America's Wealthiest Counties: Which States Lead the Pack?

A comprehensive analysis of U.S. Census Bureau data from 2021 reveals fascinating wealth distribution patterns across America’s counties. This study examining the top 50 richest counties in America uncovers vast disparities in economic prosperity, from sprawling urban centers to remote communities.

The Wealth Gap Tells an Important Story

The median household income across the nation stood at $70,784 in 2021, representing a slight decline from 2020’s $71,186. However, the richest counties in america dramatically outpace this national average. The top-earning county’s median income more than doubles the lowest on our list—a striking indicator of regional economic inequality.

These prosperous regions showcase incredible diversity. Some are dominated by major metropolitan areas, while others contain just a few thousand residents. Certain counties are surrounded by coastlines and water, others by mountains or deserts. Louisiana’s wealthiest area is technically a parish, not a county, and Alaska’s economic leader is classified as a census area.

Breaking Down the Top Performers

Virginia Claims the Crown

Virginia dominates the rankings with Loudoun County topping all others at an impressive $156,821 median household income. The state’s economic prowess extends beyond one county—Virginia boasts 18 of the 100 richest counties in america, significantly outpacing all competitors.

Following Virginia, the state-level rankings show:

• California: 11 ultra-wealthy counties
• Maryland: 10 prosperous counties
• New Jersey: 9 affluent counties
• New York and Texas: 6 each

The Heavyweights: $140,000+

California’s Santa Clara County ranks second nationally with $140,258, fueled by Silicon Valley’s tech economy. Maryland’s Howard County claims third place at $129,549, while Colorado’s Douglas County and New York’s Nassau County round out this elite tier.

The Upper Echelon: $116,000-$130,000

This range includes Massachusetts’ Nantucket County ($116,571), Tennessee’s Williamson County ($116,492), Utah’s Summit County ($116,351), and Ohio’s Delaware County ($116,284). Meanwhile, the nation’s capital region sees strong performance from New Jersey’s Morris County ($123,727) and New Mexico’s Los Alamos County ($123,677).

Mid-Range Affluence: $88,000-$115,000

Dozens of counties cluster in this comfortable range, representing solid middle-to-upper-class prosperity. Indiana’s Hamilton County ($104,858), Washington State’s King County ($106,326), Minnesota’s Scott County ($109,031), Pennsylvania’s Chester County ($109,969), Kentucky’s Oldham County ($109,815), and Texas’s Rockwall County ($111,595) exemplify this tier.

Regional Spread Across America’s Landscape

The richest counties in america span every region. The West features strong performers like Nevada’s Lander County ($92,543) and Oregon’s Washington County ($92,025). The Southeast includes North Carolina’s Wake County ($88,471), with its tech and research corridors, and Florida’s St. Johns County ($88,794). The Midwest contributes Michigan’s Livingston County ($88,908) and Nebraska’s Sarpy County ($88,408).

Even traditionally less wealthy regions show pockets of prosperity. Arkansas’s Benton County reaches $76,887, while Mississippi’s Madison County hits $74,688—both representing economic hubs within their respective states.

Data Foundation and Methodology

All figures derive from the U.S. Census Bureau’s American Community Survey, utilizing 2021 data—the most recent comprehensive information available at the time of analysis. The ranking methodology focused exclusively on median household income, providing an objective measure of economic well-being across geographic regions.

The diversity of these wealthiest areas—from metropolitan giants like Phoenix, Dallas, and Seattle to smaller communities—demonstrates that prosperity takes many forms across America’s counties.