BEN NUCKOLS
Associated Press

WASHINGTON (AP) — New figures from the federal government show that District of Columbia residents spend more money per capita on goods and services than residents of any of the 50 states.

The figures come from a new annual government report that for the first time reveals consumer spending on a state-by-state basis. The data covers the years 1997 to 2012, and the District led the nation in per capita spending every year.

Personal spending is also growing faster in the nation’s capital than in most states, reflecting the city’s growing wealth. Spending in the District was also quick to recover from the Great Recession.

The study also found that District residents spent the most per capita in 2012 on housing and health care.

Copyright 2014 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.