HARTFORD, Conn. (AP) -- New Englanders spent more on food, health care, gas to run their cars and electricity to heat and cool their homes in 2012 than most other Americans, according to statistics released Thursday by the federal government showing that spending has rebounded since the recession ended in 2009.

The numbers are from a new annual report the U.S. Department of Commerce issued for the first time showing consumer spending state-by-state. The numbers point to substantial shifts in the economy since the Great Recession ended five years ago.

Individually, consumers spent more in New England - $44,549 - in 2012 than in any other region in the United States, according to the statistics from the Bureau of Economic Analysis. Spending overall in the region jumped 11 percent since the end of the recession in 2009, which is comparable to rising spending in most other regions.

Nationally, consumer spending was $35,498 in 2012, the most recent year for which the statistics were available.
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