States with Highest Average Unclaimed Claims
See which states have the highest average payout per claim. California leads at $1,740 average — your actual claim could be much higher.
Other Rankings:
Key Insights
Western states pay more: States like California, Colorado, and Wyoming have the highest average claims, likely due to higher cost of living and larger historical accounts.
$620-$1,740 range: Average claims range from around $480 to $1,740. Even "low-average" states still return hundreds of dollars per claim.
Your claim could be higher: These are averages. Successful claims include everything from small dormant accounts ($50) to major insurance payouts ($50,000+).
Multiple claims possible: You might have money in multiple states. Each claim is independent, so searching multiple states multiplies your potential recovery.
Top 10 States by Average Claim
$1.1 billion total held
$18.4 billion total held
$4.2 billion total held
$12.8 billion total held
$4.5 billion total held
$3.2 billion total held
$3.8 billion total held
$1.8 billion total held
$3.1 billion total held
$2.4 billion total held
Learn About Specific Types of Unclaimed Money
🏦 Unclaimed Bank Accounts
Guide to finding lost checking, savings, and CD accounts
💼 Unclaimed Insurance Money
Find unclaimed life insurance benefits and annuity payments
💰 Unclaimed Paychecks
Locate forgotten wages and final paychecks
📈 Unclaimed Stocks & Dividends
Recover lost investment accounts and dividend payments
FAQ
Why do some states have higher average claims?
Higher-income states and those with larger financial centers tend to have higher average claims. Also, states with more stringent reporting requirements may have accumulated older, larger dormant accounts.
Does higher average mean I'll find more money?
Not necessarily. The average reflects historical claims, but your personal claim depends on what specific property you have in that state. You could find more or less than the average.
Should I prioritize high-average states?
Search based on where you've lived and worked, not just the averages. You're more likely to find property in states where you have a personal history, regardless of their average claim.
Can I get more than the average?
Yes! Successful claims range from a few dollars to tens of thousands. Insurance policies, pension payouts, and old investment accounts can be worth far more than the average.