Americans’ personal income rose 8.7% last year.

Residents of Arizona, Georgia and Florida made the biggest gains, the Commerce Department reported. Commerce said Alaska continues to lead in state per capita income, while Connecticut was second and Mississippi was last. The District of Columbia, at $16,845 per person, would rank second if counted among the states. The U.S. average was $12,707 per person, compared to $11,687 in 1983. Although still leading in overall income, Alaska residents have gained only 1.8% over the past three years. By contrast, Arizona residents’ income increased 12.6% in 1984 alone. Income was up 11.2% in Georgia and 11.1% in Florida last year.

LEADERS IN PER CAPITA INCOME IN 1984

Alaska............$17,155 New York...........$14,121 Connecticut....... 16,369 Maryland........... 14,111 New Jersey........ 15,282 Colorado........... 13,742 Massachusetts..... 14,574 Illinois........... 13,728 California........ 14,344 Delaware........... 13,545