Wealth inequality is pervasive in the United States, with the top 1% of Americans owning more wealth than the bottom 90%. While the wealth gap widens, certain neighborhoods across the country have become synonymous with extreme wealth and luxury living.
According to data from the US Census Bureau, the median household income in the United States in 2020 was $67,521. However, the average household income in the wealthiest neighborhoods is significantly higher, ranging from $930,200 in Highland Park, Texas, to $2.2 million in Fisher Island, Florida.
In this article, we discuss the top 8 richest neighborhoods in the US based on average household income. While gathering this list, we primarily used data from the World Population Review and the US Census Bureau report of 2021.
Please note that the rankings may vary based on different sources and methodologies for calculating the average household income.
8. Highland Park, Texas
Per Capita Income: $159,337
Population Estimates: 8,747
County: Dallas
Image source: wikipedia.org
Highland Park, Texas, is the 8th most affluent neighborhood in the US, with a median household income of $234,427. This small town located around 3 miles north of the center of Dallas is known for its opulent mansions, top-rated schools, and luxury amenities.
The neighborhood has several upscale shopping centers, such as Highland Park Village, which features designer stores like Chanel, Christian Louboutin, and Hermès.
Residents also have access to some of the best fine dining establishments, including Café Pacific, a seafood and steakhouse that has been a Highland Park institution since 1980.
Did you know?
The land now we know as Highland Park was purchased in 1889 by Philadelphia-based investors. The group of investors was known as the Philadelphia Place Land Association.
7. Short Hills, New Jersey
Per Capita Income: $159,642
Population Estimates: 14,422
County: Essex
Image source: wikipedia.org
Short Hills, located in Millburn Township, New Jersey, is just a train ride from New York City. It makes the neighborhood a popular choice for affluent families looking for a suburban lifestyle with easy access to the city.
The locality is home to several high-end shopping centers, including The Mall at Short Hills, a premier shopping destination featuring luxury brands such as Neiman Marcus, Saks Fifth Avenue, and Nordstrom. The neighborhood also offers a range of fine dining options, including The Dining Room at Hilton Short Hills, Roots Steakhouse, and La Strada.
Short Hills is known for its beautiful homes, picturesque streets, elegant mansions, and historic properties. The neighborhood is served by the highly-regarded Millburn Township School District, which includes several top-rated public schools, such as Millburn High School, which has consistently been ranked as one of the best high schools in the state.
Did you know?
During the evening hours, the train station’s waiting room in Short Hill transforms into a bar and grill.
6. Cherry Hills Village, Colorado
Per Capita Income: $159,642
Population Estimates: 6,353
County: Arapahoe
Image source: luxatic.com
Cherry Hills Village is an exclusive residential community in the South Denver metropolitan area. The neighborhood is known for its extravagant properties and luxurious homes set amidst stunning natural beauty. Cherry Hills Village is widely regarded as one of Colorado’s most prestigious and affluent communities.
The area is characterized by large, beautifully landscaped lots and abundant open spaces, including numerous parks, trails, and green spaces. The community is situated at the base of the Rocky Mountains, providing residents with stunning views of the surrounding peaks.
Cherry Hills Village is home to some of the state’s most impressive and luxurious homes. Properties in the area typically feature high-end finishes, spacious layouts, and state-of-the-art amenities such as private swimming pools, tennis courts, and home theaters. Many of these homes are on expansive lots, providing residents with ample privacy and space.
Did you know?
The famous Arnold Palmer iced tea was believed to be invented at the Cherry Hills Country Club.
5. Fisher Island, Florida
Per Capita Income: 2,200,000
Population Estimates: 604
County: Miami-Dade
Image source: wikipedia.org
Fisher Island, located just off the coast of Miami, Florida, has the highest per capita income of any place in the country. The island is a private, gated community that covers just over 200 acres. The area is only accessible by boat or private yacht.
Fisher Island is home to numerous multi-million-dollar properties, ranging from sprawling mansions to high-end condos with stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean and the Miami skyline. The island is known for its beautiful beaches, crystal clear waters, and breathtaking sunsets.
Residents of Fisher Island enjoy a lavish lifestyle with access to a range of world-class amenities, including the Fisher Island Club, which features a championship golf course, a tennis center, and a state-of-the-art spa.
The island also offers a range of fine dining options, including the Forbes Five-Star rated Italian restaurant, Porto Cervo, and the Garwood Lounge, offering a sophisticated cocktail and cigar experience.
Did you know?
Only its residents, their guests, and the guests of the hotels can access the island.
4. Los Altos Hills, California
Per Capita Income: $154,813
Population Estimates: 8,295
County: Santa Clara
Image source: therealdeal.com
Los Altos is a wealthy Silicon Valley neighborhood with an average household income of $427,749. The area is known for its scenic beauty, large estates, and rural atmosphere. It is home to many wealthy individuals, including some of Silicon Valley’s top executives and entrepreneurs. The town is known for its privacy and exclusivity, with many homes hidden behind large gates and long driveways.
Los Altos Hills is located in the foothills of the Santa Cruz Mountains, which helps it to keep away from the urbanization of the surrounding cities. The town has an extensive network of hiking and biking trails and several parks and open spaces, including the Byrne Preserve and the Purissima Park.
Did you know?
Los Altos Hills is a strictly residential area with only two commercial operations, a bookstore on the Foothill College campus and a gift shop. The place has no post office or library either.
3. Hillsborough, California
Per Capita Income: $158,941
Population Estimates: 11,016
County: San Mateo
Image source: wikipedia.org
Hillsborough, California, located in the San Francisco Bay Area, is home to many tech executives and other wealthy individuals. With an average household income of $438,734, Hillsborough is known for its sprawling estates, picturesque landscapes, and top-rated schools.
The town boasts a mix of architectural styles, from Spanish Colonial Revival to Tudor Revival, that gives the neighborhood a unique character. Many of the homes in Hillsborough have been designed by renowned architects and offer breathtaking views of the surrounding hills and bay.
In addition to its beautiful homes, Hillsborough is also known for its exclusive amenities. The town has several prestigious country clubs, including the Burlingame Country Club and the Peninsula Golf and Country Club. Hillsborough also boasts a beautiful park system, with over 270 acres of parks and open space.
Did you know?
The neighborhood has top-ranked public elementary and middle schools, but no public high school exists.
2. Scarsdale, New York
Per Capita Income: $155,177
Population Estimates: 17,939
County: Westchester
Image source: wikipedia.org
Scarsdale is located in Westchester County, just north of New York City. It is known for its beautiful homes, well-manicured lawns, and exclusive country clubs. Scarsdale has long been a destination for affluent families looking for a luxurious lifestyle and top-notch schools.
The community of Scarsdale comprises approximately 18,000 residents, and the average household income is around $462,556. The area is home to many successful business people, lawyers, doctors, and other professionals.
One of the hallmarks of Scarsdale is its stunning architecture. The neighborhood boasts some of the most beautiful homes in the country, ranging from stately mansions to cozy cottages. Many of these homes were built in the early 20th century and featured classic architectural styles such as Georgian, Tudor, and Colonial Revival.
Did you know?
Scarsdale had long been a popular destination for Japanese ex-pats. By the end of the last century, the area had a large Japanese population.
1. Atherton, California
Per Capita Income: $171,823
Population Estimates: 6,915
County: San Mateo
Image source: wikipedia.org
Atherton, California, is the richest neighborhood in the US, with an average household income of $526,856. The town is known for its luxurious and spacious homes, which command some of the highest real estate prices in the country. The homes in Atherton are characterized by their grandeur and exclusivity, with manicured lawns, swimming pools, and private gates.
It is a picturesque, tranquil community emphasizing privacy, security, and luxury. The grand estates and modern mansions in Atherton are often nestled among lush gardens, towering trees, and beautiful landscapes, making it an idyllic setting for residents who value privacy and seclusion.
Due to the absence of commercial zoning, the town has no restaurants, shops, or grocery stores.
Did you know?
Before 2022, the town’s zoning laws allowed only one single-family home per acre and banned the construction of sidewalks. However, after the 2021 California Senate Bill 9 was passed, this zoning rule was nullified.
