Here are the 10 wealthiest towns in America (and Who Lives There!)

Ever wonder where America's wealthiest folks choose to lay their heads? It's not always downtown penthouses or sprawling ranches in the middle of nowhere.

Often, the answer lies in the nation's most exclusive suburbs, where serene living meets serious financial firepower. A recent deep dive by personal finance experts at GOBankingRates, using the latest 2023 Census data, paints a fascinating picture of these affluent enclaves, revealing some surprising insights into what truly defines "wealthy" in suburbia – and even which familiar faces might be your neighbors!

Forget the fleeting trends of top celebrity crypto holdings or even the constantly fluctuating estimations of celebrity net worth. This report focuses on the real, everyday financial health of communities – or at least, the "everyday" for the ultra-affluent.

We're talking about the kind of places where average household incomes blow past what most of us might dream of accumulating in a lifetime, even with diligent 401k contributions and meticulous retirement planning. For many in these areas, the concept of a modest pension seems almost quaint compared to their diverse income streams.

The Platinum Postcodes: New York, California, and Texas Lead the Way

Unsurprisingly, the golden states of New York and California, alongside the Lone Star State of Texas, dominate the top ranks. These three states are home to eight out of the top ten wealthiest suburbs, proving that geographical hotspots for wealth remain a powerful force.

Leading the pack for the second year running is Scarsdale, New York, nestled in the leafy embrace of Westchester County. Imagine an average household income north of $600,000 – that's $601,193 to be exact, as of 2023! With average home values hovering around $1.2 million, it's clear Scarsdale offers a lifestyle many aspire to.

Right on its heels is Rye, New York, another Westchester gem. Known for its stunning waterfront, Rye boasts an average household income of $421,259 and even higher average home values at $1.9 million. Perhaps that's the premium for waking up to water views!

More Than Just Numbers: What Makes a Suburb Rich?

While no two suburbs are exactly alike, this GOBankingRates analysis reveals some intriguing shared characteristics among the most affluent. Many of these communities are either directly on the water or just a stone's throw away.

Beyond that, a surprising number are also college towns. This suggests that access to top-tier educational institutions, intellectual vibrancy, and perhaps even a stable, recession-resistant employer in a university, can be powerful attractors for the wealthy.

And here's a key takeaway: these aren't necessarily urban cores. Instead, they're typically located a comfortable distance from the bustling city centers – far enough for a sense of exclusivity and space, yet close enough for a "sane commute" when needed. As Rudri Patel, a senior financial expert at GOBankingRates, shrewdly puts it, "You can stay in your bubble, but also get out of your bubble and still get the things you need." It's about having the best of both worlds – the peace of a quiet community with easy access to big-city amenities.

A Note on the Numbers: Mean vs. Median

It's crucial to understand how these rankings are calculated. GOBankingRates focuses on mean (average) household incomes. This means that a few extremely wealthy households – perhaps those with significant investments, even substantial top celebrity crypto holdings that most of us wouldn't even consider – can heavily skew the average upwards.

In contrast, other analyses, like one by U.S. News, prefer median incomes, which represent the middle point of all incomes and are less influenced by outliers. For instance, Sammamish, Washington, a suburb of Seattle, tops the U.S. News list with a median household income of $238,750 – a figure still incredibly high, but showcasing the difference in methodology.

And if your favorite ultra-exclusive suburb didn't make the cut, it might just be a matter of size. Some famously wealthy enclaves, like Kenilworth, Illinois, or Chevy Chase, Maryland, have fewer than 5,000 households, putting them below the threshold for this particular ranking.


A Glimpse into the Top 10: America's Wealthiest Suburbs

Here's a snapshot of these extraordinary communities and what sets them apart:

  1. Scarsdale, New York: The undisputed leader with an average household income of $601,193. Homes average $1.2 million.
  2. Rye, New York: Another Westchester County powerhouse, known for its waterfront allure. Average household income: $421,259. Average home value: a hefty $1.9 million.
  3. West University Place, Texas: An often-unsung suburb of Houston, named for its proximity to Rice University. Average household income: $409,677. Surprisingly, average home values are "modest" at $982,834 compared to its peers on this list.
  4. Los Altos, California: A true Silicon Valley gem near San Jose. Average household income: $403,512. Prepare for sticker shock on homes, averaging a whopping $4.6 million.
  5. Alamo, California: This Oakland suburb in Contra Costa County, east of San Francisco, boasts average household incomes of $403,334. Homes here average $2.6 million.
  6. University Park, Texas: The "university" connection clearly pays off in Texas! This Dallas suburb, tied to Southern Methodist University, sees average household incomes of $389,868 and home values of $2.5 million.
  7. Southlake, Texas: Nestled near Dallas/Fort Worth, this suburb is named for Grapevine Lake. Average household incomes hit $382,520, with homes averaging $1.3 million.
  8. Hinsdale, Illinois: While Chicago's North Shore often gets the wealth spotlight, this western suburb now takes the crown for the city's richest. Average household income: $376,366. Average home value: $1.2 million.
  9. Orinda, California: Another affluent Oakland suburb in Contra Costa County, east of Berkeley. Average household incomes: $369,073, with homes averaging a cool $2 million.
  10. Wellesley, Massachusetts: The only Boston suburb to crack the top 10, thanks in part to Wellesley and Babson colleges. Average household income: $368,179. Average home value: $2.1 million.

Beyond the A-List: Other Notable Pockets of Prosperity (and Celebrity Sightings!)

Didn't spot your favorite affluent address in the top ten? Don't worry, wealth is abundant across the U.S.! Here are some other standout suburbs connected to major metropolitan areas, each offering a distinct flavor of luxury, and some with familiar names:

  • Los Angeles, California: The crown jewel here is Palos Verdes Estates, part of the famously tony Palos Verdes Peninsula, ranking 11th nationally. With average household incomes of $367,178 and homes averaging $2.8 million, it's a testament to SoCal's enduring allure. Music icon Rod Stewart has reportedly owned a home in this exclusive area, as has legendary NFL quarterback Joe Montana.
  • Washington, D.C.: McLean, Virginia, a magnet for diplomats and, yes, even spies, ranks 12th. Its residents see an average household income of $364,591, with home prices around $1.7 million. Joe Biden has an incredible house here.
  • Fort Lauderdale, Florida: While often associated with West Palm Beach, Palm Beach takes the title of wealthiest suburb in this ranking for Fort Lauderdale. Ranking 13th nationally, it boasts average household incomes of $356,467, but it's the average home value that truly astonishes: a jaw-dropping $10.3 million! That's where some serious celebrity net worth might be parked! Rod Stewart is known to own a magnificent mansion in Palm Beach.
  • Miami, Florida: You might not hear about it as much, but Pinecrest, south of the city, is Miami's wealthiest suburb, coming in at 21st nationally. Average household incomes are $312,591, and home values average $2.4 million. This area has been a known residence for "A-list celebrities and superstar athletes." Just like Tom Brady and his incredible mansion.
  • Seattle, Washington: Mercer Island, a picturesque island east of the city, is Seattle's wealthiest suburb, ranking 29th nationally. Average household incomes stand at $303,425, and homes average $2.5 million. You might just bump into Bill Gates and his $156 billion fortune.
  • Birmingham, Alabama: Mountain Brook, a charming Birmingham suburb and the childhood home of actress Courteney Cox, ranks 30th nationally. Residents here enjoy an average household income of $302,510, with homes averaging $1 million.
  • Orlando, Florida: For those seeking luxury near the theme parks, Lake Butler, west of Walt Disney World in a lake-intensive region, is Orlando's wealthiest suburb (40th nationally). Average household incomes are $289,593, and interestingly, the average home value is a relatively "modest" $283,493, perhaps offering a glimpse into diversified wealth beyond just real estate. NBA legend Shaquille O'Neal's mansion is located in the Lake Butler Estates area.
  • Nashville, Tennessee: Music City's wealthiest suburb is Brentwood, ranking 50th nationally. Average household income here is $261,248, with home values averaging $1.4 million - Just ask Dolly Parton who has an incredible $650 million fortune!

These rankings offer a fascinating peek into the pockets of prosperity across America, reminding us that for some, financial security isn't just a goal for retirement planning – it's a way of life, well-established and thriving in these exclusive communities, occasionally alongside some very famous faces!


You Might Like our Article on:

The Top 10 Crypto Celebrities: Beyond the Red Carpet: Celebrities Who Invested in Crypto and Blockchain—And Why Their Financial Moves Matter for Your Own Pensions and Retirement Planning.

generic banners explore the internet 1500x300
Follow Finance Monthly
Just for you
AJ Palmer
Last Updated 20th July 2025

Share this article