Where the money is
If you want to rub elbows with people who live in the wealthiest counties in America, you won’t end up in the glamorous big apple, nor in 90210. No, those areas are a mixed bag with posh living next door to lower income families, not areas where all residents enjoy higher incomes. The wealthiest counties in America are all suburban areas near large cities, showing that money flows from the cities outward even today.
Forbes outlined the 25 wealthiest counties and interestingly enough, the east coast dominates the list and shows that the urban areas are not where the biggest paychecks are landing.
- Loudoun County, VA
- Fairfax County, VA
- Howard County, MD
- Hunterdon County, NJ
- Somerset County, NJ
- Fairfax City, VA
- Morris County, NJ
- Douglas County, CO
- Arlington County, VA
- Montgomery County, MD
- Nassau County, NY
- Stafford County, VA
- Calvert County, MD
- Prince William County, VA
- Putnam County, NY
- Goochland County, VA
- Williamson County, TN
- Marin County, CA
- Santa Clara County, CA
- Forsyth County, GA
- Charles County, MD
- Summit County, UT
- Alexandria City, VA
- Chester County, PA
- Suffolk County, NY
Forbes reporter Francesca Levy closes the top 25 list by saying, “Where you choose to settle tends to be an extension of how much you make, rather than the other way around.” I couldn’t agree more.
Photo courtesy of Heather Elias
Mike
March 9, 2010 at 6:25 am
I live in Loudoun County. Until a few years ago Fairfax was #1, until Loudoun surpassed it. I’m surprised that Loudoun is still at the top, considering the 25-50% reduction of home values. Fairfax hasn’t depreciated as much. Loudoun is also the fastest growing County is the Country. 20 years ago, it was mostly farm land.
Brandie Young
March 9, 2010 at 8:13 pm
Hmmm, a few NJ and only one in California. Those Jersey Shore kids must have skewed it somehow…
Nashville Grant
March 9, 2010 at 9:54 pm
Ah, there you are Williamson County, TN. At number 17 and climbing! Thank you Brentwood, Cool Springs and Franklin. I’ll bet you guys were surprised to see us on the list…well, don’t be, your healthcare bucks flow through Nashville.
Brian Brady
March 12, 2010 at 6:16 pm
“Hmmm, a few NJ and only one in California. Those Jersey Shore kids must have skewed it somehow…”
Bigger counties out West. eg- The largest and 4th largest cities in the State are both in LA County. Few CA counties are “suburban” counties (and Marin is one of them). What surprised me was that Orange County didn’t make the list
Pam Rumley
March 14, 2010 at 4:41 pm
Franklin Tennessee (Williamson County) was one of the richest counties in America before the Civil War. Then it was just about destroyed during that war. Several homes in the area still have bloodstains and bullet holes to prove it. But, it’s meant to be…because once again it is on the list of the wealthiest counties in the country. It’s very beautiful and a great place to live.
Jonathan Benya
March 24, 2010 at 12:43 pm
Charles County Made #21 Whoot!
Teri Lussier
September 22, 2010 at 11:35 pm
More proof that DC really is out of touch with the rest of country.
Lee Taylor
January 29, 2011 at 10:37 pm
wow… 8 VA counties! way to go Virginia!!!!!!!!
Ffx Co
August 22, 2011 at 6:16 pm
Lol, actually, all but one of those counties is in NoVa, which is barely VA. We are politically entirely different. The only thing that makes us VA is that our tax money goes to the rest of the state…
ffx co
Christina
April 12, 2011 at 9:11 pm
How is Fairfield County, CT not on here?
dave
June 5, 2011 at 9:55 pm
I grew up in Va, never liked it, was uptight. Went to UT knoxville, thought I'd escaped from 'ell. So Nor Va's got a few bucks but from where and from how (how much utility does it provide). Bottom line is, is it any fun? I'd take Marin 20 to 1 over that freezing place. Is it any fun, ever hear Emperor's clothes fable or King Midas and the golden touch. If it doesn't translate then it's lost in trans . . . How does their lifestyle boil down. That which you can't translate to fun is an illusion. But dream on keep telling yourself, if that's what keep U goin.
amy
October 1, 2011 at 2:18 pm
So 11 of the top 25 are in the DC Metro; just shows how much money is generated by doing business with the federal gov't.