The richest town in every state
Wealth inequality in the United States is stark, with the wealth divide widening significantly over recent decades. From 1963 to 2022, the wealth of the top 1% of American families increased sevenfold, while the average wealth of those in the bottom 10% saw only a modest rise. This disparity is evident in the richest towns across the country, each offering a unique blend of luxury, amenities, and lifestyle.
Alabama: Mountain Brook
- Median Household Income: $167,007 (122.2% above U.S. median)
- Households Earning Over $200,000: 42.1%
- Median Earnings for Workers: $86,558
- Health Insurance Coverage: 99.4%
- Unemployment Rate: 0.9%
- Poverty Rate: 3.9%
Just outside Birmingham, Mountain Brook is known for its upscale shops, fine dining, and lush parks. The town’s annual Pollinator Week highlights its commitment to community and environmental care.
Alaska: Unalaska
- Median Household Income: $104,706 (39.3% above U.S. median)
- Households Earning Over $200,000: 13.8%
- Median Earnings for Workers: $45,309
- Health Insurance Coverage: 83.6%
- Unemployment Rate: 3.3%
- Poverty Rate: 2.9%
Unalaska, or Dutch Harbor, is a hub for outdoor enthusiasts and WWII history buffs. Its population swells in the summer, driven by its natural beauty and fishing industry.
Arizona: Paradise Valley
- Median Household Income: $221,333 (194.5% above U.S. median)
- Households Earning Over $200,000: 54.9%
- Median Earnings for Workers: $89,419
- Health Insurance Coverage: 96.0%
- Unemployment Rate: 2.5%
- Poverty Rate: 2.9%
Located between Camelback and Mummy Mountain, Paradise Valley boasts luxury resorts, high-end shopping, and art galleries. It’s a hub for those seeking both relaxation and cultural enrichment.
Arkansas: Goshen
- Median Household Income: $167,961 (123.5% above U.S. median)
- Households Earning Over $200,000: 38.8%
- Median Earnings for Workers: $66,563
- Health Insurance Coverage: 99.3%
- Unemployment Rate: 1.5%
- Poverty Rate: 0.0%
Nestled in the Ozark Mountains, Goshen offers scenic beauty and a rich history. The town is ideal for outdoor activities and has a low poverty rate, reflecting its affluent community.
California: Hillsborough
- Median Household Income: $250,000 (232.7% above U.S. median)
- Households Earning Over $200,000: 69.6%
- Median Earnings for Workers: $104,357
- Health Insurance Coverage: 98.8%
- Unemployment Rate: 5.4%
- Poverty Rate: 3.1%
Established in 1910, Hillsborough maintains its luxurious, rural charm with large estates and a focus on preserving green space. It offers proximity to San Francisco’s urban amenities.
Colorado: Cherry Hills Village
- Median Household Income: $250,000 (232.7% above U.S. median)
- Households Earning Over $200,000: 66.9%
- Median Earnings for Workers: $143,684
- Health Insurance Coverage: 97.2%
- Unemployment Rate: 2.8%
- Poverty Rate: 2.7%
This affluent suburb of Denver is known for its expansive homes and natural beauty, including creeks, lakes, and golf courses. The town has been free of commercial development since 1938.
Connecticut: Borough of Newtown
- Median Household Income: $144,375 (92.1% above U.S. median)
- Households Earning Over $200,000: 32.0%
- Median Earnings for Workers: $64,837
- Health Insurance Coverage: 97.7%
- Unemployment Rate: 3.4%
- Poverty Rate: 0.6%
The Borough of Newtown, a densely populated area within the larger city of Newtown, is known for its historic preservation and charming main street.
Delaware: Townsend
- Median Household Income: $147,917 (96.8% above U.S. median)
- Households Earning Over $200,000: 14.4%
- Median Earnings for Workers: $64,881
- Health Insurance Coverage: 95.9%
- Unemployment Rate: 2.5%
- Poverty Rate: 1.9%
Townsend, near the Delaware and Elk Rivers, offers a historic and community-oriented lifestyle with proximity to larger cities and natural reserves.
Florida: Palm Beach
- Median Household Income: $190,824 (153.9% above U.S. median)
- Households Earning Over $200,000: 48.3%
- Median Earnings for Workers: $80,706
- Health Insurance Coverage: 95.2%
- Unemployment Rate: 5.6%
- Poverty Rate: 2.7%
Palm Beach is a luxury destination known for its marina, high-end shopping, and historic estates, including The Breakers resort.
Georgia: Johns Creek
- Median Household Income: $153,882 (104.8% above U.S. median)
- Households Earning Over $200,000: 33.0%
- Median Earnings for Workers: $75,777
- Health Insurance Coverage: 94.9%
- Unemployment Rate: 3.7%
- Poverty Rate: 2.7%
Johns Creek, a hub for health and wellness industries, offers extensive parks and recreational facilities, contributing to its high median income.
Hawai’i: Maunawili
- Median Household Income: $169,375 (125.4% above U.S. median)
- Households Earning Over $200,000: 44.5%
- Median Earnings for Workers: $61,639
- Health Insurance Coverage: 98.1%
- Unemployment Rate: 2.1%
- Poverty Rate: 0.0%
Adjacent to Kailua, Maunawili is known for its cultural significance, scenic beauty, and agricultural history.
Idaho: Eagle
- Median Household Income: $114,271 (52.1% above U.S. median)
- Households Earning Over $200,000: 25.0%
- Median Earnings for Workers: $57,580
- Health Insurance Coverage: 96.1%
- Unemployment Rate: 1.5%
- Poverty Rate: 4.9%
Eagle, a suburb of Boise, is known for its vibrant community events, natural beauty, and upscale living.
Illinois: Kildeer
- Median Household Income: $250,000 (232.7% above U.S. median)
- Households Earning Over $200,000: 67.7%
- Median Earnings for Workers: $118,384
- Health Insurance Coverage: 99.5%
- Unemployment Rate: 3.1%
- Poverty Rate: 1.4%
Kildeer offers a serene environment with lakes and forests, close to Chicago, and features custom-built homes.
Indiana: Meridian Hills
- Median Household Income: $198,889 (164.7% above U.S. median)
- Households Earning Over $200,000: 49.4%
- Median Earnings for Workers: $87,875
- Health Insurance Coverage: 98.4%
- Unemployment Rate: 3.7%
- Poverty Rate: 0.6%
Meridian Hills, a residential enclave near Indianapolis, features diverse architecture and a range of amenities.
Iowa: Polk City
- Median Household Income: $152,536 (103.0% above U.S. median)
- Households Earning Over $200,000: 25.5%
- Median Earnings for Workers: $71,409
- Health Insurance Coverage: 97.9%
- Unemployment Rate: 3.8%
- Poverty Rate: 6.5%
Polk City, named after President James K. Polk, is known for its outdoor activities and strong community spirit.
Kansas: Mission Hills
- Median Household Income: $250,000 (232.7% above U.S. median)
- Households Earning Over $200,000: 68.2%
- Median Earnings for Workers: $145,580
- Health Insurance Coverage: 98.8%
- Unemployment Rate: 0.5%
- Poverty Rate: 0.1%
Mission Hills, near Kansas City, features upscale living with extensive gardens and historical significance.
Kentucky: Anchorage
- Median Household Income: $202,917 (170.0% above U.S. median)
- Households Earning Over $200,000: 50.4%
- Median Earnings for Workers: $93,661
- Health Insurance Coverage: 97.4%
- Unemployment Rate: 6.1%
- Poverty Rate: 1.1%
Anchorage, with its historic mansions and luxury homes, offers a rustic Southern charm with a high median income.
Louisiana: Youngsville
- Median Household Income: $111,619 (48.5% above U.S. median)
- Households Earning Over $200,000: 12.1%
- Median Earnings for Workers: $55,912
- Health Insurance Coverage: 97.4%
