tulsa, OK$88,317 53Baltimore, MD$87,485 54Memphis, TN$86,320 55New Orleans, LA$84,406 56San Antonio, TX$83,242 Taken together, the top of the ranking highlights how concentrated the highest costs are in a handful of major metros, particularly in California and the Northeast. Boston, Honolulu, Seattle, and Jersey City also stand out, showing that the highest salary thresholds extend well beyond just a handful of coastal hubs. Six-Figure Salaries Are Becoming the Norm A key shift in the data is how quickly six-figure income requirements have spread beyond the most expensive cities. Beyond the usual high-cost leaders, cities such as Denver, Atlanta, Nashville, Charlotte, and Boise now require roughly $100K or more for a comfortable lifestyle. That shift suggests higher living costs are no longer confined to the country’s most expensive coastal markets. Lower-Cost Cities Still Require Substantial Income At the lower end of the ranking, the salary needed to live comfortably still remains substantial. San Antonio has the lowest threshold at $83,069, followed by Memphis at $86,444 and Tulsa at $87,690. Even in the most affordable cities on the map, the income needed for a comfortable lifestyle is far above what many households earn, highlighting how even the most “affordable” major cities now require incomes that were once considered high. Learn More on the Voronoi App If you enjoyed today’s post, check out Where Americans Pay the Most Income Tax on Voronoi, the new app from Visual Capitalist.

See more visuals like this on the Voronoi app. Use This Visualization Who Owns America’s $39T Debt See visuals like this from many other data creators on our Voronoi app. Download it for free on iOS or Android and discover incredible data-driven charts from a variety of trusted sources. Key Takeaways The Federal Reserve holds $4.4T in Treasuries—more than the top three foreign holders combined. Domestic investors hold $17.7T, nearly double foreign ownership at $9.3T. About $7.6T of U.S. debt is owed within government accounts. Who really finances America’s $39T debt, and how much is held at home versus abroad? This chart shows where U.S. debt ultimately sits, from domestic investors and foreign governments to the Federal Reserve and internal trust funds. Data is sourced from Treasury’s daily Debt to the Penny, the U.S. Joint Economic Committee, TIC data, and the Federal Reserve, as of March 19, 2026. Breaking Down Who Holds U.S. Debt To finance its growing deficits, the U.S. relies on a wide range of buyers, including domestic institutions, foreign governments, and its own central bank. The table below shows how U.S. debt is distributed across its largest holders: Value of U.S. Debt (in Trillions)Share of U.S. Debt Mutual and Pension Funds6.617% Banking institutions, Dealers2.46% Individual Investors3.08% Other Domestic Holders5.715% Japan1.23% United Kingdom0.92% China0.72% Other Nations6.517% Federal Reserve4.411% Social Security Trust Fund2.67% Other Government Trust Funds5.113% Total U.S. Debt39.0100% Of the $39 trillion in gross debt, $31.4 trillion (81%) is held by domestic and foreign investors. The remaining $7.6 trillion (19%) is intragovernmental debt, reflecting internal government transactions. This total is roughly twice the combined fortune of the world’s top 20 billionaires. Debt held by the public represents what the U.S. owes to outside investors and directly influences interest rates, borrowing costs, and financial markets. By contrast, intragovernmental debt is money the government owes to itself, primarily through programs like Social Security. Mutual funds and pension funds are the largest public holders, at $6.6 trillion, reflecting strong demand for safe, liquid assets. The Federal Reserve holds $4.4 trillion on its balance sheet, more than the top three foreign creditors—Japan, the U.K., and China—combined. Among individuals, Warren Buffett, through his company Berkshire Hathaway, is the largest non-government holder of U.S. Treasury bills, with holdings valued at $339 billion as of Q4 2025. What Does High U.S. Debt Mean for the Average American? The U.S. is among the top 10 most indebted countries globally in debt-to-GDP terms, and its debt is growing by about $1 trillion every three months. This trend can affect Americans’ standard of living. As debt rises, a larger share of the federal budget goes toward interest payments, crowding out spending on priorities like infrastructure, defense, and social programs. Excessive debt can dampen wage growth and job creation while contributing to higher interest rates, making mortgages, loans, and credit card debt more expensive. As the national debt continues to rise, its composition and ownership remain critical for understanding risks to financial markets and the broader economy. Learn More on the Voronoi App To learn more about global government debt, check out this graphic, which visualizes the world’s $111 trillion in government debt by country.

See more visualizations like this on the Voronoi app. Use This Visualization Ranked: How Much People Save Around the World See visuals like this from many other data creators on our Voronoi app. Download it for free on iOS or Android and discover incredible data-driven charts from a variety of trusted sources. Key Takeaways Sweden has the highest savings rate in OECD economies at 16%, more than 3x the U.S. rate. Americans save just 4.9% of income, about half of Mexico’s rate. Some countries, including New Zealand and South Africa, have negative savings rates. How much of your income do people actually save, and how does your country compare? This chart ranks household savings rates across major economies using the latest OECD data. It reveals a wide gap between top savers and those struggling to set money aside. In countries like Sweden and Hungary, households save more than 10% of their income. In the U.S., that figure is just 4.9%. In some cases, the gap is even more striking. Americans save roughly half as much as households in Mexico, highlighting how cost pressures and consumption patterns differ across economies. How Much People Save by Country Sweden ranks as the most disciplined saver, with net household savings rates rising nearly eightfold from 2.3% to 16% over the past two decades. Many European countries also rank at the top of the list. Households continue to set aside a relatively large share of their income, including Hungary (14.3%) and France (12.8%). These elevated rates are often linked to structural factors such as pension systems and aging populations. The table below shows savings rates by country in 2024, or the latest available data: CountryNet Saving Rate (% of net disposable income) Sweden16.0% Hungary14.3% Czechia13.7% France12.8% Austria11.7% Germany11.2% Netherlands9.5% Spain9.2% Ireland9.0% Denmark8.5% Mexico8.1% Belgium6.6% Poland6.1% Australia6.1% Luxembourg5.0% Canada5.0% United States4.9% South Korea4.8% United Kingdom4.7% Portugal4.5% Finland4.3% Italy4.2% Norway4.2% Lithuania3.8% Estonia3.0% Japan0.9% Latvia0.0% South Africa-1.0% New Zealand-1.3% In the middle of the pack, savings rates drop off quickly. The U.S., Canada, and the UK all cluster around 5% or lower, far behind top European savers. The gap is particularly striking when compared globally. U.S. households save about half as much as those in Mexico, and less than one-third of what households in Sweden set aside each year. At the bottom of the ranking, the picture flips entirely. In countries like New Zealand and South Africa, households are not saving at all. Instead, they are spending more than they earn. Negative savings rates typically mean people are dipping into past savings or taking on debt to cover everyday expenses, a sign of financial strain rather than choice. What It Means Going Forward Savings rates are a key signal of financial resilience. Countries where households consistently save more tend to have a stronger buffer against inflation, job losses, or economic shocks. Higher savings can also support long-term investment and stability. On the other hand, persistently low or negative savings rates can point to underlying pressure. When households have little margin to save, economies may become more vulnerable to downturns, rising debt levels, and weaker consumer spending over time. Learn More on the Voronoi App To learn more about this topic, check out this graphic on the global cost of living index in 2026.

See more visuals like this on the Voronoi app. Use This Visualization Mapped: Only One Country Can Feed Itself Fully See visuals like this from many other data creators on our Voronoi app. Download it for free on iOS or Android and discover incredible data-driven charts from a variety of trusted sources. Key Takeaways Only one country—Guyana—can produce all seven essential food groups domestically. Most countries, including the U.S. and China, fall short in at least one category. Wealth doesn’t guarantee food independence, with many rich nations relying on imports. Food security isn’t just about producing enough calories—it’s about covering the full range of nutrients needed for a balanced diet. This map shows how many of seven essential food groups each country can supply domestically, based on data from a Nature Food study. The result reveals a striking gap: just one country can meet all its food needs on its own. The analysis covers key categories including starchy staples, fruits, vegetables, dairy, meat, fish, and legumes—offering a more complete picture of national food independence. Even major agricultural producers like the United States and China still depend on imports for at least one of these groups. Only One Country Covers All Food Groups Guyana is the only country that can produce enough of all seven essential food groups to meet domestic demand. It not only covers every category, but exceeds needs in starchy staples and fruit—making it a clear global outlier in food independence. China and Vietnam come close, each covering six out of seven groups. However, both fall short in dairy production, reflecting structural constraints in key sectors. Even top performers still rely on imports for at least one essential category. CountrySelf-Sufficient Food Groups (of 7) Guyana7 China6 Vietnam6 Paraguay5 New Zealand5 Uruguay5 Vanuatu5 Argentina5 Brazil5 Lithuania5 Estonia5 Australia5 Latvia5 Spain5 Serbia5 Kazakhstan5 Croatia5 Ukraine5 Peru5 Türkiye5 Romania5 Uzbekistan5 Russia5 Lao PDR5 Kyrgyzstan5 Oman5 Philippines5 Canada4 Denmark4 United States4 Belarus4 Netherlands4 Poland4 Chile4 Belgium4 Moldova4 France4 Hungary4 Papua New Guinea4 Myanmar4 Ecuador4 Dominican Republic4 Senegal4 Greece4 Albania4 Nicaragua4 Portugal4 Niger4 Italy4 Israel4 Cameroon4 Malawi4 Bolivia4 Armenia4 Mexico4 Thailand4 Mali4 Azerbaijan4 Slovakia4 Tunisia4 South Sudan4 Guatemala4 Iran4 Turkmenistan4 Tonga4 Bosnia and Herzegovina4 Indonesia4 Morocco4 Nepal4 Syrian Arab Republic4 Suriname4 Iceland3 Tuvalu3 Ireland3 Norway3 Costa Rica3 Samoa3 Central African Republic3 Belize3 Finland3 Guinea-Bissau3 Burkina Faso3 Germany3 Sudan3 Dominica3 Czechia3 North Macedonia3 Guinea3 Ghana3 Panama3 Tanzania3 Sweden3 Colombia3 Chad3 Uganda3 Rwanda3 India3 Bulgaria3 South Africa3 Côte d'Ivoire3 Cyprus3 Tajikistan3 Solomon Islands3 South Korea3 Jamaica3 Egypt3 Lebanon3 Burundi3 Kenya3 Angola3 Pakistan3 Algeria3 Venezuela3 Gabon3 Sierra Leone3 Saudi Arabia3 Kiribati2 Micronesia2 Seychelles2 Mongolia2 Luxembourg2 Austria2 Comoros2 Namibia2 Mauritania2 Switzerland2 Slovenia2 Sri Lanka2 Benin2 United Kingdom2 Nauru2 Cambodia2 Nigeria2 Georgia2 Montenegro2 Fiji2 Malaysia2 St. Vincent and the Grenadines2 Honduras2 Mozambique2 Cuba2 Bhutan2 Sao Tome and Principe2 Ethiopia2 Zambia2 Bangladesh2 Botswana2 Grenada2 Barbados2 St. Lucia2 Eswatini2 El Salvador2 Libya2 Togo2 New Caledonia2 Haiti2 Jordan2 Maldives1 Zimbabwe1 DR Congo1 Bahamas, The1 Republic of the Congo1 Japan1 Cabo Verde1 Madagascar1 Timor-Leste1 Trinidad and Tobago1 Somalia1 Mauritius1 The Gambia1 Liberia1 French Polynesia1 Kuwait1 St. Kitts and Nevis1 Malta1 Djibouti1 Antigua and Barbuda1 Lesotho1 Bahrain1 Hong Kong1 Afghanistan0 Iraq0 Yemen0 United Arab Emirates0 Qatar0 Macao0 Wealth Doesn’t Guarantee Food Independence High-income countries often rank lower than expected. For example, Canada and the United States each cover only four out of seven food groups. Despite strong production in meat, dairy, and grains, both countries depend heavily on imports for fruits and vegetables. This pattern reflects geography and climate. Northern countries face shorter growing seasons, limiting domestic output of fresh produce. As a result, even advanced agricultural systems cannot fully produce a balanced diet domestically. Structural Constraints Shape Regional Gaps The Middle East and North Africa consistently rank among the least self-sufficient regions. Limited water resources play a major role. The region holds roughly 6% of the global population but less than 2% of renewable water supply, restricting agricultural expansion. Fish production is another major constraint globally. According to the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), Asia accounts for 91% of aquaculture output. This concentration leaves many countries dependent on seafood imports, even when they can produce meat or crops domestically. Learn More on the Voronoi App If you enjoyed today’s post, check out this graphic about how 30% of food produced worldwide goes to waste.

See more visualizations like this on the Voronoi app. Use This Visualization Mapped: The Cost of Living Across America See visuals like this from many other data creators on our Voronoi app. Download it for free on iOS or Android and discover incredible data-driven charts from a variety of trusted sources. Key Takeaways Hawaii is the most expensive state, with annual household costs reaching $141,127. Oklahoma is the cheapest at $66,284, creating a gap of roughly $75,000 per year. Most states cluster between roughly $70,000 and $90,000, while coastal and remote states tend to cost far more. Living in one U.S. state versus another can change your annual costs by as much as $75,000. Using GOBankingRate’s analysis of the Bureau of Labor Statistics’ 2024 Consumer Expenditure Survey and Missouri Economic Research and Information Center data as of Q3 2025, this map shows how annual household costs vary across all 50 states. From $141,127 in Hawaii to $66,284 in Oklahoma, the difference is stark. For many households, location alone can be one of the biggest drivers of overall cost. The Most Expensive States to Live In Hawaii tops the list at $141,127 per year, making it the most expensive state by a wide margin. That is about $75,000 more than Oklahoma and roughly $63,000 above the U.S. average. In many cases, paying off a home in the Aloha State requires multi-generational efforts due to steep housing costs. Residents also pay 28% more for healthcare and 33% more for groceries than the national average. This table shows average household expenditures by state, based on cost-of-living indexes and consumer spending across groceries, housing, utilities, transportation, and healthcare: RankStateAnnual Average ExpendituresCost-of-Living Index 1Hawaii$141,127179.7 2Massachusetts$118,431150.8 3California$107,357136.7 4Alaska$100,289127.7 5New York$99,425126.6 6Maryland$93,378118.9 7New Jersey$90,001114.6 8Maine$89,687114.2 9Connecticut$89,608114.1 10Washington$89,451113.9 11Vermont$89,294113.7 12Rhode Island$89,059113.4 13Oregon$87,231111.8 14Montana$86,231109.8 15New Hampshire$85,760109.2 16Arizona$85,446108.8 17Delaware$80,734102.8 18Colorado$80,655102.7 19Virginia$78,614100.1 20Florida$78,14299.5 21Utah$77,82899.1 22Idaho$77,75099.0 23Nevada$77,43698.6 24Wisconsin$76,72997.7 25North Carolina$76,49397.4 26Pennsylvania$76,25797.1 27Illinois$75,31595.9 28Wyoming$74,84495.3 29Michigan$74,37394.7 30Minnesota$73,98094.2 31Ohio$72,88092.8 32Louisiana$72,80292.7 33New Mexico$72,64592.5 34South Carolina$72,64592.5 35Kentucky$72,17491.9 36Georgia$72,09591.8 37South Dakota$72,09591.8 38Nebraska$71,93891.6 39North Dakota$71,70291.3 40Texas$71,31090.8 41Indiana$71,15390.6 42Iowa$70,91790.3 43Tennessee$70,91790.3 44Arkansas$70,13289.3 45Missouri$69,89689.0 46Kansas$69,81888.9 47West Virginia$69,18988.1 48Alabama$69,03287.9 49Mississippi$67,14785.5 50Oklahoma$66,28484.4 Massachusetts ($118,431), California ($107,357), Alaska ($100,289), and New York ($99,425) round out the top five, reflecting a mix of housing pressure, geographic isolation, and higher overall costs. The Cheapest States to Live In In Oklahoma, average annual household spending is $66,284, making it the most affordable state overall. With the median home sale price in Oklahoma City at $240,000, housing remains relatively affordable, with prices rising just 1% year over year as of December 2025. By contrast, the U.S. median stood at nearly $359,000. Meanwhile, the state benefits from lower gas prices than Texas due to lower taxes and regional supply advantages, along with some of the most affordable groceries in the country. Mississippi ranks second at $67,147, where annual living costs are more than $10,000 lower than in Florida. Texas ranks 11th, with average spending of $71,310. Despite strong interstate migration, robust home construction has helped ease pressure on prices. Notably, home prices in Houston fell 2.2% annually last year to about $302,000. The map highlights a clear reality: in the U.S., location alone can shift annual living costs by tens of thousands of dollars. For households considering a move, that difference can rival the impact of income itself. Learn More on the Voronoi App To learn more about this topic, check out this graphic on the global cost of living index in 2026.

Ranked: The Most Polite Countries in the World See visuals like this from many other data creators on our Voronoi app. Download it for free on iOS or Android and discover incredible data-driven charts from a variety of trusted sources. Key Takeaways Japan is considered the most polite country in the world, receiving over 35% of votes cast globally. Canada secured more votes (13.4%) than any other country in the Western Hemisphere. European countries dominate the ranking of the 25 most polite countries worldwide. What makes a country “polite”—and which ones stand out globally? A new survey of over 4,600 respondents by Remitly reveals a clear frontrunner. Japan alone captured more than 35% of all votes, far ahead of every other country on the list. The ranking highlights how perceptions of politeness vary worldwide, while also revealing strong regional patterns across Europe and Asia. Perceptions of politeness can shape everything from tourism experiences to international business relationships. For travelers, these rankings often influence expectations around etiquette, hospitality, and day-to-day interactions abroad. Japan: The World’s Clear Favorite Japan stands far ahead of every other country, capturing 35.2% of all votes—nearly three times more than second-place Canada. No other country breaks even 15%, underscoring just how dominant Japan’s reputation is globally. Japanese culture is famous for its high emphasis on respect, etiquette, and social harmony. The country’s blend of tradition and recognizable cultural exports has helped it become well-regarded nearly everywhere. The following data table lists the 25 most polite countries worldwide. RankCountryMost Polite Nations (%) 1 Japan35.2% 2 Canada13.4% 3 United Kingdom6.2% 4 China3.1% 5 Germany2.8% 6 Philippines2.3% 7 Sweden2.3% 8 Denmark2.1% 9 Finland1.9% 10 South Africa1.8% 11 Australia1.7% 11 Switzerland1.7% 13 United States1.6% 14 India1.5% 15 Ireland1.5% 16 New Zealand1.4% 17 Norway1.2% 18 Netherlands1.2% 19 Thailand1.2% 19 France1.2% 21 Brazil1.1% 22 Spain1.1% 23 Belgium1.0% 24 Italy1.0% 25 Austria1.0% Certain traits associated with local culture no doubt contribute to the Japanese people’s reputation of politeness, including the value placed on cleanliness and punctuality. Beyond this, citizens of other countries may be surprised when encountering Japanese bowing, a way of conveying respect, as well as other unique elements such as relative silence on public transit within the country. Canada’s High Respect Premium Canada ranks second with 13.4% of the vote—less than half of Japan’s total, highlighting the gap between first place and the rest of the field. The sprawling North American country has been deemed the most respected country worldwide by one measure, while Canadians have long been known as some of the friendliest people on the globe. Canada’s hospitality and civility has boosted the country’s reputation for politeness, both in dealings with each other and with people from other countries. This has been reinforced in some corners by the country’s relative contrasts with its southern neighbor, the United States, which obtained just over a tenth of the share of votes (1.6%) of Canada. Europe’s High Prevalence of Politeness After Canada, the United Kingdom ranks third at 6.2%, leading a strong European showing. In total, European countries make up more than half of the top 25—suggesting that politeness, as perceived globally, is strongly associated with the region. Northern Europeans appear to fare better than their peers across the Old Continent, with the UK joined in the top 10 by Germany (2.8%) and Nordic countries like Sweden (2.3%), Denmark (2.1%), and Finland (1.9%). In contrast, Asian countries nabbed a fifth of the spots on the list, while Africa was home to only one country in the top 25: South Africa, which at 1.8% of all votes cast landed at the 10th position worldwide. Learn More on the Voronoi App If you enjoyed today’s post, check out The Best Countries For Culture & Heritage, As Determined by the People on Voronoi.Use This Visualization

See more visuals like this on the Voronoi app. Use This Visualization Mapped: The Highest Point in Every U.S. State See visuals like this from many other data creators on our Voronoi app. Download it for free on iOS or Android and discover incredible data-driven charts from a variety of trusted sources. Key Takeaways Alaska’s highest point reaches 20,320 ft, towering 5,826 ft above second-place California. All 13 states above 10,000 ft are west of the Mississippi River. Just five states peak below 1,000 ft, all in low-lying coastal regions. The gap between the highest and lowest state peaks spans nearly 20,000 ft. From Denali in Alaska to Britton Hill in Florida, the highest points in each U.S. state reveal a dramatic divide in elevation across the country. This map shows the tallest natural point in every state, measured in feet above sea level, using data from the USGS via the U.S. Census Bureau’s Statistical Abstract. The differences are stark: Alaska rises above 20,000 feet, while several coastal states don’t even reach 1,000 feet. Alaska Towers Above All Other U.S. States Alaska dominates the ranking. Its highest point, Denali, reaches 20,320 ft—5,826 ft higher than California’s Mount Whitney in second place. This single gap is larger than the entire elevation range of many eastern states, highlighting just how extreme Alaska’s terrain is. That makes Denali nearly 59 times taller than Florida’s highest point, underscoring the extreme range in U.S. elevation. The data table below ranks all 50 U.S. states by their highest elevation measured in feet above sea level: RankStateHighest Elevation (in feet) 1Alaska20,320 2California14,494 3Colorado14,433 4Washington14,411 5Wyoming13,804 6Hawaii13,796 7Utah13,528 8New Mexico13,161 9Nevada13,140 10Montana12,799 11Idaho12,662 12Arizona12,633 13Oregon11,239 14Texas8,749 15South Dakota7,242 16North Carolina6,684 17Tennessee6,643 18New Hampshire6,288 19Virginia5,729 20Nebraska5,424 21New York5,344 22Maine5,268 23Oklahoma4,973 24West Virginia4,863 25Georgia4,784 26Vermont4,393 27Kentucky4,145 28Kansas4,039 29South Carolina3,560 30North Dakota3,506 31Massachusetts3,491 32Maryland3,360 33Pennsylvania3,213 34Arkansas2,753 35Alabama2,407 36Connecticut2,380 37Minnesota2,301 38Michigan1,979 39Wisconsin1,951 40New Jersey1,803 41Missouri1,772 42Iowa1,670 43Ohio1,550 44Indiana1,257 45Illinois1,235 46Rhode Island812 47Mississippi806 48Louisiana535 49Delaware448 50Florida345 A clear geographic pattern emerges: every state above 10,000 ft lies west of the Mississippi River. These peaks cluster in major mountain systems like the Rockies, Sierra Nevada, and Cascades, while the eastern half of the country is defined by much older, lower ranges. After Oregon at 11,239 ft, elevations drop sharply—falling more than 2,400 ft to Texas and continuing downward across much of the central United States. From there, the list tapers into the Appalachians and the interior East, where states like North Carolina, Tennessee, and New Hampshire still reach above 6,000 ft, but far below the tallest peaks in the Rockies, Cascades, Sierra Nevada, and Alaska Range. Only Five States Top Out Below 1,000 Feet At the other end of the spectrum, five states never reach 1,000 feet. Florida ranks last at just 345 ft—meaning Alaska’s highest point is nearly 59 times taller. These low peaks are concentrated in flat, coastal regions, where elevation changes are minimal compared to the mountainous West. Those states are mostly coastal and low-lying, which helps explain why their peaks sit far below the national median of states’ highest points of 4,588.5 ft. In total, 37 states rise above 2,000 ft, and 22 exceed 5,000 ft, highlighting how much of the country still reaches significant elevation despite the dominance of the West. Learn More on the Voronoi App If you enjoyed today’s post, check out Fourteeners, the Highest Mountains of the U.S. on Voronoi.

Mapped: Where Does Eastern Europe Begin and End? Key Takeaways There is no single definition of Eastern Europe. Its borders vary depending on historical, political, and cultural context. Russia, Ukraine, and Belarus are almost always included, forming the region’s “core.” The eastern boundary is widely agreed upon, but the western edge shifts significantly across definitions. The animated map above uses data from various organizations to highlight interpretations of Eastern Europe’s geographical extent. At a glance, the visualization shows a tight core centered on Russia, Ukraine, and Belarus, with boundaries stretching eastward into Russia and stopping along a debated western frontier that cuts through Central Europe. Eastern Europe’s Borders, Defined Below are major groupings from the UN, CIA World Factbook, StAGN (Germany’s committee on geographical names), and The European Correspondent, the creator of the map. CountryUN (Regional)UN (M49)CIA World FactbookEuro. CorrespondentStAGN Belarus✓✓✓✓✓ Russia✓✓✓✓✓ Ukraine✓✓✓✓✓ Moldova✓✓✓✓ Bulgaria✓✓ Czechia✓✓ Hungary✓✓ Poland✓✓ Romania✓✓ Slovakia✓✓ Estonia✓✓ Latvia✓✓ Lithuania✓✓ Albania✓✓ Azerbaijan✓✓ Georgia✓✓ Albania✓ Bosnia & Herz.✓ Croatia✓ Montenegro✓ N. Macedonia✓ Serbia✓ Slovenia✓ A Region Defined by Perspective Unlike continents or countries, Eastern Europe is not a fixed geographic entity. Instead, its definition has evolved over time, shaped by empires, ideology, and institutions. According to various modern definitions, the region can include anywhere from a handful of countries to over a dozen. Historically, the term gained prominence during the Cold War, when it often referred to Soviet-aligned nations. This political framing still influences perceptions today. The Core vs. the Fringe Despite disagreements, some countries are almost always included: Russia Ukraine Belarus These nations form the “core” of Eastern Europe across most academic and institutional definitions. Beyond them, the picture becomes less clear. Countries like Poland, Hungary, and the Czech Republic are sometimes included, but are often classified as Central Europe instead. Research from institutions like the University of Basel highlights how these shifting classifications reflect cultural identity as much as geography. How Far Does It Stretch? At its maximum extent, Eastern Europe can span from Germany’s eastern border all the way to the Ural Mountains in Russia. This broader definition may include the Balkans and parts of Central Europe. At its minimum, however, the region shrinks to just a few countries in Eastern Slavic territory. That these narrower definitions often reflect cultural or linguistic commonalities. Ultimately, where Eastern Europe “begins” and “ends” depends on who you ask, which makes it less of a place on a map and more of an idea shaped by history and geopolitics.

See more visuals like this on the Voronoi app. Use This Visualization The Fastest-Growing and Shrinking Populations (2000-2025) See visuals like this from many other data creators on our Voronoi app. Download it for free on iOS or Android and discover incredible data-driven charts from a variety of trusted sources. Key Takeaways Qatar’s population grew by over 400%, the fastest increase globally since 2000. Ukraine’s population fell by roughly one-third, the steepest decline. A clear divide is emerging: rapid growth in the Gulf and Africa vs. shrinking populations in Eastern Europe. Over the past 25 years, some countries have more than tripled their populations, while others have seen sharp declines that are reshaping their economies and societies. This graphic uses IMF data to rank the 24 countries with the fastest population growth and decline since 2000, measured by total percentage change. Gulf States Lead the World in Population Growth The Persian Gulf dominates the growth rankings—but not because of high birth rates. Qatar leads the world with a staggering 423% population increase, growing from roughly 594,000 to 3.1 million. The UAE follows at 250%, while Bahrain (+154%), Kuwait (+139%), and Oman (+129%) also rank among the top 10. The data table below shows the top 24 countries by population growth from 2000 to 2025: RankCountryPopulation Growth 2000–2025 1 Qatar423.4% 2 United Arab Emirates249.7% 3 Equatorial Guinea166.6% 4 Niger157.0% 5 Bahrain153.9% 6 Papua New Guinea149.6% 7 Angola139.7% 8 Kuwait139.1% 9 Oman129.1% 10 Chad126.9% 11 Jordan126.3% 12 Burundi123.6% 13 Democratic Republic of the Congo121.8% 14 Uganda120.1% 15 Zambia119.5% 16 Mali118.4% 17 Yemen112.9% 18 Gambia112.8% 19 Madagascar108.7% 20 Republic of Congo107.0% 21 Benin106.6% 22 Tanzania106.4% 23 Mozambique102.3% 24 Ivory Coast102.3% These surges are almost entirely driven by imported labor migration. Massive construction projects, oil and gas expansion, and broader economic diversification efforts drew millions of foreign workers to the region over the past two decades. Outside the Gulf, the fastest-growing populations are concentrated in sub-Saharan Africa. Equatorial Guinea (+167%), Niger (+157%), and Papua New Guinea (+150%) round out the top five. Angola (+140%), Chad (+127%), the Democratic Republic of the Congo (+122%), Burundi (+124%), Uganda (+120%), and Zambia (+120%) all more than doubled their populations. High fertility rates and gradually improving healthcare have sustained rapid growth across the region. Eastern Europe’s Population Collapse In contrast, much of Eastern Europe is experiencing sustained population decline. Bulgaria (-23%), Latvia (-22%), Moldova (-19%), and Lithuania (-18%) have all lost roughly a fifth or more of their populations since 2000. Ukraine stands apart with the steepest decline at -33%, losing roughly 16 million people—from 48.7 million in 2000 to an estimated 32.9 million in 2025. Along with long-term economic factors, the war with Russia has accelerated Ukraine’s population decline. The data table below shows the top 24 countries by population decline from 2000 to 2025: RankCountry/TerritoryPopulation Decline 2000–2025 1 Ukraine-32.5% 2 Marshall Islands-29.4% 3 Bulgaria-23.2% 4 Latvia-21.6% 5 Moldova-18.8% 6 Lithuania-17.5% 7 Puerto Rico-16.7% 8 Romania-16.1% 9 Serbia-13.1% 10 Albania-12.8% 11 Croatia-12.0% 12 Micronesia-11.2% 13 Georgia-10.3% 14 North Macedonia-10.0% 15 Belarus-9.0% 16 Bosnia and Herzegovina-8.2% 17 Hungary-6.5% 18 Palau-5.3% 19 Poland-4.6% 20 Greece-3.7% 21 Armenia-3.3% 22 Japan-2.8% 23 Estonia-1.6% 24 Russia-0.7% The pattern is consistent: after EU accession opened borders to higher-wage Western European economies, working-age emigration accelerated. This compounded an already-low birth rate across the region, creating a demographic squeeze that has left many of these countries with aging, shrinking populations. Puerto Rico (-17%), Romania (-16%), and Serbia (-13%) follow a similar trajectory. Even larger countries like Poland (-5%) and Japan (-3%) saw population declines, though at more modest rates relative to their size. Russia rounds out the list, with its population falling by just under 1% since 2000. Learn More on the Voronoi App If you enjoyed today’s post, check out The World’s Largest Countries by Population (2025) on Voronoi.

Mapped: How the Euro Spread Across Europe Since 1999 See visuals like this from many other data creators on our Voronoi app. Download it for free on iOS or Android and discover incredible data-driven charts from a variety of trusted sources. Key Takeaways The eurozone has grown from 12 countries in 1999 to 21 in 2026. Bulgaria became the latest member in 2026, adopting the euro. Five EU countries have yet to join, despite being expected to eventually adopt the currency. Since its launch in 1999, the euro has spread across much of Europe, becoming one of the world’s most widely used currencies. This map highlights how the eurozone has expanded since its founding in 1999, utilizing official 2026 European Union statistics. In January 2026, Bulgaria became the 21st eurozone member—marking the first expansion of the currency bloc since Croatia joined in 2023. Eurozone: Growth Snapshot 1999: 12 founding members 2001–2015: Gradual expansion across Southern and Eastern Europe 2023–2026: Two new members (Croatia and Bulgaria) Today: 21 total countries using the euro The Eurozone as of 2026 The eurozone was formed in 1999 by 12 founding members in Northern and Western Europe, including France, Germany, Italy, and Spain. Since then, nine more countries have joined, including most recently Croatia in 2023 and Bulgaria in 2026. Per monetary agreements with the European Union, four European microstates can also use the euro despite not being eurozone members: Andorra, Monaco, San Marino, and Vatican City. The following data table lists European countries alongside the year they began to use the euro. CountryEuro Adopted in Year Austria1999 Belgium1999 Finland1999 France1999 Germany1999 Ireland1999 Italy1999 Luxembourg1999 Netherlands1999 Portugal1999 Spain1999 Andorra1999 Monaco1999 San Marino1999 Vatican City1999 Greece2001 Kosovo2002 Montenegro2002 Slovenia2007 Cyprus2008 Malta2008 Slovakia2009 Estonia2011 Latvia2014 Lithuania2015 Croatia2023 Bulgaria2026 The eurozone is the largest currency union in the world, and has its monetary policy set by the European Central Bank, headquartered in Frankfurt, Germany. Currencies on other continents, such as the West African CFA franc, are pegged to the euro as a legacy of their historical relationship to the French franc. In total, 21 of the European Union’s current 27 member countries have joined, including the bloc’s five largest economies and all of its founding members. The union famously came into crisis in the late 2000s and early 2010s as multiple eurozone members, including Italy, Greece, and Spain, suffered simultaneous financial crises. The Future of the Eurozone All EU member countries are expected to adopt the euro upon reaching certain monetary criteria. The only exception to this rule is Denmark, which negotiated a permanent opt-out in the 1990s allowing it to legally avoid euro adoption as long as it wanted. Prior to leaving the EU in 2020, the United Kingdom had also obtained this opt-out. Five EU countries—Czechia, Hungary, Poland, Romania, and Sweden—still don’t use the euro, despite being expected to adopt it eventually. However, progress has been uneven. Joining the euro requires meeting strict economic criteria, and participation in the ERM II system remains voluntary—slowing the path to adoption for several countries. Unilateral Euro Adoption In addition to the 21 members of the eurozone and the four microstates with monetary agreements, there are two European countries which have unilaterally adopted the euro: Kosovo and Montenegro. These two countries, which each broke away from Serbia in the 2000s, adopted the euro in 2002 after having previously used the German mark instead of the Yugoslav dinar. At the transition from the mark to the euro, both switched to the new currency, despite no authorization to do so by the European Union and subsequently no ability to mint their own banknotes. The EU generally frowns upon this practice of non-EU countries adopting the euro unilaterally. In fact, EU officials have even indicated that unilateral euro adoption could jeopardize a country’s eventual accession to the European Union. Learn More on the Voronoi App If you enjoyed today’s post, check out The $19 Trillion European Union Economy on Voronoi.Use This Visualization

See more visualizations like this on the Voronoi app. Use This Visualization Ranked: The Countries Building the Most Nuclear Power See visuals like this from many other data creators on our Voronoi app. Download it for free on iOS or Android and discover incredible data-driven charts from a variety of trusted sources. Key Takeaways China is on track to more than double U.S. nuclear capacity, reaching nearly 186 GW. The U.S. leads today but ranks second when planned projects are included. Emerging players like India and Uganda are rapidly scaling nuclear capacity from near zero. China is set to become the world’s dominant nuclear power producer. Based on existing and planned projects, its total capacity could reach nearly 186 gigawatts, far surpassing the U.S., which currently leads globally. This shift reflects a broader push to secure reliable, low-carbon energy as electricity demand rises. This chart ranks countries by current and prospective nuclear capacity, using data from Global Energy Monitor. How Nuclear Energy Is Set to Scale by Country The U.S. currently leads nuclear energy production with a capacity of 102,475 megawatts, exceeding France by more than 35,000 MW. China ranks third today at 60,898 MW, but that is set to change as new plants come online. Dive into the data, which includes sites of any capacity as of September 2025, below: CountryOperating Nuclear Power (GW)Prospective Nuclear Power (GW)Total Future Nuclear Power (GW) China60.9124.9185.8 United States102.515.4117.9 France65.79.975.6 Russia28.632.260.7 India8.231.539.7 South Korea27.15.632.7 Ukraine13.88.422.3 Japan13.36.619.8 Uganda0.018.018.0 Canada14.62.517.2 Poland0.015.615.6 United Kingdom6.58.915.4 Türkiye0.014.714.7 Czechia4.25.79.9 Kazakhstan0.09.69.6 Iran1.07.48.4 Spain7.40.07.4 Sweden7.20.07.2 United Arab Emirates5.70.05.7 Kenya0.05.05.0 This shift has major geopolitical implications. Countries that expand nuclear capacity can reduce reliance on imported fossil fuels while strengthening energy security and grid stability. If all planned projects are completed, China will lead with 185,812 MW, followed by the U.S. at 117,910 MW and France at 75,590 MW. France remains a historic leader in nuclear energy, with around 69% of its electricity generated from the technology. The UK was home to the world’s first commercial nuclear power plant, which came online in 1956, but later scaled back its use of nuclear. The government is now aiming for a “golden age of nuclear,” though current commitments totaling 15,394 MW would rank the country just 12th globally. Of the 17 countries with zero installed capacity today, Uganda is set to scale up the most to 18,000 MW, followed by Poland with 15,612 MW and Türkiye with 14,700 MW. Betting on Nuclear Fusion and Fission Today’s nuclear expansion is centered on fission, the technology that powers all existing reactors and accounts for about 10% of global electricity generation. While mature, it is evolving through smaller, modular designs that aim to reduce costs, improve safety, and speed up deployment. This helps explain why much of the prospective capacity in the chart includes not only large-scale plants, but also a growing wave of smaller reactors backed by governments and private capital. At the same time, nuclear fusion, the process that powers the sun, remains a long-term ambition. Despite rising investment and recent technical progress, it has yet to reach commercial scale. For now, the global nuclear buildout is firmly rooted in fission, as countries prioritize reliable, low-carbon power that can be deployed within the next decade. Learn More on the Voronoi App To learn more about nuclear, check out this graphic ranking the countries building the most reactors.

See more visuals like this on the Voronoi app. Use This Visualization Mapped: Tax Burden by State in the U.S. See visuals like this from many other data creators on our Voronoi app. Download it for free on iOS or Android and discover data-driven charts from a variety of trusted sources. Key Takeaways Hawaii and New York have the highest tax burdens, both exceeding 12% of income. Alaska and New Hampshire rank lowest, with total tax burdens below 6%. Despite very different tax systems, most states fall between 8% and 10%. How much you pay in taxes can vary dramatically depending on where you live. Across the U.S., total state and local tax burdens range from under 5% to over 13% of income. This map ranks all 50 states by total tax burden, combining income, property, and sales taxes into a single measure. The data for this visualization comes from a WalletHub analysis of Tax Policy Center data. Federal income taxes are excluded. The Highest-Tax States Stand Out Hawaii ranks first with a total tax burden of 13.3%, the highest in the country. A key driver is its heavy reliance on sales and excise taxes, which account for 7.48% of personal income, the highest share among all states. RankStateTotal Tax Burden (%) 1Hawaii13.3 2New York12.4 3Vermont11.1 4New Mexico10.8 5Maine10.0 6Illinois9.9 7Maryland9.7 8New Jersey9.5 9Oregon9.5 10Rhode Island9.3 11California9.2 12Iowa9.2 13Kansas9.2 14Indiana9.1 15Minnesota9.1 16Ohio9.1 17Connecticut9.0 18West Virginia8.9 19Utah8.9 20Mississippi8.8 21Massachusetts8.8 22Louisiana8.8 23Kentucky8.8 24Pennsylvania8.5 25Washington8.5 26Arkansas8.4 27Nevada8.4 28Virginia8.3 29Nebraska8.2 30Georgia8.2 31Wisconsin8.1 32Michigan8.0 33Alabama7.9 34Missouri7.8 35North Carolina7.8 36Texas7.7 37Colorado7.6 38South Carolina7.5 39Montana7.3 40Arizona7.2 41Oklahoma7.1 42Idaho7.0 43North Dakota7.0 44Wyoming6.7 45South Dakota6.4 46Delaware6.3 47Florida6.3 48Tennessee6.2 49New Hampshire5.4 50Alaska4.9 New York follows at 12.4%, driven by a combination of relatively high income and property taxes. Vermont, New Mexico, and Maine round out the top five, with each above a 10% total tax burden. Most States Fall in a Narrow Range For most Americans, tax burdens are far less extreme. The majority of states fall between roughly 8% and 10% of income, including Illinois, Maryland, California, and Minnesota. That clustering reflects trade-offs. States with lower income taxes often make up the difference through higher property or sales taxes, leading to similar overall burdens. No Income Tax Doesn’t Always Mean a Low Burden At the bottom of the ranking are states with significantly lower tax burdens, led by Alaska at 4.9% and New Hampshire at 5.4%. Several states, including Florida, Texas, and Tennessee, do not levy a state income tax. However, no income tax does not always translate into the lowest overall burden. Many of these states rely more heavily on sales taxes or alternative revenue sources such as tourism or natural resources. Learn More on the Voronoi App If you enjoyed today’s post, check out Where Americans Pay the Most Income Tax on Voronoi, the new app from Visual Capitalist.

See more visuals like this on the Voronoi app. SpaceX’s IPO Would Make It a Top 10 Company Globally See visuals like this from many other data creators on our Voronoi app. Download it for free on iOS or Android and discover incredible data-driven charts from a variety of trusted sources. Key Takeaways At a reported valuation of $1.75 trillion, SpaceX’s IPO would place it among the world’s 10 largest companies by market value. If it lists near that level, SpaceX would surpass Saudi Aramco as the largest IPO by valuation in history. Elon Musk owns about 42% of SpaceX, meaning a blockbuster listing could put him on track to become the first trillionaire. SpaceX is still private, but its reported IPO valuation target already puts it in rare territory. At $1.75 trillion, Elon Musk’s rocket and satellite company would enter the public markets as the eighth-largest company in the world. This visualization compares SpaceX’s targeted IPO valuation with those of the world’s largest public companies, ranked by market capitalization using data from CompaniesMarketCap and Bloomberg as of April 1, 2026. SpaceX Valuation Big Enough for Wall Street At a targeted valuation of $1.75 trillion, SpaceX would be worth more than all but seven of the world’s largest public companies. The table below shows the biggest companies globally by market cap and where SpaceX would rank among them: RankCompanyMarket Cap (billions, USD) 1NVIDIA4,280 2Apple3,760 3Alphabet (Google)3,580 4Microsoft2,750 5Amazon2,270 6TSMC1,780 7Saudi Aramco1,780 8SpaceX1,750 9Broadcom1,490 10Meta Platforms (Facebook)1,470 11Tesla1,430 12Berkshire Hathaway1,030 13Walmart996 14Eli Lilly858 15Samsung838 16JPMorgan Chase797 The largest U.S. companies include Nvidia, Apple, Alphabet, Microsoft, and Amazon, alongside international giants like TSMC and Saudi Aramco. If SpaceX lists near $1.75 trillion, it would surpass Saudi Aramco’s roughly $1.7 trillion debut in 2019, making it the largest IPO by valuation in history. For context, that valuation would be more than double the size of JPMorgan, the largest U.S. bank, and Eli Lilly, the world’s largest pharmaceutical company. SpaceX already handles over half of all global orbital launches. In addition to its reusable rockets, it operates Starlink, the world’s largest satellite internet network. Elon Musk: The First Trillionaire? Musk’s path to becoming a trillionaire depends largely on his stakes in SpaceX (42%) and Tesla (12%). A public listing near $1.75 trillion would significantly increase the value of his holdings, potentially putting him within reach of a $1 trillion net worth, depending on Tesla’s share price. Musk is already the world’s richest person, but crossing the trillion-dollar threshold would mark a first in history—roughly equivalent to Switzerland’s annual GDP. Learn More on the Voronoi App To learn more about how big the space economy is, check out this graphic, which visualizes its size.