In the midst of a recession, consumers in the Bay State have managed to pinch pennies and maintain some of the largest savings accounts in the country.

Massachusetts is among 17 states where consumer bank savings accounts exceed the national average of $5,753. New Jersey has the highest with an average of $7,477, Connecticut was second with $6,914 and Massachusetts came in third with an average of $6,847. Among the 33 states below the national average, Nevada ($4,794), New Mexico ($4,515) and Arizona ($4,466) ranked as having the smallest.

According to Pitney Bowes Business Insight, which collects customer data, analytics and communication software and services, the national average of dollars in an account is $2,947 for consumer bank non-interest checking accounts. Eighteen states surpass that amount, including New Jersey ($4,245), Massachusetts ($3,933) and Connecticut ($3,811). Kentucky ($2,265), Arkansas ($2,259) and West Virginia ($2,174) have the smallest non-interest checking accounts in the country.

According to Pitney Bowes Business Insight, saving accounts in New Jersey, Connecticut and Massachusetts are the largest in the country, exceeding the national average by nearly 20 percent to 30 percent. Those same states also lead the country with the most money in non-interest checking accounts and surpass the national average by nearly 30 percent to 45 percent.

"Comparing information about checking and savings accounts is just one data layer that can inform the business decisions of our financial services clients," said Bill Simmons, director, business practice leader – financial services, Pitney Bowes Business Insight. "For instance, when combined with comprehensive data about consumer behavior, real estate and demographics, financial institutions can best determine where and how to provide their services to build strong relationships with their customers."