Springfieldian Morris listed as wealthiest in state

Missouri’s wealthiest individual resides in Springfield, according to a national report released last week.

The third widespread wealth analysis this year tabulating the fortunes of Bass Pro Shops founder Johnny Morris now positions the Springfieldian as the wealthiest individual in Missouri.

Financial research and database firm Wealth-X on Oct. 29 published a white paper identifying the 50 wealthiest Americans by state, based on net worth valuations by the international company. Morris’ $3.8 billion net worth is tops in Missouri and equals the wealth of Illinois private equity investor Sam Zell, a former co-owner of the Chicago Cubs, and Minnesota agribusinessman Whitney MacMillan, an heir to Cargill Inc.

As expected, Microsoft Chairman Bill Gates tops the list with $70.8 billion in his home state of Washington, and investor Warren Buffett is No. 2 with a $59.8 billion net worth in Nebraska. Closer to home, David Koch, the wealthiest Kansan ($41.5 billion), represents the fourth-greatest net worth by state, and he is followed directly by James Walton of Arkansas ($37.1 billion).

Morris is among nine individuals new to the Wealth-X list, and his net worth slots Missouri as No. 28. Collectively, the net worth leaders new to the list are valued at $34 billion – 50 percent more than the combined wealth of the individuals representing the same nine states on the list last year, Wealth-X said.

Earlier this year, Morris appeared on net worth lists for the first time. In June, Bloomberg pegged his wealth at $2.8 billion, and a few months later, Forbes reported Morris’ fortune at $4 billion, ranking him No. 110 among the 2013 Richest People in America.

According to Wealth-X, nine states do not have a billionaire resident, and the average net worth of individuals on the list is $10.8 billion, up from a $9.1 billion average last year.

The 50 state leaders – identified by their business addresses – represent a cumulative net worth of $540 billion, a 19 percent increase compared to last year. There were no changes in the Top 10 on the 2013 list, the report said.