The annual interest earned on a $250,000 deposit or investment depends entirely on the prevailing percentage yield or interest rate offered by the financial vehicle. For example, placing the funds in a high-yield savings account or certificate of deposit paying an annual percentage yield of 4.5% would generate approximately $11,250 in gross interest over twelve months before accounting for applicable federal and state income taxes. Market-based investments or riskier corporate bonds could yield higher or lower returns.