10 American Cities with the Wealthiest Residents

It might be hard to believe for some, but the average American’s household income has grown in recent years. This fact holds true even when adjusting for inflation, according to USAFacts. 

While not everyone lives like a celebrity, there are plenty of lavish locations in the States. Curious about where the wealthiest people in the country reside? U.S. News and World Report utilized Census Bureau figures to crunch the numbers. 

You may have guessed it: Several of the top ten wealthiest spots are opulent suburbs of California’s biggest cities. 

This blog post will explore the top 10 American cities with the most affluent residents, diving into what makes them so wealthy and what it’s like to live there.

1. Dublin, California

• Location and Reputation: Dublin, California, not to be confused with the popular Irish destination, is located in the San Francisco Bay Area and is known as a crossroads.
• Wealth Indicators: The median household income in Dublin is $205,219, with 77.5% of households making more than $100K annually.
• Cost of Living: Housing expenses in Dublin are notably high, at 148% above the national average.
• Summary: Dublin stands out as the wealthiest city in America, characterized by high income and expensive housing.

2. Sammamish, Washington

• Location and Features: Sammamish is a gorgeous city with rolling hills and cozy neighborhoods.
• Wealth Indicators: Its median household income comes in at a whopping $201,370.
• Employment: Data from the Census Bureau shows more than 6,500 residents working in a computer-related field.
• Income Demographics: Almost 80% of residents make more than $100K in household income.
• Summary: Sammamish is marked by high income and a strong presence in the tech industry.

3. Palo Alto, California

• Location and Key Features: Home to Stanford University, Palo Alto is another California city that has no shortage of affluent inhabitants.
• Wealth Indicators: Its median household income is $195,781.
• Real Estate: Realtor.com’s median listing home price for Palo Alto is a whopping $3.1 million.
• Summary: Palo Alto combines academic prestige with high income and expensive real estate.

4. Newton, Massachusetts

• Location and Recognition: Ranked by Niche as one of the best places to live in Massachusetts, Newton is a Boston suburb with well-heeled households.
• Wealth Indicators: Most residents own their homes and have a median household income of $183,208.
• Community and Education: With highly rated public schools and many young professionals, 70.7% of households make more than $100K annually.
• Summary: Newton is characterized by high homeownership rates, excellent schools, and a high concentration of affluent households.

5. Milpitas, California

• Location and Identity: Another Silicon Valley city landed on the list of America’s wealthiest: Milpitas. The progressive community is on the southern end of San Francisco Bay.
• Income Demographics: 72.4% of households make more than $100,000 per year.
• Summary: Milpitas is a progressive Silicon Valley city with a high percentage of wealthy households.

6. Bethesda, Maryland

• Location: Located about 20 minutes from Washington, DC, Bethesda is one of the country’s most renowned and wealthiest communities.
• Wealth Indicators: This laid-back suburb has an eye-popping median household income of $167,162.
• Summary: Bethesda, close to Washington, D.C., is known for its affluence and relaxed suburban lifestyle.

7. San Ramon, California

• Location and Atmosphere: Nestled in a Northern Californian valley, San Ramon is a family-friendly city known for its bustling economy and thriving tech industry.
• Key Features: Home to glorious parks and hiking trails, the picturesque area also has high-value residents.
• Income Demographics: Seventy-three percent of residents have a household income higher than $100,000, and the medium income is $162,388.
• Summary: San Ramon is a family-friendly city with a strong economy, thriving tech industry, and affluent residents.

8. Mountain View, California

• Location and Scenery: Known for its iconic views of the Santa Cruz Mountains, Mountain View is a picturesque city home to 83,500 residents.
• Major Employers: Most notably, Mountain View is home to Google’s innovative headquarters.
• Wealth Indicators: The median household income is $157,243, and 70% of residents have a household income higher than $100K.
• Summary: Mountain View, home to Google, combines scenic beauty with high income and a strong tech presence.

9. Sunnyvale, California

• Location and Reputation: Its name is just about as fitting as the experience you can have in Sunnyvale. It’s yet another Silicon Valley-based California city that garners glowing reviews from residents and visitors alike.
• Wealth Indicators: With a median household income of $156,059, it’s safe to say residents aren’t clamoring for cash.
• Summary: Sunnyvale is a well-regarded Silicon Valley city with a high median household income.

10. Fremont, California

• Location and Status: With a median household income of $155,968, Fremont, California, is the tenth wealthiest city in America.
• Key Features: It’s the fourth largest city in Silicon Valley and is a vibrant place to reside that lands on several “best places to live” lists.
• Income Demographics: Nearly 70% of residents have a household income higher than $100,000.
• Summary: Fremont is a vibrant Silicon Valley city known for its high quality of life and affluent residents.