America's Richest Towns in 2025: Where Wealth Concentrates

When examining the richest towns in the United States, a clear geographic pattern emerges. According to comprehensive data analysis, Scarsdale, New York, maintains its position as America’s wealthiest suburb for the second consecutive year, with residents enjoying a mean household income of $601,193 in 2023—a 2.2% increase from the prior year.

The Elite Circle: Top 10 Communities

The nation’s most affluent residential areas span four primary states, each dominating specific metropolitan regions. Scarsdale, New York leads with $601,193 in average household earnings and $1.2 million median home values. Following closely is Rye, New York with $421,259 in household income, though its properties command premium pricing at $1.87 million on average.

West University Place, Texas ranks third nationally with $409,677 per-household earnings, representing Houston’s strongest wealth hub. Los Altos, California follows at $403,512 in mean income but boasts the most expensive properties in the nation—averaging $4.56 million. The newly prominent Alamo, California (also at $403,334 income) marks a surprising entry to the top five this year, gaining recognition after missing the previous rankings entirely.

University Park, Texas secures the sixth position with $389,868, while Southlake, Texas climbs dramatically to seventh place with $382,520—a significant jump from its 13th-place ranking in 2024. Hinsdale, Illinois near Chicago rounds out the immediate elite at $376,366, followed by Orinda, California ($369,073) and Wellesley, Massachusetts ($368,179).

Geographic Concentration and State Leadership

California dominates this year’s rankings with 17 communities among the nation’s 50 richest towns—an increase from 16 in 2024. The state’s most expensive elite neighborhoods include Los Altos at $403,512, Alamo at $403,334, Orinda ($369,073), Palos Verdes Estates ($367,178), and Saratoga ($344,319).

Texas shows unexpected momentum with five suburbs in the top 50, including three within the top ten: West University Place, University Park, and Southlake. Additionally, Bellaire (#23) and Colleyville (#47) strengthen the state’s representation among America’s wealthiest communities.

Florida contributes three significant players: Palm Beach ranks 13th with $356,467, Pinecrest places 21st at $312,591, and the newly ranked Lake Butler enters at 40th with $289,593.

Notable New Entrants and Market Movements

Six communities appear in this year’s rankings for the first time: Alamo, California (#5), Coto de Caza, California (#22), Lake Butler, Florida (#40), Colleyville, Texas (#47), Newton, Massachusetts (#49), and Brentwood, Tennessee (#50).

Southlake, Texas demonstrates the year’s most dramatic upward trajectory, jumping from 13th to 7th position while growing household income by 2.8%. Mountain Brook, Alabama near Birmingham achieved 9.5% income growth—the highest among top-30 communities—despite lower absolute income levels.

Property Value Trends Across the Richest Towns

Home valuations reveal mixed signals among America’s most exclusive neighborhoods. Dix Hills, New York experiences explosive 13.3% appreciation to $1.1 million, while Ridgewood, New Jersey and Wilmette, Illinois both record 7.7% and 6.8% gains respectively.

Conversely, Palm Beach, Florida faces 2.3% depreciation despite commanding $10.3 million average home prices, and Moraga, California declines 3.7% to $1.77 million. Los Altos shows resilience with 6.1% appreciation reaching $4.56 million, while Saratoga and Cupertino record 6% and 5.6% gains respectively.

Household Income Dynamics

Among the nation’s richest towns, income growth remains modest for most. San Carlos, California leads with 8.7% growth, reflecting strong tech sector compensation, while Mountain Brook, Alabama achieves 9.5% year-over-year expansion. However, several traditionally wealthy communities experienced income contraction: Wellesley, Massachusetts declined 3.1%, McLean, Virginia fell 3.1%, and Palm Beach, Florida dropped 5.8%, though remaining among the highest-earning areas nationwide.

Market Insights

The data underlying America’s richest towns reveals California’s sustained dominance in absolute wealth concentration, with Bay Area and Los Angeles suburbs commanding the highest property values. Texas demonstrates emerging strength through income growth and new entries reaching elite status. Meanwhile, traditional northeastern strongholds maintain steady prestige despite moderate income adjustments.

For investors evaluating premium markets, the richest towns in the United States span diverse regions with varying appreciation trajectories—from explosive growth zones like Dix Hills to stable wealth preserves like Scarsdale.