Where Arizona's Richest Communities Are Clustered: A Data-Driven Look at the State's Most Affluent Areas

Arizona’s wealth concentrates heavily in two metropolitan regions, with the Phoenix-Mesa-Chandler area commanding the majority of top-tier communities. Our analysis of U.S. Census Community Survey data paired with Zillow valuations reveals fascinating patterns about where high-income households choose to settle across the Grand Canyon State.

The Geographic Divide: Phoenix Dominates the Wealth Landscape

The disparity between metro areas is striking. Phoenix-Mesa-Chandler suburbs account for 14 of the top 20 affluent communities, while Tucson captures the remaining six—including the single wealthiest suburb. This concentration underscores Phoenix’s emergence as Arizona’s primary hub for high-income earners.

What separates these communities from others? Average household incomes in the wealthiest suburbs range from $107,511 to $170,897, with corresponding home values spanning from approximately $359,000 to $938,000. The relationship between income levels and property prices tells a compelling story about real estate markets in different neighborhoods.

Tucson’s Tier-One Suburb Takes the Crown

Catalina Foothills emerges as Arizona’s most affluent suburb, with an average household income of $170,897 and typical home values reaching $761,048. This Tucson-area community sets the benchmark for prosperity in southern Arizona.

Following closely behind in the Tucson metro area are:

• Tanque Verde ($157,326 income, $679,407 homes)
• Oro Valley ($133,439 income, $531,670 homes)
• Marana ($130,659 income, $444,345 homes)
• Vail ($130,479 income, $421,260 homes)
• Sahuarita ($117,690 income, $365,404 homes)

Phoenix-Mesa-Chandler: A Spectrum of Affluence

The Phoenix metro area’s dominance becomes evident when examining the upper echelon of high-income suburbs:

Scottsdale ranks second overall with $168,679 average household income and $938,118 typical home values—among the highest property prices in the state. Queen Creek follows with $162,363 income and $640,576 home values, while New River presents $159,599 income paired with $766,561 properties.

Moving down the rankings within Phoenix suburbs reveals interesting patterns:

• Anthem ($143,659 income, $577,257 homes)
• Gilbert ($145,526 income, $581,829 homes)
• Fountain Hills ($140,542 income, $753,411 homes)
• Chandler ($134,123 income, $542,177 homes)
• Goodyear ($121,426 income, $478,411 homes)
• Peoria ($119,995 income, $499,551 homes)
• Gold Canyon ($119,660 income, $495,631 homes)
• Buckeye ($113,682 income, $404,585 homes)
• Sun Tan Valley ($108,603 income, $407,834 homes)
• Maricopa ($108,500 income, $359,461 homes)
• Surprise ($107,511 income, $432,562 homes)

The Income-to-Property Value Correlation

An intriguing observation emerges: higher household income doesn’t always directly correlate with the highest property values. Scottsdale demonstrates this principle, with home values ($938,118) that significantly exceed even Catalina Foothills ($761,048) despite slightly lower average income. Similarly, Fountain Hills property values ($753,411) outpace several higher-income communities, suggesting that location prestige and amenity factors influence real estate pricing beyond raw income figures.

Understanding Arizona’s Affluent Communities

These 20 suburbs represent Arizona’s most prosperous residential areas, where household incomes consistently exceed $100,000 annually. The data reflects 2023 Census American Community Survey information for communities with 5,000+ households, with home valuations current as of August 2025.

Whether you’re considering relocation, real estate investment, or simply curious about Arizona’s demographic trends, this ranking provides comprehensive insight into where the state’s highest-earning residents establish their homes.