As you explore the luxurious side of America, you may be surprised to find an abundance of wealthy cities that offer the perfect blend of safety, top-notch education, and tranquil living. These affluent communities, boasting thriving industries and strong job markets, are home to the nation’s most influential players in technology, energy, arts, defense, and more.
In these rich cities, you’ll find headquarters for some of the world’s most influential companies, like Google and Amazon, adding to their economic strength and prestige. Residents of these locations tend to hold bachelor’s degrees or higher, further enhancing the desirability of these urban gems in the United States. So, join us as we uncover the wealthiest American cities and see what sets them apart from the rest.
Top 10 Most Affluent US Cities in 2023
In 2023, the wealthiest cities in the US include:
- Atherton, CA
- Scarsdale, NY
- Cherry Hills Village, CO
- Los Altos Hills, CA
- Hillsborough, CA
- Short Hills, NJ
- Highland Park, TX
- Darien, CT
- Winnetka, IL
- Glencoe, IL
These cities exhibit remarkable affluence and high average household incomes. In these areas, residents enjoy the benefits of prosperity in various aspects of their lives.
1. Atherton, CA
Located in the heart of California, Atherton stands out as the richest city in the United States. Boasting a median household income of $450,690, this exclusive town’s earnings are nearly seven times higher than the national average. With a modest population size of 6,950 residents, those who call Atherton home relish in its luxury and exclusivity.
Due to rigid zoning regulations, Atherton maintains a sense of spaciousness by only allowing one single-family residence per acre. This affluent community is nestled between San Francisco and San Jose, providing residents with convenient access to both major cities and the thriving tech industry of the Bay Area.
Property values in Atherton reflect its opulence, with average home prices soaring well above the $5 million mark. Unsurprisingly, this lavish Californian haven claims the title of the most expensive city in America.
2. Cherry Hills Village, CO
Located near Denver, Cherry Hills Village is one of America’s wealthiest cities. Boasting a median income of $395,250 and average home prices of about $2,831,650, residing in this city is undoubtedly costly.
In addition to its proximity to other cities like Aurora, Lakewood, and Boulder, Cherry Hills Village offers outstanding public schools and enjoys a remarkably low crime rate—only 13.04 incidents per 1,000 inhabitants.
The city provides various activities for residents, ranging from museums to nature exploration to upscale shopping. Cherry Hills Village ensures you can enjoy the finest luxuries while surrounded by the beauty of Colorado.
3. Los Altos Hills, CA
Los Altos Hills, situated in California, is known for being one of the priciest and most visually appealing locations. With a median annual household income of $387,450, it has become a preferred destination for affluent tech entrepreneurs working in San Francisco and San Jose.
The city provides both picturesque scenery and a variety of outdoor pursuits while also maintaining easy accessibility to neighboring cities such as Atherton. Los Altos Hills is undoubtedly an ideal choice for those aiming to reside in an upscale and exclusive Californian neighborhood.
4. Hillsborough, CA
In Hillsborough, you’ll find yourself surrounded by luxury, as it’s one of the most expensive places to reside in the US. The picturesque city, with its great parks, ample activities, and a welcoming atmosphere, has an average annual household income of $373,100.
Treat yourself to exceptional shopping and dining experiences with the numerous upscale boutiques and restaurants the city offers. With an average home price of $5.4 million, Hillsborough proudly places itself among America’s wealthiest cities.
5. Short Hills, NJ
Situated in New Jersey, Short Hills boasts an impressive average yearly household income of $362,910 and a population of around 15,000. Housing prices average at a considerable $1,910,792, making it one of the wealthiest cities in the US.
The location of Short Hills in North-Central NJ provides easy access to New York via car or train, making it ideal for commuters. The community also takes pride in its excellent schools, making it an ideal place for families.
In addition to educational opportunities, Short Hills offers residents a wide range of leisure activities. The upscale Short Hills Mall caters to luxury shopping enthusiasts, while food lovers will appreciate the diverse array of restaurants in the area. Furthermore, Short Hills is surrounded by some of the finest golf courses in New Jersey.
6. Highland Park, TX
Highland Park, a prosperous city in Texas, boasts a median household income of $354,905, which is about five times higher than the average U.S. city. Situated as a charming suburb of Dallas, it provides a serene and picturesque environment for well-off families who prefer living near the city. The real estate market in Highland Park reflects its affluence, with the median home price being $2,390,340 in 2022. This harmonious locale offers the best of both worlds for its wealthy residents.
7. Scarsdale, NY
Scarsdale, NY, stands out as one of America’s wealthiest cities, boasting a median household income of $352,350. With a population of 18,000, this charming town is conveniently situated near New York City, enabling residents to commute for work while enjoying a tranquil lifestyle in Scarsdale.
You can relish the town’s idyllic atmosphere in your free time by exploring the surrounding woods, parks, and nature reserves. Additionally, Scarsdale offers a variety of dining options to delight your taste buds.
As a prosperous young professional or family seeking career opportunities and a peaceful environment, Scarsdale might just be the perfect fit for you.
8. Darien, CT
Darien, Connecticut, ranks among the wealthiest American towns, boasting a median household income of approximately $350,900 and an average home price of around $1,642,800. This charming community is situated along the coast and is an ideal location to raise a family, thanks to its low crime rate and top-quality public schools.
With its close proximity to New York City, Darien offers an easy commute for those working in the Big Apple, while also providing a wealth of leisure opportunities nearby, including exceptional dining, shopping, and entertainment options. In addition, the town’s picturesque surroundings offer abundant natural beauty for residents to enjoy, further enhancing its appeal as a highly desirable place to call home.
9. Winnetka, IL
Winnetka, IL, is not only one of the wealthiest cities in the US but also an exceptional place to live. As a resident, you’ll benefit from both a relaxed lifestyle in this quiet Chicago suburb and the nearby bustling city scene. Located just by Lake Michigan, Winnetka combines the best of both worlds.
In 2020, 24/7 Wall Street recognized Winnetka as the second-best place to live in the United States, reflecting its high standard of living. With a median household income of $350,370 and average home prices at $1,298,750, it’s evident that Winnetka, IL, is thriving.
10. Glencoe, IL
Glencoe, Illinois, wraps up our list as the tenth wealthiest city in the US. This city has a higher average household income at $329,885, significantly above the national average. Known for its picturesque waterfront views, peaceful parks, and captivating lagoons, Glencoe captures the hearts of its residents.
The city’s safety is commendable, with a low crime rate of only 7.01 crimes per 1,000 residents. This desirable trait attracts many affluent families seeking a secure environment for raising children. Moreover, Glencoe’s convenient commute to Chicago adds to its appeal.
Median home price: $1,147,950
Richest Cities in the USA Comparison
Below is a comparison of the top 10 richest cities in the US, based on median household income and average home prices:
| Rank | City | Median Household Income | Average Home Prices |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Atherton, CA | $450,690 | $7,530,700 |
| 2 | Cherry Hills Village, CO | $395,250 | $2,831,650 |
| 3 | Los Altos Hills, CA | $387,450 | $5,410,500 |
| 4 | Hillsborough, CA | $373,100 | $5,407,780 |
| 5 | Short Hills, NJ | $362,910 | $1,910,792 |
| 6 | Highland Park, TX | $354,905 | $2,390,340 |
| 7 | Scarsdale, NY | $352,350 | $1,335,900 |
| 8 | Darien, CT | $350,900 | $1,642,800 |
| 9 | Winnetka, IL | $350,370 | $1,298,750 |
| 10 | Glencoe, IL | $329,885 | $1,147,950 |
Notably, these cities are primarily concentrated in affluent suburbs of major metropolitan areas, reflecting their high median incomes and home prices.
