Do you know the wealthiest counties in America? When this question comes up, which regions come to mind? The U.S. Census Bureau has released its latest American Community Survey report. The rankings are based on median household income per county, while also incorporating Urban, High-Performing Rankings, the strength of education systems, and the availability and affordability of housing. The data reveals that America’s wealthiest counties are located in major metropolitan areas such as Washington, D.C., New York City, and the San Francisco Bay Area. In 2025, Loudoun County, Virginia, ranked as the richest county in America, followed by Santa Clara County, CA, San Mateo County, California, Falls Church, Virginia, and others. Are you interested in learning more about the richest counties in the us? This blog reveals the 10 wealthiest counties in America. Let’s explore these states together.
Top 10 Wealthiest Counties in America
1. Loudoun County, Virginia
Median Household Income: $178,707
State Median Household Income (VA): $90,974
Loudoun County is the wealthiest county in the US, with a median household income of $178,707. Located in Virginia, approximately 25 miles west of Washington, D.C., Loudoun County is part of the Washington metropolitan area. Its population has shown consistent annual growth, currently standing at 443,380 residents. Among residents aged 25 and older, 93.8% possess a high school diploma, while 60.2% hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. This high educational attainment underpins the county’s knowledge-based industries and attracts employers seeking a highly skilled workforce. Currently, Loudoun County hosts over 11,900 businesses employing more than 166,000 people, primarily in high-paying occupations such as government contracting, lobbying, cybersecurity, and consulting. Companies including AWS, Northrop Grumman, and Verizon operate data centers here, contributing to the county’s technology-driven economy.
2. Santa Clara County, California
Median Household Income: $159,674
State Median Household Income: $96,334
Santa Clara County is the second-wealthiest county in the United States and the wealthiest county on the West Coast, with a median household income of $159,674. Santa Clara County is a large county in California’s San Francisco Bay Area with a population of two million, and is home to Silicon Valley. The county hosts world-renowned institutions such as Stanford University, Santa Clara University, and San Jose State University, continuously supplying the region with top talent in engineering, business, and computer science. The county is home to numerous high-tech companies, including VMware (a subsidiary of Dell), IDEO design firm, and Palantir Technologies. It has become an incubator for tech giants like Apple, Google, Facebook, and Logitech. This concentration of innovation is precisely why Santa Clara County ranks among the wealthiest counties in the United States.
3. San Mateo County, California
Median Household Income: $156,000
State Median Household Income: $96,334
Located on the San Francisco Peninsula in the heart of the Bay Area and adjacent to Silicon Valley, San Mateo County (CA) boasts a population close to 412,398, with a high educational attainment (over 54% hold a bachelor’s degree or higher). The county benefits from its proximity to tech giants and thriving industries, leading to a median household income of around $156,000. While it has no major universities within its borders, many residents are associated with Stanford, UC Berkeley, and San Mateo’s vibrant professional ecosystem. High-paying jobs in technology, finance, and innovation—with support from top-tier education and a strong commuter economy—enhance its reputation as one of the richest counties.
4. Falls Church, Virginia
Median Household Income: $154,734
State Median Household Income: $90,974
Falls Church is an independent city in Northern Virginia, just west of Washington, D.C., with a population of around 14,600. It ranks among the highest income areas, with a median household income of around $154,700, and per capita income exceeding $85,000. The city boasts exceptional educational attainment—nearly 80% hold at least a bachelor’s degree—and most residents work in government, consultancy, or healthcare jobs in the D.C. metro area. High incomes are fueled by its strategic location, affluent population, walkable neighborhoods, and quality schools that attract professionals seeking both lifestyle and economic opportunities.
5. Fairfax County, Virginia
Median Household Income: $150,113
State Median Household Income: $90,974
Fairfax County, part of the Washington metropolitan area, is among the most affluent counties nationwide. It includes large communities like Centreville, McLean, and Tysons Corner, with a diverse population distributed across many affluent suburbs. The county benefits from government contracting, defense, consulting, and tech sectors, supported by excellent public schools and infrastructure. While specific income figures are not in the snippet, Fairfax consistently ranks highly for household income due to its professional workforce, high educational levels, and proximity to federal and corporate employment centers.
6. Howard County, Maryland
Median Household Income: $146,982
State Median Household Income: $101,652
Situated between Baltimore and Washington, D.C., Howard County (MD) is known for its high quality of life, strong educational system, and family-friendly amenities. With a reported median household income of $146,982, it ranks among the top-income counties. The county hosts campuses like Howard Community College and complements the workforce from nearby universities. Its residents often work in sectors such as government, healthcare, education, and technology—bolstered by well-planned growth, high-performing public schools, and proximity to two major cities—driving its strong economic standing.
7. Douglas County, Colorado
Median Household Income: $145,737
State Median Household Income: $92,470
Douglas County is located in north-central Colorado, on the southern edge of the Denver metropolitan area. Bordering the city of Denver to the north, it presents a transitional landscape from bustling urban centers to expansive suburbs, characterized by rolling hills and portions of the Rocky Mountain foothills. According to the latest census data, the county has a population of approximately 370,000, making it one of Colorado’s fastest-growing and most highly educated counties. While it lacks a large comprehensive university, its proximity to the Denver metropolitan area provides access to numerous higher education resources, including institutions like Colorado Technical University.
Its high median household income stems primarily from its status as a premier bedroom community for the Denver metropolitan area. This attracts a large number of highly educated, high-earning professionals who commute to well-paying positions at technology, energy, and aerospace companies in downtown Denver or Colorado Springs. Simultaneously, the county has cultivated a robust business base, particularly along the I-25 corridor’s Denver Tech Center, which hosts numerous telecommunications, technology, and financial firms. Furthermore, the county is renowned for its high-quality school districts, low crime rates, and well-planned upscale residential communities. These factors consistently attract affluent families, driving up property values and overall wealth levels, creating a virtuous cycle.
8. Nassau County, New York
Median Household Income: $143,408
State Median Household Income: $84,578
Nassau County sits on western Long Island, adjacent to New York City. It’s a wealthy suburban area with a median household income of around $143,408. Nassau benefits from proximity to Manhattan, excellent school districts, and commuter-friendly infrastructure. Many residents work in finance, law, and business in NYC while enjoying top-tier suburban amenities. Its strong housing market and high residential demand sustain its status as one of the richest counties in the nation.
9. Los Alamos County, New Mexico
Median Household Income: $143,188
State Median Household Income: $62,125
Los Alamos County is located in north-central New Mexico, situated on the Pajarito Plateau overlooking the Rio Grande Valley. It ranks among the least populated counties in the United States, with a resident population of only about 19,000. The reason for its exceptionally high median household income is straightforward and unique: it is home to the nation’s most significant national nuclear weapons laboratory and premier research institutions. Los Alamos National Laboratory employs the vast majority of the county’s workforce, comprising scientists, engineers, and technicians requiring advanced degrees and specialized skills (over 70% of residents hold bachelor’s degrees or higher). These positions offer highly competitive salaries to attract top national talent for highly specialized research in defense, nuclear physics, supercomputing, and cutting-edge science and technology. This high-paying employer almost entirely drives the county’s economy. Combined with its relatively isolated location and limited housing supply, this creates exceptionally high income levels.
10. Marin County, California
Median Household Income: $142,785
State Median Household Income: $96,334
North of San Francisco across the Golden Gate Bridge lies Marin County (CA), celebrated for its natural beauty, affluent communities, and outdoor lifestyle. Its population is around 250,000, with median household income historically above $142,785. High per-capita income (about $54,600) and family incomes are supported by professionals working in nearby city roles and a saturation of high-paying jobs in tech, biotech, finance, and creative sectors. Pristine environment and affluent culture affirm its place among America’s wealthiest counties.
List of Richest Counties in the U.S.
| Rank | County | State | Median Household Income |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Loudoun County | Virginia (VA) | $178,707 |
| 2 | Santa Clara County | California (CA) | $159,674 |
| 3 | San Mateo County | California (CA) | $156,000 |
| 4 | Falls Church | Virginia (VA) | $154,734 |
| 5 | Fairfax County | Virginia (VA) | $150,113 |
| 6 | Howard County | Maryland (MD) | $146,982 |
| 7 | Douglas County | Colorado (CO) | $145,737 |
| 8 | Nassau County | New York (NY) | $143,408 |
| 9 | Los Alamos County | New Mexico (NM) | $143,188 |
| 10 | Marin County | California (CA) | $142,785 |
Conclusion of Wealthiest Counties in America
The wealthiest counties in America aren’t defined only by their high median household incomes—they shine through a brilliant blend of innovation, talent, and lifestyle. From Silicon Valley’s tech-driven powerhouse counties like Santa Clara and San Mateo, where tech giants and startups together foster an elite, forward-thinking community, to Northern Virginia’s Loudoun and Fairfax Counties, where federal contracting, cybersecurity, and data center hubs anchor prosperity—each region tells its own success story. These areas boast well-educated, dynamic populations, low poverty, and enviable quality of life, topped off with charm, sophistication, and unparalleled convenience. Whether you’re drawn to urban vibrancy or scenic beauty, you can trust uhomes.com to help you find the perfect apartment in America to enjoy both luxury and accessibility in these remarkable communities.
FAQs ABout Wealthiest Counties in America
Loudoun County is the wealthiest county in the US, with a median household income of $178,707.
New York City boasts the highest number of centimillionaires, currently home to 818 such individuals, solidifying its position as the top city in the United States according to Forbes. It serves not only as the financial heart (Wall Street) but also as a convergence point for art, media, and technology resources, functioning as the central hub of the wealth ecosystem.
Below are the 10 richest counties in the United States:
- Loudoun County, Virginia
- Santa Clara County, California
- San Mateo County, California
- Falls Church, Virginia
- Fairfax County,Virginia
- Howard County, Maryland
- Douglas County, Colorado
- Nassau County, New York
- Los Alamos County, New Mexico
- Marin County, California
