10 Richest Cities in the US

10 Richest Cities in the US (2024)

1. Atherton, CA
2. Scarsdale, NY
3. Cherry Hills Village, CO
4. Los Altos Hills, CA
5. Hillsborough, CA
6. Short Hills, NJ
7. Highland Park, TX
8. Darien, CT
9. Winnetka, IL
10. Glencoe, IL

1. Atherton, CA

The richest city in the US is Atherton, California. It has a median household income of $534,000, which is more than seven times higher than the average American household income of $69,021. With a relatively low population of 6,950 residents, Atherton is a town known for its exclusivity and wealth.

Atherton is a wealthy and exclusive community known for its strict zoning rules. Only one single-family house is permitted per acre, so the city keeps the airy and extravagant vibes. It is situated between San Francisco and San Jose, giving its residents easy access to both cities. Many tech executives and investors who work in the Bay Area live in Atherton. 

The average home price in Atherton is very high too, with the average price of a house being $7.25 million, making Atherton the most expensive city in America.

2. Cherry Hills Village, CO

Another one of the richest cities in America is Cherry Hills Village, Colorado. With a median income of $451,500 and average home prices around $2,975,000, living in Cherry Hills Village comes at a price. Situated very close to Denver, Cherry Hills Village is also one of the safest cities in Colorado, making it a great place to raise a family.  

Although Cherry Hills Village is one of the most expensive places to live in the USA, the city offers great public schools, a very low crime rate (with only 13.04 crimes per 1,000 residents), and many activities for residents to enjoy. Whether you like to visit museums, spend time in nature, or do some luxury shopping, you have it all at your fingertips in Cherry Hills Village.

3. Los Altos Hills, CA

Los Altos Hills, California, is also one of the most expensive places to live in America. If you want to live in one of the most beautiful and exclusive places in California, then this city might be perfect for you.

Los Altos Hills has a median household income of $417,000 per year, making it one of the wealthiest cities in the US. 

Los Altos Hills is a favorite of rich tech entrepreneurs that work in San Jose and San Francisco. Much like Atherton, which is also close by, Los Altos Hills offers quick access to the cities as well as beautiful landscapes and plenty of outdoor activities. 

4. Hillsborough, CA

Hillsborough is another California city that is one of the most expensive places to live in the US. The average household income per year in Hillsborough is $373,100. 

Situated in a picturesque area, the city offers great parks, plenty of activities, and a charming and friendly atmosphere. There are also plenty of great boutiques and restaurants available for world-class shopping and dining. 

The average home price in Hillsborough is $5.4 million, making it one of the wealthiest cities in the USA. 

5. Short Hills, NJ

Another one of the richest cities in the US is Short Hills, NJ. This small town of 15,000 people has an average annual household income of $362,910. The average home price is $1,910,792, and the area is brimming with great schools, which makes it a great place for growing families and youth alike.

Short Hills also enjoys a great location in North-Central NJ. Residents can easily commute to New York by car or train, and there’s plenty to do in town. The Short Hills Mall offers luxurious shopping, and there are numerous excellent restaurants in Short Hills and the surrounding area. Some of the best golf courses in NJ are also in the Short Hills area. 

6. Highland Park, TX

Another one of the wealthiest cities in America is Highland Park, Texas. The city has a median household income of $354,905, making residents approximately five times richer than the average city in the US. 

Highland Park is one of the nicest suburbs of Dallas, offering residents a tranquil and idyllic place to live near the city. All in all, this small suburb is the perfect place for wealthy families that want to live close to Dallas. 

Homes in Highland Park are very expensive, selling for a median price of $2,390,340 in 2022. 

7. Scarsdale, NY

Scarsdale, NY, is also one of the richest cities in America. Scarsdale has a median household income of $352,350 and is known for its wealth and desirability.

Scarsdale has a population of 18,000 and is located near New York City, making it easy for residents to commute to New York for their jobs while leading a peaceful lifestyle in Scarsdale.

Scarsdale has an idyllic vibe, and residents can enjoy exploring the woods, parks, and nature reserves nearby. The city also has plenty of restaurants.

Overall, Scarsdale is the perfect place for wealthy young professionals and families, as you have many opportunities for your career and can lead a great life with more peace than New York can offer.

8. Darien, CT

Darien, Connecticut, is the only New England community to make our list of the wealthiest cities in America. Darien has a median household income of $350,900, and the average home price in town is $1,642,800. 

Besides being one of the most expensive places to live in the US, this small coastal town is also perfect for raising children, as it is one of the safest places in Connecticut.

Families love Darien because it’s a safe place to live, with great public schools and plenty of nature to enjoy. Darien is also close to New York City, so it’s great for commuters who work in the city. And, of course, being so close to NYC means there’s plenty of world-class dining, shopping, and entertainment available nearby. 

9. Winnetka, IL

Another of the richest cities in the US is Winnetka, IL. Located near Chicago, Winnetka is a great place for everyone who likes the perks of a big city combined with a more relaxed lifestyle. Residents can enjoy life in this tranquil Chicago suburb on the shores of Lake Michigan while being only a stone’s throw away from the city. 

Besides being one of the wealthiest places in America, Winnetka is also a fantastic place to live. In 2020, the city was ranked as the second best place to live in the United States by 24/7 Wall Street. 

The median household income in Winnetka is $350,370, and the average home price is $1,298,750.

10. Glencoe, IL

Glencoe, Illinois, is the last city on our list of the wealthiest US cities. Nonetheless, Glencoe is here for a good reason. With an average household income of $329,885, Glencoe is much richer than an average American city. 

Glencoe is loved for its waterfront views, parks, and lagoons. A historical place, it is also a very safe city (with only 7,01 crimes per 1,000 residents).

Being a safe place for raising children, many wealthy families choose to live in Glencoe. Glencoe also offers its residents a quick and easy commute to Chicago.  

The median home price in Glencoe is $1,147,950. 

Richest Cities in the USA Compared

Richest Cities in the US Takeaways

In conclusion, the wealthiest cities in the USA epitomize prosperity, offering residents a blend of affluent living standards and desirable amenities. From the expansive estates of Atherton, California, to the picturesque suburbs of Glencoe, Illinois, each city on this list boasts substantial median household incomes and high average home prices, reflecting their exclusive appeal.

Methodology for Selecting the Richest Cities in the USA

To determine the richest cities in the US we looked at various factors including median household income and the average home price in cities across America. To be eligible, cities needed to have a population of at least 1,000 residents. Average home prices are based on home sales recorded between January 1, 2023 and January 1, 2024.