The richest town in every state
America is exceptional in many ways. But not all of them are positive: Wealth inequality is higher in the United States than it is in almost any other developed nation.
This is a relatively new phenomenon, with the wealth divide expanding starkly over the past half-century or so. From 1963 to 2022, the richest top 1% of American families experienced a sevenfold increase in wealth, from $1.8 million to $13.6 million. During the same period, the average wealth of those in the bottom 10% only rose from minus-$23 to $450.
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Wealthy American towns offer a host of amenities, access, and offerings, from suburban communities renowned for their school districts and club soccer teams to bustling neighborhoods filled with trendy bars and restaurants. This is especially true for the richest town in every state. To learn more about these locations, Stacker used the most recent Census Bureau American Community Survey Five-Year Data (as of August 2024) to pull crucial information about these 50 wealthy towns.
Locations are ranked by median household income, with ties broken by the percentage of people annually earning more than $200,000. Any places with a population smaller than 1,000 people were omitted. Additionally, the Census Bureau’s statistics do not show specific median incomes or earnings beyond $250,000, so those numbers are designated as $250,000+. Towns the Census Bureau labels as census-designated places were also excluded for every state except Hawai’i.
The “richest town” can look quite different from state to state, with some being far wealthier than others. For instance, the country’s millionaires and billionaires are concentrated in California, New York, Florida, and Texas, meaning that the lifestyle in Palm Beach is not akin to that of, say, Kildeer, Illinois.
Keep reading to discover which town in your home state earned the title of the richest location and which towns enjoy the highest median incomes in the country.
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Alabama: Mountain Brook
– Median household income: $167,007 (122.2% more than U.S. median income)
– Households earning over $200,000: 3,462 (42.1% of households)
– Median earnings for workers: $86,558 (male: $148,051; female: $73,869)
– Civilian population with health insurance: 99.4%
– Unemployment rate: 0.9%
– Families with income below poverty level: 3.9%
Mountain Brook is a city of 22,400 people just outside of Birmingham. White settlers arrived on the Indigenous hunting ground two centuries ago, and the rugged wilderness has given way to homes, parks, and golf courses. Nicknamed “The Tiny Kingdom,” Mountain Brook is known for its boutiques, fancy restaurants, and down-home Southern cooking. The town holds an annual Pollinator Week in June.
Alaska: Unalaska
– Median household income: $104,706 (39.3% more than U.S. median income)
– Households earning over $200,000: 110 (13.8% of households)
– Median earnings for workers: $45,309 (male: $65,432; female: $45,549)
– Civilian population with health insurance: 83.6%
– Unemployment rate: 3.3%
– Families with income below poverty level: 2.9%
Unalaska, also known as Dutch Harbor, is the most populated town in the Aleutian Islands. The Indigenous Unangan people have lived there for over 8,000 years. Unalaska’s population of 4,200 more than doubles in summer as fishers, birders, and outdoor enthusiasts arrive to bask in the town’s natural splendor. World War II aficionados can lose themselves in a variety of historical sites.
Arizona: Paradise Valley
– Median household income: $221,333 (194.5% more than U.S. median income)
– Households earning over $200,000: 2,772 (54.9% of households)
– Median earnings for workers: $89,419 (male: $172,448; female: $108,463)
– Civilian population with health insurance: 96.0%
– Unemployment rate: 2.5%
– Families with income below poverty level: 2.9%
Paradise Valley, a suburb of Phoenix between Camelback and Mummy Mountain, is a top spot for luxury golf courses, real estate, shopping, and dining. The stunning landscape also includes world-class resorts and spas. In 2004, the town unveiled a statue of Sen. Barry Goldwater, a longtime resident. The town also enjoys an abundance of art galleries, museums, and theaters.
Arkansas: Goshen
– Median household income: $167,961 (123.5% more than U.S. median income)
– Households earning over $200,000: 313 (38.8% of households)
– Median earnings for workers: $66,563 (male: $125,833; female: $68,942)
– Civilian population with health insurance: 99.3%
– Unemployment rate: 1.5%
– Families with income below poverty level: 0.0%
Located in Washington County, east of Fayetteville and Springdale, Goshen is a small town of 2,100 people. Its place in the Ozark Mountains provides an ideal setting for fishing and other outdoor adventures. The city was a Methodist camp before it was developed by white settlers in the 1830s. It then became a contentious battleground during the Civil War. By the 1880s, it had grown into an established community.
California: Hillsborough
– Median household income: $250,000 (232.7% more than U.S. median income)
– Households earning over $200,000: 2,425 (69.6% of households)
– Median earnings for workers: $104,357 (male: $250,000; female: $108,125)
– Civilian population with health insurance: 98.8%
– Unemployment rate: 5.4%
– Families with income below poverty level: 3.1%
Established in 1910, Hillsborough’s population more than tripled over the next few decades as the large, sprawling estates of wealthy gold rushers were subdivided. To preserve a spacious, rural feel, the town has mandated a minimum lot size of one-half acre since 1953. It is close to the urban amenities of the San Francisco Peninsula and presents a plethora of outdoor opportunities, including private golfing, hiking, and cycling.
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Colorado: Cherry Hills Village
– Median household income: $250,000 (232.7% more than U.S. median income)
– Households earning over $200,000: 1,500 (66.9% of households)
– Median earnings for workers: $143,684 (male: $250,000; female: $114,688)
– Civilian population with health insurance: 97.2%
– Unemployment rate: 2.8%
– Families with income below poverty level: 2.7%
Cherry Hills Village is on the outskirts of Denver and has been free of commercial enterprise since 1938. The city’s homes—megamansions among them—include such jaw-dropping features as horse stables, tennis courts, and indoor pools. These abundant lots are set among creeks, lakes, and forests, with multiple parks, trails, and golf courses nearby.
Connecticut: Borough of Newtown
– Median household income: $144,375 (92.1% more than U.S. median income)
– Households earning over $200,000: 223 (32.0% of households)
– Median earnings for workers: $64,837 (male: $103,333; female: $84,485)
– Civilian population with health insurance: 97.7%
– Unemployment rate: 3.4%
– Families with income below poverty level: 0.6%
Within the 60-square-mile city of Newtown, which comprises five neighborhoods and was established in 1711, is the 1-square-mile Borough of Newton, which features a 110-foot flagpole in the middle of Main Street. The borough was born in 1824 and is more densely populated than the rural city. Historic preservation is a priority, and the city is home to a number of centuries-old buildings and objects.
Delaware: Townsend
– Median household income: $147,917 (96.8% more than U.S. median income)
– Households earning over $200,000: 103 (14.4% of households)
– Median earnings for workers: $64,881 (male: $72,083; female: $71,667)
– Civilian population with health insurance: 95.9%
– Unemployment rate: 2.5%
– Families with income below poverty level: 1.9%
The seaside town of Townsend is not far from the Delaware and Elk Rivers. A community of free African Americans in the mid-1800s, Townsend grew when the Delaware Railroad built a station in 1856. Peach orchards were a highlight of the early economy, and the town’s 2,700 residents are within a 30-minute drive of the state’s largest city, Wilmington, as well as Bombay Hook National Wildlife Refuge.
Florida: Palm Beach
– Median household income: $190,824 (153.9% more than U.S. median income)
– Households earning over $200,000: 2,594 (48.3% of households)
– Median earnings for workers: $80,706 (male: $116,250; female: $90,903)
– Civilian population with health insurance: 95.2%
– Unemployment rate: 5.6%
– Families with income below poverty level: 2.7%
It’s not hard to see why Palm Beach appeals to the wealthy: Within only 4 square miles residents can enjoy a yacht-filled marina, luxury shopping venues, and multiple beach resorts. The island was a popular vacation haven for members of high society during the Gilded Age. Many of their regal summer homes still stand today, including The Breakers, a 19th-century Italian Renaissance-style manor that is now a resort.
Georgia: Johns Creek
– Median household income: $153,882 (104.8% more than U.S. median income)
– Households earning over $200,000: 9,382 (33.0% of households)
– Median earnings for workers: $75,777 (male: $125,419; female: $75,372)
– Civilian population with health insurance: 94.9%
– Unemployment rate: 3.7%
– Families with income below poverty level: 2.7%
Johns Creek is devoted to being a health, wellness, and innovation leader for its residents, providing comprehensive services, connected infrastructure, and wide-ranging amenities. The biological sciences, life sciences, and health care industries have taken root in the city, helping Johns Creek’s economy expand with thousands of job opportunities. There are over 400 acres of parks and preserves, and residents can enjoy athletic classes, a dog park, and concerts.
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Hawai’i: Maunawili
– Median household income: $169,375 (125.4% more than U.S. median income)
– Households earning over $200,000: 310 (44.5% of households)
– Median earnings for workers: $61,639 (male: $107,917; female: $67,596)
– Civilian population with health insurance: 98.1%
– Unemployment rate: 2.1%
– Families with income below poverty level: 0.0%
Adjacent to Kailua on the island of O’ahu, Maunawili is a small community of 2,000. It is a sacred cultural area revered for its chiefs, water resources, ancient agriculture, and historic trails. The city features Maunawili Falls and has been a significant site for the Hawai’i Agriculture Research Center’s work on sugar cane, tropical fruits, and coffee.
Idaho: Eagle
– Median household income: $114,271 (52.1% more than U.S. median income)
– Households earning over $200,000: 2,888 (25.0% of households)
– Median earnings for workers: $57,580 (male: $112,317; female: $68,143)
– Civilian population with health insurance: 96.1%
– Unemployment rate: 1.5%
– Families with income below poverty level: 4.9%
Located 10 miles from Boise, Eagle is a luxurious suburb geared toward professionals, families, and retirees. Downtown features art and glass galleries, Heritage Park, a library, as well as coffee and ice cream shops. There are almost unlimited community events, which is fitting for a well-appointed town of 30,000-plus with a mild climate, natural beauty, and a comfortable vibe.
Illinois: Kildeer
– Median household income: $250,000 (232.7% more than U.S. median income)
– Households earning over $200,000: 906 (67.7% of households)
– Median earnings for workers: $118,384 (male: $174,500; female: $127,917)
– Civilian population with health insurance: 99.5%
– Unemployment rate: 3.1%
– Families with income below poverty level: 1.4%
Kildeer is within 30 miles of Chicago, offering residents the ability to work in and access the city while living in a peaceful, natural setting. The town includes 2,625 acres of lakes, streams, and forests, with homes nestled in between. Officials have orchestrated the town’s development since 1958, and all homes are custom-built.
Indiana: Meridian Hills
– Median household income: $198,889 (164.7% more than U.S. median income)
– Households earning over $200,000: 322 (49.4% of households)
– Median earnings for workers: $87,875 (male: $179,167; female: $78,750)
– Civilian population with health insurance: 98.4%
– Unemployment rate: 3.7%
– Families with income below poverty level: 0.6%
A residential enclave just outside of Indianapolis, Meridian Hills was founded in the 1920s as a bucolic suburb. Home architecture spans from pre-war Revivalism to luxury ranches to more contemporary styles. While the country club is a hub of activity, parks, fine dining, shopping, and cultural and spiritual centers provide many options for Meridian Hills’ almost 1,800 residents.
Iowa: Polk City
– Median household income: $152,536 (103.0% more than U.S. median income)
– Households earning over $200,000: 513 (25.5% of households)
– Median earnings for workers: $71,409 (male: $81,464; female: $83,319)
– Civilian population with health insurance: 97.9%
– Unemployment rate: 3.8%
– Families with income below poverty level: 6.5%
Named after President James K. Polk, Polk City experienced a population boom in the mid-1800s when the newly expanded railroad system brought in a wave of European settlers. The 6,000-acre Saylorville Lake is a water lover’s paradise, and the town boasts 20,000 acres of public land where residents can camp, fish, boat, and spend time in nature. The town has a strong sense of community, with many public events and seasonal festivals.
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Kansas: Mission Hills
– Median household income: $250,000 (232.7% more than U.S. median income)
– Households earning over $200,000: 855 (68.2% of households)
– Median earnings for workers: $145,580 (male: $245,313; female: $158,409)
– Civilian population with health insurance: 98.8%
– Unemployment rate: 0.5%
– Families with income below poverty level: 0.1%
Mission Hills is south of Kansas City on the Kansas-Missouri state line. The town is just 2 square miles but boasts an elite cache, with eye-catching traffic islands that feature fountains, statues, sculptures, and urns imported from abroad. The garden community holds functions outdoors, catering to families in a natural setting. Ernest Hemingway also wrote much of “A Farewell to Arms” in Mission Hills in 1928.
Kentucky: Anchorage
– Median household income: $202,917 (170.0% more than U.S. median income)
– Households earning over $200,000: 409 (50.4% of households)
– Median earnings for workers: $93,661 (male: $171,821; female: $113,036)
– Civilian population with health insurance: 97.4%
– Unemployment rate: 6.1%
– Families with income below poverty level: 1.1%
The surprisingly seafaring name of Anchorage honors 19th-century resident (and riverboat captain) James W. Goslee. Town legend says that the anchor that adorns a locomotive wheel in the town center came from Goslee’s ship, the Matamora. Today, Anchorage is filled with historic mansions that date to the 18th century as well as new luxury homes. It is known for its rustic, Southern countryside charm.
Louisiana: Youngsville
– Median household income: $111,619 (48.5% more than U.S. median income)
– Households earning over $200,000: 636 (12.1% of households)
– Median earnings for workers: $55,912 (male: $94,434; female: $54,279)
– Civilian population with health insurance: 97.4%
– Unemployment rate: 2.4%
– Families with income below poverty level: 6.4%
Boasting plenty of parks, shopping, dining options, and above-average public schools—it’s no wonder wealthy families are drawn to Youngsville. Home to nearly 16,000 people, the town offers rural living outside of Lafayette and within reach of nearby Baton Rouge and New Orleans. Originally built on the sugar cane industry, today, business and building opportunities abound.
Maine: South Portland
– Median household income: $82,489 (9.8% more than U.S. median income)
– Households earning over $200,000: 1,044 (8.9% of households)
– Median earnings for workers: $44,194 (male: $55,019; female: $52,691)
– Civilian population with health insurance: 93.9%
– Unemployment rate: 2.9%
– Families with income below poverty level: 1.9%
Located on Casco Bay along the state’s southern coast, South Portland combines waterfront scenery and New England charm. Notable locales include Spring Point Shoreway, a 1.6-mile trail that ends at Bug Light Park, home to the historic Spring Point Ledge Light and Willard Beach. South Portland is known for its shopping opportunities and contains the region’s largest mall, The Maine Mall, as well as unique stores and boutiques.
Maryland: Chevy Chase
– Median household income: $250,000 (232.7% more than U.S. median income)
– Households earning over $200,000: 763 (76.7% of households)
– Median earnings for workers: $129,659 (male: $238,958; female: $181,667)
– Civilian population with health insurance: 98.6%
– Unemployment rate: 3.6%
– Families with income below poverty level: 3.1%
It is thought that Chevy Chase was named for the “chaces” (hunting grounds) of Cheviot Hills in the United Kingdom or the medieval French word “chevauchee,” which refers to horseback raids along the border of Scotland and England. In the late 19th century, two Nevada politicians, enabled by the rise of railroads and streetcars, planned the town to be a hub for movers and shakers living just outside of Washington D.C. It was specifically developed as a peaceful, park-like community filled with amenities and conveniences—and remains so to this day.
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Massachusetts: Newton
– Median household income: $176,373 (134.7% more than U.S. median income)
– Households earning over $200,000: 14,077 (44.4% of households)
– Median earnings for workers: $76,842 (male: $138,426; female: $101,959)
– Civilian population with health insurance: 98.7%
– Unemployment rate: 3.5%
– Families with income below poverty level: 2.9%
Newton is one of the most historic towns in America. The Massachusett Tribe called the land home for 12,000 years, with European settlers arriving in the early 1600s. The large city just outside of Boston is full of historic landmarks, with four historic districts and a historical commission. It’s also known as “The Garden City,” with 19.6% open space.
Michigan: Orchard Lake Village
– Median household income: $206,750 (175.1% more than U.S. median income)
– Households earning over $200,000: 421 (54.7% of households)
– Median earnings for workers: $68,542 (male: $126,641; female: $70,000)
– Civilian population with health insurance: 98.5%
– Unemployment rate: 3.6%
– Families with income below poverty level: 6.4%
Orchard Lake Village is a small suburb of Detroit, offering residents a rural environment with plenty of parks and green space. Almost half the city is made up of lakes and ponds, and the natural beauty also features woodlands and wetlands. The town of 2,200 was incorporated in 1928, with an 1854 hotel serving as the site for City Hall.
Minnesota: North Oaks
– Median household income: $235,714 (213.7% more than U.S. median income)
– Households earning over $200,000: 992 (56.4% of households)
– Median earnings for workers: $89,918 (male: $177,303; female: $131,950)
– Civilian population with health insurance: 99.0%
– Unemployment rate: 5.1%
– Families with income below poverty level: 2.7%
North Oaks was once the state’s largest gated community. Today, that legacy is still evident in the city’s complete lack of public property; private property lines extend all the way to the middle of the streets. Amenities include trails, parks, and lakes, with former farmland that was used to bring water to St. Paul sporting multiple buildings on the National Register of Historic Places.
Mississippi: Madison
– Median household income: $124,575 (65.8% more than U.S. median income)
– Households earning over $200,000: 2,453 (26.1% of households)
– Median earnings for workers: $60,367 (male: $91,135; female: $66,838)
– Civilian population with health insurance: 95.8%
– Unemployment rate: 2.7%
– Families with income below poverty level: 3.1%
Part of the Jackson metropolitan area, Madison is named for President James Madison and dates back to an 1856 station of the Illinois Central Railroad. Home to almost 28,000 people, the city offers parks, a pollinator garden, a botanical garden, and an arboretum. Its arts center is a big draw, and there are a number of houses and other buildings on the National Register of Historic Places.
Missouri: Ladue
– Median household income: $250,000 (232.7% more than U.S. median income)
– Households earning over $200,000: 2,095 (61.3% of households)
– Median earnings for workers: $132,705 (male: $232,955; female: $135,987)
– Civilian population with health insurance: 99.1%
– Unemployment rate: 1.3%
– Families with income below poverty level: 1.0%
Ladue is named for Peter Albert LaDue, a 19th-century lawyer and banker who owned a townhouse and farmland in the town’s early days. When golf began to become nationally popular in the early 1900s, Ladue’s spacious, rolling landscape allowed the town to jump on the trend, and several country clubs were established. This attracted wealthy residents from nearby St. Louis, who built large, luxurious colonial and Tudor homes. This led to the development of robust infrastructure that Ladue’s citizens still benefit from today, including highly ranked public and private schools.
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Montana: Baker
– Median household income: $96,667 (28.6% more than U.S. median income)
– Households earning over $200,000: 60 (10.0% of households)
– Median earnings for workers: $41,318 (male: $88,333; female: $48,269)
– Civilian population with health insurance: 92.5%
– Unemployment rate: 0.0%
– Families with income below poverty level: 8.7%
Baker’s economy and population boomed in the early 20th century when natural gas was discovered within town limits, causing an oil production industry to boom. Today, the town offers an upscale country feel, with attractions including hunting, fishing, cross-country skiing, and snowmobiling. Nearby sites of interest include Medicine Rocks State Park and Makoshika State Park. South Dakota’s Black Hills are less than four hours away by car.
Nebraska: Gretna
– Median household income: $117,553 (56.4% more than U.S. median income)
– Households earning over $200,000: 499 (15.6% of households)
– Median earnings for workers: $55,963 (male: $87,973; female: $62,324)
– Civilian population with health insurance: 98.1%
– Unemployment rate: 1.2%
– Families with income below poverty level: 3.0%
Residents of Gretna can enjoy both urban advantages and a rural feel, as the town is close to both the hubs of Omaha and Lincoln and the Platte and Elkhorn Rivers. Area attractions include Schramm Park, the Tiburon Golf Club, and even Wildlife Safari Park—which is filled with native species such as elk, wolves, and bison. The city, now with a population of over 9,000, was incorporated in 1889 and named by Scottish settlers.
Nevada: Henderson
– Median household income: $85,311 (13.5% more than U.S. median income)
– Households earning over $200,000: 16,381 (13.1% of households)
– Median earnings for workers: $47,415 (male: $74,101; female: $54,841)
– Civilian population with health insurance: 93.4%
– Unemployment rate: 7.0%
– Families with income below poverty level: 5.5%
Only a stone’s throw from Las Vegas, Henderson is also near Lake Mead and the Colorado River. The town contains multiple golf courses, country clubs, and nature preserves. Given its proximity to Sin City, it’s not surprising that Henderson has hosted multiple celebrities, including Celine Dion and Marie Osmond.
New Hampshire: Portsmouth
– Median household income: $100,169 (33.3% more than U.S. median income)
– Households earning over $200,000: 2,005 (19.2% of households)
– Median earnings for workers: $63,016 (male: $86,150; female: $70,460)
– Civilian population with health insurance: 95.8%
– Unemployment rate: 2.5%
– Families with income below poverty level: 3.7%
Located at the mouth of the Piscataqua River, Portsmouth is known for its 17th- and 18th-century homes, parks, gardens, and boat culture. The historic colonial city is one of the nation’s oldest ports, though residents are also professionals, entrepreneurs, and technical workers. Recreationally, there are diverse options such as the New Hampshire Film Festival, Seacoast African American Cultural Center, and Seacoast Science Center.
New Jersey: Ho-Ho-Kus
– Median household income: $250,000 (232.7% more than U.S. median income)
– Households earning over $200,000: 918 (65.2% of households)
– Median earnings for workers: $109,922 (male: $250,000; female: $105,769)
– Civilian population with health insurance: 100.0%
– Unemployment rate: 2.0%
– Families with income below poverty level: 0.0%
Only 20 miles from New York City, Ho-Ho-Kus—a name with Indigenous origins that has as many as 16 definitions—provides a small-town getaway without sacrificing the economic benefits and amenities of a big city. It contains a landmark included in the National Register of Historic Places, an 18th-century private residence that today serves as the Ho-Ho-Kus Inn & Tavern. Another historic home (now museum), The Hermitage, hosted George Washington, Alexander Hamilton, the Marquis de La Fayette, James Monroe, and Aaron Burr during the Revolutionary War.
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New Mexico: Corrales
– Median household income: $94,966 (26.4% more than U.S. median income)
– Households earning over $200,000: 835 (23.4% of households)
– Median earnings for workers: $46,589 (male: $82,157; female: $71,875)
– Civilian population with health insurance: 95.0%
– Unemployment rate: 4.6%
– Families with income below poverty level: 1.7%
Part of the Albuquerque area, Corrales is a rural oasis with a plethora of galleries, shops, and restaurants in addition to popular festivals. The city’s MainStreet is dedicated to the preservation of art, culture, nature, and history. Humans have occupied the area for at least 1,500 years, and there are two unexcavated Pueblo ruins in the village.
New York: Scarsdale
– Median household income: $250,000 (232.7% more than U.S. median income)
– Households earning over $200,000: 4,106 (74.3% of households)
– Median earnings for workers: $138,829 (male: $250,000; female: $126,614)
– Civilian population with health insurance: 98.8%
– Unemployment rate: 4.5%
– Families with income below poverty level: 1.5%
Scarsdale is 23 miles northeast of New York City, with many of its residents working in the Big Apple. Prominent citizens include James Fenimore Cooper, author of “The Last of the Mohicans,” and Vice President Daniel D. Tompkins. White settlers arrived in the town in 1660 after purchasing the land from the Siwanoy Tribe. Scarsdale now boasts a population of over 18,200 and grew slowly because of its isolated nature and lack of access to Long Island Sound or the Hudson River.
North Carolina: Marvin
– Median household income: $238,875 (217.9% more than U.S. median income)
– Households earning over $200,000: 1,024 (55.1% of households)
– Median earnings for workers: $76,250 (male: $197,846; female: $100,242)
– Civilian population with health insurance: 96.5%
– Unemployment rate: 4.4%
– Families with income below poverty level: 6.3%
Marvin is a growing village south of Charlotte on the South Carolina border with a 27-acre park and three top-rated high schools. Its population jumped 14% from 5,579 in 2010 to 6,358 in 2020. The community is focused on preserving greenery, including oak trees and streams, and celebrated its 30th anniversary on July 1, 2024.
North Dakota: Horace
– Median household income: $146,184 (94.5% more than U.S. median income)
– Households earning over $200,000: 453 (36.5% of households)
– Median earnings for workers: $70,536 (male: $100,741; female: $62,011)
– Civilian population with health insurance: 95.4%
– Unemployment rate: 0.6%
– Families with income below poverty level: 1.9%
A suburb of Fargo, Horace is full of history and traditions. After all, its namesake, editor, and publisher Horace Greeley, encouraged the settling of the West. Attracting many prominent families, Horace’s early settlers were French Canadian and European. Horace even had its own Wall Street. The suburb also features many parks and about 3,100 people.
Ohio: New Albany
– Median household income: $224,824 (199.2% more than U.S. median income)
– Households earning over $200,000: 1,861 (56.4% of households)
– Median earnings for workers: $96,279 (male: $157,428; female: $91,765)
– Civilian population with health insurance: 96.2%
– Unemployment rate: 2.2%
– Families with income below poverty level: 0.9%
New Albany led the movement to concentrate economic and urban development in town centers, pouring resources into making its Village Center walkable, green, and full of community spaces. New Albany boasts over 68 miles of trails along with a highly rated school system and 9,000-acre international business park. Youth who attend public institutions are taught on a sprawling 200-acre “learning campus” that includes a nature preserve and wetlands.
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Oklahoma: Nichols Hills
– Median household income: $194,576 (158.9% more than U.S. median income)
– Households earning over $200,000: 770 (49.0% of households)
– Median earnings for workers: $102,134 (male: $189,492; female: $82,778)
– Civilian population with health insurance: 96.1%
– Unemployment rate: 0.3%
– Families with income below poverty level: 4.8%
Nichols Hills is a suburb of Oklahoma City, named after one of the state’s “great risk takers,” dentist-turned-developer Gilbert A. Nichols. Now home to 3,800 people, the suburb was built as a peaceful escape from the city with winding streets, large trees, and stately mansions. The English countryside-style neighborhood features golf courses, tennis courts, bridle paths, a polo field, and swimming pools, plus easy access to an airport.
Oregon: West Linn
– Median household income: $134,116 (78.5% more than U.S. median income)
– Households earning over $200,000: 2,852 (28.5% of households)
– Median earnings for workers: $65,576 (male: $123,134; female: $76,667)
– Civilian population with health insurance: 97.0%
– Unemployment rate: 4.7%
– Families with income below poverty level: 3.3%
A suburb of Portland, West Linn boasts an updated historic downtown area, which plays host to many community gatherings, including a concert series and an annual “Street Dance” event. There are five wineries in the area along with an array of cultural and recreation options. The town contains Willamette Falls, the country’s largest waterfall by volume after Niagara Falls.
Pennsylvania: Fox Chapel
– Median household income: $250,000 (232.7% more than U.S. median income)
– Households earning over $200,000: 1,061 (59.6% of households)
– Median earnings for workers: $99,750 (male: $226,000; female: $90,455)
– Civilian population with health insurance: 99.6%
– Unemployment rate: 3.2%
– Families with income below poverty level: 0.6%
A suburb of Pittsburgh, the small borough of Fox Chapel offers over 300 acres of parkland. Incorporated in 1934, only churches, schools, and private clubs break up the residential town. Many of the area’s most prominent families have lived there for generations, and its citizens include John Kerry and Teresa Heinz Kerry as well as the late Michael James Delligatti, who created the Big Mac.
Rhode Island: Cranston
– Median household income: $83,123 (10.6% more than U.S. median income)
– Households earning over $200,000: 3,500 (10.8% of households)
– Median earnings for workers: $48,934 (male: $69,166; female: $59,537)
– Civilian population with health insurance: 94.5%
– Unemployment rate: 5.6%
– Families with income below poverty level: 5.4%
There are plenty of impressive amenities that make living in Cranston more than comfortable, including multiple yacht clubs, ice rinks, golf courses, and state parks. Cranston is known for its coastal atmosphere, rooted in its origins as a significant seaport. The third-largest city in the state maintains a historic charm, with many buildings dating back to colonial times, such as those in Pawtuxet Village.
South Carolina: Kiawah Island
– Median household income: $214,250 (185.1% more than U.S. median income)
– Households earning over $200,000: 605 (53.4% of households)
– Median earnings for workers: $76,827 (male: $250,000; female: $-)
– Civilian population with health insurance: 100.0%
– Unemployment rate: 3.8%
– Families with income below poverty level: 0.0%
Kiawah Island, a barrier island south of Charleston, was home to 2,000 Indigenous peoples with a trade network that stretched to what is now Mississippi when European settlers reached it. Development of summer homes began in 1954, and a master plan for the community was drawn two decades later. It is now a vacation destination with private beaches, protected wildlife, and golf resorts galore.
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South Dakota: Crooks
– Median household income: $113,917 (51.6% more than U.S. median income)
– Households earning over $200,000: 55 (10.9% of households)
– Median earnings for workers: $51,655 (male: $64,881; female: $48,438)
– Civilian population with health insurance: 99.2%
– Unemployment rate: 2.0%
– Families with income below poverty level: 0.0%
Crooks is a suburb of the state’s largest city, Sioux Falls, though its mere 1,300 residents give it a small-town feel. Formerly called New Hope, it was renamed for the first postmaster, W. A. Crooks, who was also a top state politician in the 1890s. New development includes two residential neighborhoods with a walking and biking trail as well as a light industrial park.
Tennessee: Belle Meade
– Median household income: $250,000 (232.7% more than U.S. median income)
– Households earning over $200,000: 677 (74.0% of households)
– Median earnings for workers: $101,667 (male: $250,000; female: $108,958)
– Civilian population with health insurance: 99.5%
– Unemployment rate: 1.0%
– Families with income below poverty level: 0.6%
Belle Meade, a suburb of Nashville, is also the name of an 1853 Greek Revival mansion that is now a museum and winery. The site dates to the 18th century and was a massive plantation worked on by hundreds of enslaved people. John Harding helped the suburb become the seat of thoroughbred horse breeding in America. About 37% of homes in the city were built by 1939.
Texas: Hunters Creek Village
– Median household income: $250,000 (232.7% more than U.S. median income)
– Households earning over $200,000: 1,143 (75.0% of households)
– Median earnings for workers: $143,466 (male: $229,701; female: $218,882)
– Civilian population with health insurance: 98.9%
– Unemployment rate: 8.9%
– Families with income below poverty level: 1.6%
Only 2 square miles, Hunters Creek Village packs a lot of leisure into a small space. The town contains 6.3 miles of hiking and biking paths and a plethora of new homes, contributing to both a growing population and economy. The incorporated community in Houston is home to many families.
Utah: Highland
– Median household income: $166,429 (121.5% more than U.S. median income)
– Households earning over $200,000: 1,724 (37.4% of households)
– Median earnings for workers: $44,049 (male: $128,586; female: $53,409)
– Civilian population with health insurance: 95.3%
– Unemployment rate: 2.8%
– Families with income below poverty level: 1.8%
Highland is a community of more than 19,000 people just outside of Salt Lake City. Homesteaders settled the area in the 1870s, with silver and peas forming part of Highland’s early economy. Life in Highland was then plagued by water scarcity, which led the settlers to dig a mile-long ditch. Today, the area is mostly residential, with a small commercial district plus plenty of parks and trails.
Vermont: Essex Junction
– Median household income: $92,589 (23.2% more than U.S. median income)
– Households earning over $200,000: 545 (11.8% of households)
– Median earnings for workers: $47,925 (male: $67,754; female: $60,862)
– Civilian population with health insurance: 94.5%
– Unemployment rate: 2.5%
– Families with income below poverty level: 6.2%
Essex Junction can trace its roots back to the colonial era, when founder Ira Allen—brother of Revolutionary War hero and Vermont co-founder Ethan Allen—constructed a dam in the Winooski River, creating what became Essex Junction and the adjoining Williston. Today, the town is full of quintessential New England charm, with the Green Mountains and Lake Champlain both nearby. Residents and visitors can indulge in the Essex Experience, a hub of over 20 independently owned retailers offering dining, wellness, and entertainment experiences.
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Virginia: Vienna
– Median household income: $215,556 (186.8% more than U.S. median income)
– Households earning over $200,000: 2,861 (52.8% of households)
– Median earnings for workers: $96,429 (male: $165,370; female: $105,682)
– Civilian population with health insurance: 96.2%
– Unemployment rate: 3.6%
– Families with income below poverty level: 3.5%
It’s easy to see why Vienna has attracted wealthy residents. The gorgeous landscape near the Potomac River, local history, and public art offer something for everyone. The Washington D.C. suburb dates to 1742, and a train depot and general store, both built in 1859, still stand. During the Civil War, both sides held the town as a camping ground, and the railroad was used in a tactical battle—a historic first.
Washington: Clyde Hill
– Median household income: $250,000 (232.7% more than U.S. median income)
– Households earning over $200,000: 799 (69.1% of households)
– Median earnings for workers: $138,571 (male: $250,000; female: $116,000)
– Civilian population with health insurance: 99.5%
– Unemployment rate: 3.2%
– Families with income below poverty level: 1.9%
Clyde Hill is a suburb of Bellevue, which is located across Lake Washington from Seattle. It was named after Clyde Road, which was in turn named by a Scottish settler in 1947 who said the boat landing reminded him of home. In 1975, Mayor Liberino “Lib” Tufarolo was famously unseated by Miles Nelson via coinflip after the election ended in a tie.
West Virginia: Winfield
– Median household income: $101,500 (35.1% more than U.S. median income)
– Households earning over $200,000: 124 (12.3% of households)
– Median earnings for workers: $58,140 (male: $61,012; female: $72,500)
– Civilian population with health insurance: 94.4%
– Unemployment rate: 2.9%
– Families with income below poverty level: 9.5%
Living in Winfield means enjoying a rural, small-town feel. The city is located among the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains along the Kanawha River, a tributary of the Ohio. Residents enjoy fishing, snowmobiling, and skiing, among other outdoor activities. Winfield gets its name from Gen. Winfield Scott, who commanded the U.S. Army during the Mexican-American War.
Wisconsin: River Hills
– Median household income: $200,625 (167.0% more than U.S. median income)
– Households earning over $200,000: 270 (50.1% of households)
– Median earnings for workers: $76,806 (male: $153,438; female: $87,813)
– Civilian population with health insurance: 99.0%
– Unemployment rate: 1.4%
– Families with income below poverty level: 2.9%
River Hills, named for the Milwaukee River, was settled by Dutch and German farmers before wealthy Milwaukee residents flocked there in the 1920s to build summer homes, according to the Encyclopedia of Milwaukee. There are no businesses in the town, and every residential lot is at least one acre. 85% of properties are five-plus acres.
Wyoming: Bar Nunn
– Median household income: $104,028 (38.4% more than U.S. median income)
– Households earning over $200,000: 92 (9.8% of households)
– Median earnings for workers: $57,083 (male: $71,724; female: $46,346)
– Civilian population with health insurance: 94.2%
– Unemployment rate: 5.1%
– Families with income below poverty level: 0.0%
The rural, small town of Bar Nunn has a population of just under 3,000 people. It was built on the former site of the Natrona County airport after local rancher Romie Nunn purchased the 640-acre property for $20,500 in 1954. Decades later, residents voted to incorporate in order to alleviate issues with snow removal and street repairs. Those roads are repurposed runways.
Data reporting by Rob Powell. Story editing by Mike Taylor. Copy editing by Meg Shields. Photo selection by Clarese Moller.
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