While glittering metropolises often steal the spotlight regarding wealth, pockets of prosperity bloom across the nation in unassuming corners. We look at the wealthiest small towns in each U.S.U.S. state, offering a glimpse into their distinctive character and the secrets to their success.
Vermont: Shelburne
Nestled amidst the rolling hills, Shelburne boasts a median household income of $96,976. Lush nature, a vibrant arts scene, and proximity to Burlington draw residents seeking a serene yet stimulating lifestyle.
Massachusetts: Boxford
Boxford, nestled in Essex County, boasts a median income of $232,326. Historic charm, top-rated schools, and near to Boston attract families and professionals seeking a balance between urban amenities and rural tranquility.
New Jersey: Short Hills
Short Hills, nestled in Union County, boasts a median income of $245,226. Rolling hills, prestigious schools, and convenient access to New York City draw wealthy families and professionals.
Georgia: Berkeley Lake
Berkeley Lake, nestled in Gwinnett County, boasts a median income of $138,182. A vibrant lakeside community with excellent schools and a thriving business environment attracts young families and professionals.
Florida: Parkland
Parkland, in Broward County, boasts a median income of $174,295. Pristine beaches, top-rated schools, and a strong sense of community draw families and retirees seeking a sunny haven.
Mississippi: Madison
Madison, nestled in Rankin County, boasts a median income of $119,662. A historic town with a thriving medical industry and family-friendly atmosphere attracts professionals and those seeking a southern charm.
Nebraska: Hickman
Hickman, nestled in Lancaster County, boasts a median income of $107,604. Fertile farmland, agricultural solid roots, and a close-knit community draw families and those seeking a slower pace of life.
Ohio: New Albany
In Franklin County, New Albany boasts a median income of $248,107. A planned community with top-rated schools, ample green spaces, and convenient access to Columbus attracts affluent families and professionals.
Wisconsin: River Hills
River Hills, nestled in Milwaukee County, boasts a median income of $247,930. Stunning natural beauty, prestigious schools, and proximity to Milwaukee draw professionals and those seeking a luxurious suburban lifestyle.
Montana: Helena Valley Northeast
Helena Valley Northeast, nestled in Lewis and Clark County, boasts a median income of $115,833. Scenic beauty, a growing tech industry, and access to outdoor activities attract young professionals and families.
Washington: Clyde Hill
Clyde Hill, nestled in King County, boasts a median income of $238,958. Stunning views of Mount Rainier, proximity to Seattle, and excellent schools attract affluent families and professionals.
West Virginia: Cassville
Niche says that Cassville has a median household income of around $70,000. The town has a higher-than-average percentage of residents with college degrees, indicating a skilled workforce and potential for attracting professional careers.
Louisiana: Inniswood
Inniswold boasts an average income of $110,949, putting it in the top 10 wealthiest places in Louisiana based on zip code data. The town is part of the Baton Rouge metropolitan area, close to employment opportunities and amenities offered by a larger city.
Alaska: Steele Creek
This coastal town, with a population of around 8,500, boasts a robust tourism industry and a higher-than-average median household income than the state average.
Rhode Island: Kingston
Kingston celebrates a median household income of $116,250, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau. High-quality schools, parks, and a safe environment make Kingston an attractive place to raise a family.
South Dakota: Dakota Dunes
Dakota Dunes has a median household income of $118,966 due to a great education program, excellent job prospects, and various restaurants, shops, and diverse cultural activities that enrich residents’ lives.
Nevada: Mogul
Mogul boasts a median household income of $133,343, according to the latest data from GOBankingRates. This is significantly higher than the state average of $60,552, placing Mogul in the top 1% of places in the U.S. with populations between 500 and 15,000.
New Hampshire: Hanover
Hanover holds the title of the wealthiest small town in the state, with a median household income of $136,992. The presence of Dartmouth, a prestigious Ivy League university, attracts renowned faculty, talented students, and successful alums, all contributing to the town’s economic activity.
Georgia: Berkeley Lake
Berkeley Lake boasts a median household income of $138,182, according to the 2020 American Community Survey. The town celebrates a higher-than-average percentage of residents with college degrees, indicating a skilled workforce and the potential to attract high-paying positions.
Wyoming: Rafter J Ranch
Rafter J Ranch is not technically a tow, a census-designated place (C.D.P.) within Teton County, Wyoming, and has a Median Income of $140,523. Homes in Rafter J Ranch tend to be pricier than the Teton County average, reflecting the desirable location and lifestyle.
Idaho: Hidden Springs
Hidden Springs, Idaho, holds the claim to fame as the most prosperous small town in the state based on available data and consistent reports. According to Business Insider, the median household income is also impressive at $138,895, further solidifying its position as the most prosperous small town.
Iowa: Polk City
Polk City has a median household income of $35,394, and residents can still enjoy affordable housing compared to Des Moines; access to nature and local amenities contribute to a pleasant lifestyle.
Arkansas: Goshen
Goshen, with an average household income of $192,359, holds the title of the wealthiest small town in the state based on data from the 2021 American Community Survey.
Delaware: Hockessin
Located just north of Wilmington, Hockessin benefits from being close to a significant city with diverse job opportunities in various industries, including finance, pharmaceutical, and technology. They have a median income of $158,036.
Alabama: Mountain Brook
Mountain Brook boasts a median household income of $143,000, more than double the statewide median household income of around $57,000. Mountain Brook boasts a high percentage of residents with college degrees, contributing to a skilled workforce and attracting high-paying positions.
Kansas: Leawood
Leawood boasts a remarkable median household income of $159,540. The town frequently appears on lists of wealthiest cities in the U.S., like those by 24/7 Wall St. and Niche, highlighting its exceptional economic standing.
Hawaii: Maunawili
Based on reports like Business Insider’s analysis of 2014 Census data, Maunawili boasted a median household income of $137,143, significantly exceeding the state average of $67,492.
Oregon: Stafford
Stafford stands out as a wealthy community with a median household income of $161,489, significantly exceeding the state and national averages.
Utah: East Basin
East Basin has a median household income of $170,677. This unincorporated area and C.D.P. is located in Summit County, Utah, just northeast of Park City. Its population was around 3,646 in the 2020 census.
Indiana: Meridian Hills
Meridian Hills boasts a median household income of $186,750, which is more than seven times the state average of $26,000, and places it in the top 1% of places in the U.S. with populations between 1,000 and 25,000.
Maine: Falmouth Foreside
The town possesses an impressive median household income exceeding $200,000, significantly higher than the state average of around $63,400. This undeniably places it among the top income earners in Maine.
New Mexico: Las Campanas
Las Campanas boasts a remarkable median income of $190,144, nearly seven times the state average of $28,100. Located north of Santa Fe, Las Campanas is a private, gated community designed for retirees and established families seeking luxury living.
Kentucky: Anchorage
The town has an impressive median household income of $305,118, far exceeding the state average of $57,000. Over time, Anchorage has attracted successful residents and businesses, reinforcing its affluence and reputation as a desirable place to live.
Arizona: Paradise Valley
Paradise Valley boasts a staggering $328,000 median household income. Despite its reputation as a wealthy enclave, Paradise Valley fosters a thriving community with active residents, volunteer initiatives, and diverse events.
Washington: Medina
Medina boasts a staggering median household income exceeding $3 million, significantly exceeding the state average of $67,492 and placing it in the top 0.1% of places in the U.S. with populations under 5,000.
Missouri: Town and Country
Town and Country features a high percentage of residents with college degrees, contributing to a skilled workforce and attracting high-paying positions; thus, it has a median income of $211,429.
Tennessee: Forest Hills
It is located just southwest of Nashville—Forest Hills benefits from being close to a significant city with diverse job opportunities. The town has a median income of $178,000.
South Carolina: Kiawah Island
Kiawah Island primarily comprises private beach homes and resorts, fostering an exclusive atmosphere and high property values. It has a median household income of $216,750.
Oklahoma: Nichols Hills
Nichols Hills, Oklahoma, consistently holds the title of the wealthiest small town in the state. With a median household income exceeding $186,912, residents of Nichols Hills offer a high quality of life with access to amenities, cultural activities, and outdoor pursuits.
North Carolina: Marvin
Marvin has a $221,350 median household income and has Excellent schools, public amenities, and access to cultural activities, contributing to a high quality of life for residents.
Illinois: Kildeer
Located in the western suburbs of Chicago, Kildeer benefits from being close to a significant city with diverse job opportunities and has a median household income exceeding $226,375.
Maryland: Travilah
Travilah boasts a remarkable median household income exceeding $215,688, nearly triple the state average of $76,067. Located about 20 miles northwest of downtown Washington, D.C., Travilah benefits from convenient access to a significant city with diverse job opportunities in government, finance, and other sectors.
Massachusetts: Boxford
Boxford has a median household income exceeding $221,153. Despite its affluence, Boxford maintains a close-knit community with shared values and a sense of belonging.
Virginia: South Run
Residents of South Run enjoy a median household income exceeding $245,852. Located just across the Potomac River from Washington, D.C., South Run enjoys convenient access to a significant city.
Colorado: Columbine Valley
Columbine Valley has a median household income exceeding $248,984. The high income reflects the presence of well-established individuals and professionals.
New York: Flower Hill
Flower Hill is a small village located on Long Island’s North Shore median household with an average household income exceeding $246,533.
Texas: University Park
Nestled directly within Dallas, University Park leverages access to a significant city with diverse job opportunities in various sectors, bringing in $247,045 median household income.
Pennsylvania: Fox Chapel
Fox Chapel, Located 6 miles northeast of downtown Pittsburgh, has a $247,930 median household income. It celebrates a rich history from the 18th century, with well-preserved sites and historical character.
California: Orinda
Orinda has a median household income exceeding $248,984. The limited number of available properties contributes to its exclusivity and perceived wealth.
Connecticut: Norton
Norton, a small enclave within Darien, Connecticut, consistently earns the reputation of being one of the wealthiest communities in the state. Its median household income exceeds $215,688.
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