America's Wealthiest Counties: Where the Richest County in America Reveals America's Economic Landscape

A comprehensive analysis by GOBankingRates examining median household income data from the U.S. Census Bureau has mapped out the wealthiest county in every American state. The richest county in America tells a fascinating story about regional wealth distribution, lifestyle choices, and economic opportunity. Based on the most recent American Community Survey data from 2021, this research reveals dramatic disparities in income levels across the nation—with median household incomes ranging from roughly $73,000 to over $156,000.

For context, the national median household income in 2021 stood at $70,784, a slight decline from $71,186 in 2020. This means the wealthiest counties in the nation earn significantly more than the national average, with some counties more than doubling the income of others on this list.

Understanding America’s Wealthiest Counties

The term “richest county in America” encompasses far more than just metropolitan areas. These affluent regions vary dramatically in character—some are urban centers with populations exceeding one million, while others are rural communities with just a few thousand residents. Some wealthiest counties are surrounded by water, others by mountains or deserts. Notably, Louisiana’s designation includes parishes rather than traditional counties, and Alaska’s income champion is classified as a census area, reflecting the unique geographic and administrative boundaries across different states.

The diversity of America’s wealthiest counties extends to their landscapes and communities. Some include major metropolitan areas, while others remain relatively undeveloped. This geographic and demographic variation demonstrates that wealth accumulation patterns differ significantly across regions—there’s no single model for what constitutes an affluent American county.

Regional Patterns in the Richest County Rankings

Examining which states produce the richest county in America reveals interesting geographic clustering. Virginia leads the nation with 18 of the top 100 wealthiest counties, followed by California (11 counties), Maryland (10), and New Jersey (9). New York and Texas round out the top tier, each with six counties among the nation’s 100 most affluent.

This concentration in particular states suggests that wealth in America follows specific economic corridors. The Northeast, particularly the Mid-Atlantic region and New England, shows strong representation. California’s prominence reflects West Coast technology and business sectors, while states like Virginia benefit from proximity to Washington, D.C., and its federal employment base.

The Top 10 Richest Counties in America

At the apex of American wealth stands Loudoun County, Virginia, with a median household income of $156,821—more than twice the national average. Following Loudoun are:

• Santa Clara County, California ($140,258)
• Howard County, Maryland ($129,549)
• Douglas County, Colorado ($127,443)
• Nassau County, New York ($126,576)
• Morris County, New Jersey ($123,727)
• Los Alamos County, New Mexico ($123,677)
• Forsyth County, Georgia ($120,999)
• Nantucket County, Massachusetts ($116,571)
• Williamson County, Tennessee ($116,492)

These counties span diverse industries—from technology (Santa Clara’s Silicon Valley), to federal employment (Loudoun near D.C.), to research (Los Alamos), to affluent suburbs (Morris, Howard). Their prominence in rankings of the richest county in America reflects different economic engines driving regional prosperity.

Income Distribution Across All States

The richest county in each state demonstrates wide variation in income levels. The complete state-by-state breakdown shows:

Top-Tier Wealthy Counties ($120,000+): Loudoun (VA), Santa Clara (CA), Howard (MD), Douglas (CO), Nassau (NY), Morris (NJ), Los Alamos (NM), Forsyth (GA), Nantucket (MA), Williamson (TN), Chester (PA), Delaware (OH), Summit (UT), Rockwall (TX)

Upper-Middle Income Counties ($100,000-$120,000): Kendall (IL), Hamilton (IN), King (WA), Scott (MN), Oldham (KY), Rockingham (NH), Fairfield (CT), Burke (ND), Johnson (KS), Bristol (RI), Waukesha (WI), Teton (WY), Jackson (WY), Dallas (IA), Honolulu (HI), Lander (NV), Washington (OR), St. Charles (MO)

Middle Income Counties ($85,000-$100,000): Grand Isle (VT), Fallon (MT), Shelby (AL), Portland (ME), New Castle (DE), Canadian (OK), Benton (AR), Teton (ID), Madison (MS), Beaufort (SC), Maricopa (AZ)

Lower Income Counties (Below $85,000): Ascension Parish (LA), Jefferson (WV), Lincoln (SD), Sarpy (NE), Wake (NC), St. Johns (FL), Livingston (MI), Aleutians West Census Area (AK)

City Centers Within the Richest Counties

The richest county in America often encompasses major cities alongside affluent suburbs. For instance, Santa Clara County includes San Jose and Sunnyvale; King County (Washington) contains Seattle and Bellevue; and Nassau County (New York) includes parts of New York City’s suburban network. However, some wealthy counties remain largely rural or small-town focused, such as Fallon County in Montana (primarily Baker) or Burke County in North Dakota (Powers Lake and Bowbells).

This variety demonstrates that income concentration doesn’t require massive urban centers. Smaller communities can achieve significant collective wealth through specialized industries, government employment, or strategic economic positioning.

What Makes the Richest County in America Stand Out

The gap between the wealthiest and median-income counties tells an important story. The highest median income on this list ($156,821 in Loudoun County) more than doubles the lowest ($72,944 in Maricopa County). This nearly 2.2x differential illustrates significant economic stratification within the nation’s affluent regions alone.

Several factors contribute to why certain counties become the richest county in their states:

Technology and Innovation Centers: Santa Clara County’s position reflects Silicon Valley’s dominance in tech employment and wealth creation. The concentration of major technology companies and startups drives exceptionally high household incomes.

Federal Employment Hubs: Loudoun County’s top ranking stems partly from its proximity to Washington, D.C., and high concentrations of federal government jobs, which typically offer strong compensation packages.

Research and Development: Los Alamos County’s high ranking reflects the Los Alamos National Laboratory, a major employer specializing in scientific research and development.

Affluent Suburban Communities: Many top-ranked counties like Morris (NJ), Howard (MD), and Chester (PA) represent wealthy suburban areas with established communities of high-income professionals.

Natural Resources and Oil/Gas: Some counties benefit from energy sector employment and royalties from natural resource extraction.

Methodology and Data Sources

GOBankingRates determined the richest county in each state by analyzing median household income data from the U.S. Census Bureau’s 2021 American Community Survey—the most recent data available at the time of publication (September 2023). The research methodology remained consistent across all 50 states and territories, using standardized Census Bureau measurements to ensure comparability.

The American Community Survey provides the Census Bureau’s most detailed statistical information about the American population, including income data collected annually. By using a single year’s data (2021) across all jurisdictions, GOBankingRates ensured that findings reflected a consistent temporal snapshot of American wealth distribution.

Conclusion: The Geography of American Wealth

Understanding which county is the richest county in America and how that ranking varies by state provides insight into regional economic systems, employment patterns, and demographic trends. The concentration of wealth in specific states—particularly Virginia, California, and Maryland—suggests that economic opportunity clusters around particular regions and industries.

For those considering relocation or investment, examining the richest county in each state offers valuable perspective on income potential and economic vitality. These rankings reflect not just current prosperity but also the structural factors that create sustained economic advantage in particular American communities.

The data demonstrates that America’s wealthiest counties represent diverse models of prosperity—from technology hubs to federal employment centers, from established suburbs to research-focused communities. This diversity suggests multiple pathways to economic success across different American regions.