The Richest and Poorest Cities in Every State

California

Richest city: Atherton

Median household income: $250,000+

This charming small town landed on Bloomberg’s Richest Places annual index for the fourth year in a row in 2020, with an average household income of over $525,000.

"Atherton is the epicenter of Silicon Valley money, and it only has ultra-high-end properties," Michael Simonsen, CEO of Altos Research, told Forbes in 2017.

It’s also been home to many tech billionaires, like Google chair Eric Schmidt and former HP CEO Meg Whitman, according to Business Insider.

Poorest city: Mecca

Median household income: $23,600

In Mecca’s desert community, over 39% of residents live below the poverty line.

Just under a half hour’s drive away from where Coachella is usually hosted, this unincorporated community in Riverside County couldn’t be more disparate from the excessive wealth and fame that pervades the annual music and arts festival.

Kiss your credit card debt goodbye

Millions of Americans are struggling to crawl out of debt in the face of record-high interest rates. A personal loan offers lower interest rates and fixed payments, making it a smart choice to consolidate high-interest credit card debt. It helps save money, simplifies payments, and accelerates debt payoff. Credible is a free online service that shows you the best lending options to pay off your credit card debt fast — and save a ton in interest.

Explore better rates

Alaska

Richest city: Gateway

Median household income: $105,543

This census-designated place in the Matanuska-Susitna Borough has a pretty wealthy population of around 7,000.

The median household income across the entire state of Alaska is only $77,000, while most households in Gateway report annual incomes of over $100,000.

The city is also home to Matanuska-Susitna College, part of the University of Alaska Anchorage system.

Poorest city: Big Lake

Median household income: $54,324

Big Lake is also situated in the Matanuska-Susitna Borough of Alaska, but it sits poles apart from Gateway — at least when it comes to household wealth.

However, the census-designated place does offer some truly spectacular views and 67 miles of shoreline, with recreational activities like dog mushing, cross-country skiing and boating.

Kentucky

Richest city: Indian Hills

Median household income: $190,313

Indian Hills is a home rule-class city that was designed to preserve its natural surrounding beauty, such as native trees and shrubs and green spaces for residents to enjoy.

The ritzy neighborhood is also the hometown of Oscar-winning actor Jennifer Lawrence and Major League Baseball pitcher Shawn Kelley.

Poorest city: Albany

Median household income: $18,824

Albany is also a home rule-class city in the Bluegrass State; however, it ranks as Kentucky’s poorest, with most residents earning under $20,000 a year.

It’s the county seat of Clinton County, which, as a whole, already reports a poverty rate of over 23%.

The richest 1% use an advisor. Do you?

Wealthy people know that having money is not the same as being good with money. WiserAdvisor can help you shape your financial future and connect with expert guidance . A trusted advisor helps you make smart choices about investments, retirement savings, and tax planning.

Try Now

Montana

Richest city: Helena Valley Northeast

Median household income: $96,146

This census-designated place in Lewis and Clark County — not to be confused with Montana’s capital city, Helena — surrounds Lake Helena and also lies near the Helena National Forest.

You won’t lack outdoor activities in the area. The national forest covers 976,000 acres and offers hiking, hunting and fishing opportunities.

Poorest city: Hamilton

Median household income: $32,006

Hamilton is a central trade hub for hundreds of small farms, ranches and orchards and while it has a growing population and provides some steady federal government employment, it’s no wealthy enclave like Helena Valley Northeast.

The median household income in the area is around $20,000 less than the rest of the state.

However, The Washington Post writes that, unlike other American small towns, Hamilton was never dependent upon the manufacturing industry and, as a result, it may have been better equipped to adapt to a changing economy.

Texas

Richest city: Hunters Creek Village

Median household income: $250,000+

In this Houston suburb, residents earn almost $450,000 on average, and the typical home is valued at over $2 million.

One extravagant nine-acre compound with a wrought-iron elevator, guest lodge and moat hit the market in spring this year.

Housing magazine Livabl compared the Romanov Estate to Batman’s Wayne Manor (although it sadly lacks an underground Batcave).

Poorest city: Presidio

Median household income: $20,794

While the Lone Star State might be growing, Presidio — which sits near America’s border with Mexico — isn’t faring so well.

Far West Texas newspaper The Big Bend Sentinel says much of Presidio’s working population has moved out of town for higher-paying jobs, particularly the oil fields in the Permian Basin.

The city had the eighth largest percentage drop in population, going from 4,426 people in 2010 to 3,957 in 2018.

Connecticut

Richest city: Darien

Median household income: $232,523

Darien, a gorgeous coastal town in Fairfield County, has been home to the likes of Kate Bosworth and Yankees general manager Brian Cashman.

Its wealthy residents get to enjoy the stunning beaches and yacht clubs, but it’ll cost them to purchase any real estate there.

The median home value in Darien is around $1.6 million, says Zillow.

Poorest city: Storrs

Median household income: $27,035

The village of Storrs, with its historic buildings and woodsy hiking trails, also houses the University of Connecticut.

But, despite being home to a relatively large population of residents with bachelor’s degrees (61.6%), over 43% of people who live in Storrs are impoverished.

Georgia

Richest city: Druid Hills

Median household income: $129,740

Just minutes away from downtown Atlanta, Druid Hills features a private golf club, private research school Emory University and some lovely suburban parks.

The Druid Hills Historic District was conceived as the “ideal residential suburb” with charming residences and green spaces, according to the Druid Hills Civic Association.

Poorest city: Royston

Median household income: $21,125

Royston lies in the foothills of the Northeast Georgia Mountains by the southern Appalachians — but while it offers plenty of natural beauty, it’s still the poorest city in Georgia.

The city website boasts of Royston’s rich and fertile land; however, residents earn about $100,000 less than Georgia’s wealthiest city.

The area also features the Ty Cobb Museum, honoring the baseball Hall of Famer known as “The Georgia Peach.”

South Carolina

Richest city: Isle of Palms

Median household income: $122,228

The Isle of Palms says it all in the name — a gorgeous resort destination on a small barrier island, complete with nesting sea turtles.

Of course, to actually live there, you’ll need to be able to afford a home.

Zillow says the median home value in the area is nearly $1.2 billion (but, hey, you’ll do anything for the sea turtles, right?).

Poorest city: Allendale

Median household income: $19,463

On the other end of the spectrum lies Allendale, a small town in the middle of Allendale County, with dwindling residents and jobs, and a high crime rate.

ABC News says Allendale County was once a successful manufacturing hub, but today, few stores line its main street and its remaining residents flock to Hilton Head, Charleston and Columbia for work.

In the county, 3 in 10 residents live below the poverty line and only about 9% have a bachelor’s degree.

New Jersey

Richest city: Short Hills

Median household income: $250,000+

Short Hills isn’t short of much — residents get to shop at high-end stores at the mall, participate in racquet sports like squash and tennis at the private club and live in some gorgeous (but pricey) residential homes.

The median home value in the area is over $1.6 billion, says Zillow. That’s almost quadruple the typical home value in New Jersey as a whole.

Peter Kellogg, a billionaire businessman who sold firm Spear, Leeds & Kellogg to Goldman Sachs for $6.5 billion in cash and stock in 2000, is said to reside in this census-designated place.

Poorest city: Salem

Median household income: $24,926

The Garden State might be one of America’s wealthiest, but it still wrestles with widespread income equality — just look at Salem.

Situated along the Salem River, this city occupies 2.8 square miles of residential, retail, commercial and industrial space.

New Jersey radio station 94.3 The Point recently named Salem one of the worst New Jersey towns to live in since 41% of the population lives below the poverty line.

West Virginia

Richest city: Cheat Lake

Median household income: $89,310

Cheat Lake, a quiet community near Morgantown, is nestled just by the water body it shares a name with. It’s home to a golf resort, offers kayaking, hiking and swimming and is also a short drive away from Coopers Rock State Forest.

Over half of its residents hold a bachelor’s degree.

Poorest city: Williamson

Median household income: $24,058

Williamson is tucked away in the heart of coal country and houses the Southern West Virginia Community and Technical College.

The town has also gained attention for its opioid epidemic — The Washington Post reported in 2018 that nearly 21 million prescription painkillers had been shipped to Williamson in the past decade.

Williamson is home to fewer than 3,000 residents.

Illinois

Richest city: Winnetka

Median household income: $250,000+

This wealthy village, 16 miles north of bustling downtown Chicago, lies along Lake Michigan’s North Shore and offers sandy beaches, green parks and lovely tree-lined streets.

Winnetka also features the iconic McAllister mansion from the 1990 film Home Alone.

Sorry to ruin the movie magic, but it turns out Kevin’s attic is really an attic bedroom with two grand suites, according to the online travel magazine Atlas Obscura.

Poorest city: Washington Park

Median household income: $21,821

Washington Park, an impoverished community located just north of East St. Louis, ranks as the poorest city in the Prairie State.

The city recently suffered from a fire destroying some critical equipment and city records and paperwork, so residents could be grappling with a lack of crucial services for the time being as well.

Rhode Island

Richest city: Cumberland Hill

Median household income: $89,456

Residents make just under $90,000 a year in Cumberland Hill — perhaps not as showy as other wealthy cities on this list, but it’s still significantly greater than America’s tiniest state’s median household income of $67,000.

Rhode Island’s rare state rock, Cumberlandite, is reportedly only found in abundance in Cumberland’s Blackall/Balou preserve.

Poorest city: Central Falls

Median household income: $32,982

Central Falls is the smallest city in the smallest state of America, occupying little more than a square mile, says U.S. News.

Only 8% of the population have a bachelor’s degree and 3 in 10 residents live below the poverty line.

Central Falls even filed for bankruptcy back in 2011 but emerged a year later by slashing city jobs and pensions.

New Mexico

Richest city: White Rock

Median household income: $135,964

White Rock is renowned for its scenic canyon trails and stunning vistas — but a little-known secret is that the area also hosts the wealthiest group of New Mexico residents.

Just 2.2% of people live below the poverty line and 66% have their bachelor’s degrees.

White Rock is located in Los Alamos County, which Forbes named one of the richest counties in America in 2017. The magazine says the Los Alamos National Laboratory employs the majority of the county’s residents.

Poorest city: Anthony

Median household income: $23,948

At one point also known as “La Tuna,” Anthony sits on New Mexico’s border with Texas and is an important gateway for trade routes.

Las Cruces Sun-News reported in 2018 that the city struggled with the loss of factory jobs following NAFTA and largely relies on a low-wage agricultural economy. Even Mayor Diana Murillo-Trujillo lives on a meager $28,000 a year — half of which comes from working weekends at a fireworks store.

Half the children in the area reportedly live below the federal poverty line and the unemployment rate is more than triple the national rate.

Kansas

Richest city: Mission Hills

Median household income: $250,000+

In Mission Hills, a prosperous but low-key Kansas City suburb, the typical home is valued at over $1.2 million, according to Zillow.

Baseball Hall of Famer George Brett of Kansas City Royals fame is said to reside here, although he also owns property in posh Paradise Valley in Arizona (listed here as well).

Poorest city: Oaklawn-Sunview

Median household income: $28,601

This unincorporated community in Sedgwick County lies near the Arkansas River and is just a short drive away from Wichita.

Unlike Kansas’ biggest city, however, there isn’t much known about the Oaklawn-Sunview area, aside from its Oaklawn Improvement District.

The district was originally planned to house 4,000 to 4,500 defense workers and their families in rental properties during the Korean War.

Alabama

Richest city: Mountain Brook

Median household income: $152,355

Alabama’s “Tiny Kingdom” is home to the Birmingham Zoo and Botanical Gardens and plenty of charming neighborhoods and eateries.

Of its residents, 87% consider Mountain Brook an excellent place to live and educate their children, the Alabama Local News reported in 2017, although city manager Sam Gaston added that there wasn’t much room for growth.

It is, however, also fairly expensive to live in. The median home value in the city is a whopping $826,323, according to Zillow, and the property tax rate is relatively high.

Poorest city: Livingston

Median household income: $11,969

Livingston, a tiny rural town with just around 3,000 people, is the Yellowhammer State’s poorest city.

The poverty rate in the city stands at 42%, 24/7 Wall St says — for comparison, Alabama has a poverty rate of just 15.5%.

Livingston’s biggest employer is the University of West Alabama, but the city is also trying to promote workforce development and economic growth, according to the Alabama News Center.

Louisiana

Richest city: Prairieville

Median household income: $99,953

The Baton Rouge suburb boasts some gorgeous cul-de-sac properties beside the 18-mile Bayou Manchac, thriving petrochemical industry and low crime rate, according to finance news and advice site Money.

Prairieville is also situated near the Blue Bayou Water Park, Butch Gore Memorial Park and Kendalwood Road Park.

Poorest city: Homer

Median household income: $17,369

Named after the Greek poet himself, Homer attracted many out-of-staters and immigrants to work and open businesses before the Civil War.

The war, plus a fire and a snowstorm in 1876, devastated the area.

Homer does offer some lovely scenery, however, particularly in Lake Claiborne State Park, which features hiking trails and camping sites and swimming, fishing, boating and waterskiing opportunities.

Delaware

Richest city: North Star

Median household income: $137,917

North Star, situated about 10 miles west of Wilmington, is a census-designated place in New Castle County.

Zillow says the median home value in the area is around $477,000. In comparison, homes in the rest of the state sit at around $320,000.

North Star also lies close to Delaware’s border with Pennsylvania and right by White Clay Creek State Park, which offers 37 miles of hiking and biking trails and fishing streams.

Poorest city: Laurel

Median household income: $37,857

The small town of Laurel was once considered one of the wealthiest in the state — today, it’s Delaware’s poorest.

Laurel has been home to six Delaware state governors and more historic buildings than any other town in Delaware, with 800 on the National Historic Record, according to the town’s website.

Maine

Richest city: Cumberland Center

Median household income: $99,500

Cumberland Center is the center for government and education in the small town of Cumberland, Maine, known for its farming and agricultural history.

Zillow says the median home value in Cumberland Center is $536,143, which shot up by over 28% in the past year.

Poorest city: Fairfield

Median household income: $23,718

The town of Fairfield has a poverty rate close to 30% and Money Inc calls it one of the worst places to live in Maine.

The area was originally settled as a plantation back in the late 1700s. It later expanded into two centers (one that was mainly agricultural and one that was mainly industrial), which led to some disputes regarding service availability, like police, fire protection, electricity and water, according to the town’s website.

Florida

Richest city: Palm Beach

Median household income: $141,348

Palm Beach’s glitzy resorts, glorious mansions and sandy beaches draw plenty of affluent residents and retirees.

Several billionaires and business people own property in the area, including Citadel CEO Ken Griffin and Fidelity Investments CEO Abigail Johnson, says Fox Business.

It’s also home to Mar-a-Lago, former president Donald Trump’s private members club, which costs a nonrefundable $200,000 membership fee plus $14,000 in annual dues, according to The Washington Post.

Poorest city: Pine Manor

Median household income: $22,052

Pine Manor has a population of just under 5,000, but has one of the highest poverty rates in the nation, at 54.4%, says 24/7 Wall St. — that’s over half the population.

It's maybe not so surprisingly, then, that despite its small population, the cuty is still a fairly high-crime area that's been prone to car-jackings and firearms raids in the past.

Indiana

Richest city: Zionsville

Median household income: $137,377

Zionsville is tucked away on the northwestern fringe of Indianapolis and you’ll find shops, cafes and fine dining restaurants lining its Brick Street.

The quiet town couldn't be more removed from the hubbub of Indy and its annual race car event in the (aptly named) suburb of Speedway.

However, the city website assures that it’s one of the most desirable places to live in the country, thanks to its high quality of living and small-town charm.

Poorest city: Union City

Median household income: $32,071

Far from the Indy race track lies Union City, a small town where residents “lack limos” but allegedly ride their golf carts throughout town.

The area’s been wracked by factory closings over the years.

In 2016, Applegate Livestock Equipment shut down, costing 80 people their jobs. A Navistar facility that closed in 2011 affected around 225 employees.

Massachusetts

Richest city: Wellesley

Median household income: $197,132

Massachusetts is one of the wealthiest states in the U.S. with a median household income of around $81,000 — but the town of Wellesley is even more affluent. Residents earn around $200,000.

Sometimes nicknamed “Swellesley,” some residents say the small town can still be welcoming but competitive.

The median home value in the area is over $1.5 million, according to Zillow.

Poorest city: Turners Falls

Median household income: $38,899

This unincorporated village in the sleepy little town of Montague was founded in 1868 as an industrial community.

The area features some lovely 19th-century architecture and outdoor activities for visitors to enjoy.

However plenty of its residents make little income to sustain themselves.

Arizona

Richest city: Paradise Valley

Median household income: $211,393

What’s not to love in this wealthy enclave, dubbed the “Beverly Hills of Arizona,” with its luxury golf courses, stunning real estate and resorts and vibrant restaurant scene?

One sprawling five-acre estate in Paradise Valley sold for a staggering $20.9 million in 2020, allegedly making it one of the most expensive residential sales in the entire state.

Mark Shoen, billionaire co-owner of U-Haul and parent company AMERCO, is also a resident here.

Poorest city: Quartzsite

Median household income: $20,979

The “Rock Capital of the World” may boast a two-month-long gem show that draws plenty of visitors and vendors each year — but Quartzsite’s treasure hoard doesn’t detract from the fact that it’s still the poorest city in Arizona.

The median home value in the city is just $144,820, but the small town is recognized more for its homes on wheels than swanky real estate. Quartzite allegedly hosts the biggest RV show in the country.

You might also recognize the city from the Oscar-winning film Nomadland.

Michigan

Richest city: Bloomfield Hills

Median household income: $178,894

Residents in Bloomfield Hills often hold positions with professional sports, major automakers and other Fortune 500 companies, according to the city website.

Folks are drawn to the quiet, wooded lots that the area offers.

The Detroit suburb is also home to the Cranbrook Institute of Science and Art, the Bloomfield Hills Country Club and the Bloomfield Open Hunt Club.

Poorest city: Highland Park

Median household income: $18,474

Over 45% of residents live below the poverty line in Highland Park — unsurprising, considering most households earn less than $20,000 a year.

And a recent report released by the Michigan Association of United Ways found that 80% of households in the area do not meet the Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed (ALICE) threshold, which represents the minimum income necessary for a household’s survival.

Vermont

Richest city: Essex Junction

Median household income: $80,019

Essex Junction lies on the lower end of the scale when it comes to America’s wealthiest cities, but residents still earn about $20,000 more than the state median.

Fun Fact: Bernie Sanders’ viral mittens — yes, the ones he wore to President Joe Biden’s inauguration — were made in Essex Junction out of repurposed wool sweaters and fleece from recycled paper bottles.

Jen Ellis, a teacher in the village, gifted them to Sanders a couple of years prior.

Poorest city: West Brattleboro

Median household income: $31,918

West Brattleboro is a census-designated place in the town of Brattleboro in Windham County.

In Brattleboro itself, about 2 in 10 residents are impoverished.

The Brattleboro Reformer says a significant portion of residents who live below the poverty line in Windham County is made up of retirees living off Social Security income, adults with disabilities who are relying on benefits, and children under the age of 18.

Nebraska

Richest city: Waverly

Median household income: $82,031

One of Nebraska’s fastest-growing cities, Waverly transformed from a rural railroad community into a thriving suburb.

It’s just a 20-minute drive from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, making the location extremely desirable.

It also celebrates its agricultural history with an annual show presenting antique machinery and tractors, hosted by the Camp Creek Threshers.

Poorest city: Fairbury

Median household income: $38,160

This railway city was “founded to move forward” according to the Fairbury website, but it lags when it comes to household wealth.

Residents earn about $20,000 less than they do in the rest of the Cornhusker State.

A Fairbury Junior-Senior High School also made headlines in 2018 for starting to mandate random nicotine testing since there had been a significant increase in vaping amongst students.

Tennessee

Richest city: Forest Hills

Median household income: $203,056

This woodsy area in the Volunteer State lies right next to the gorgeous Radnor Lake State Park — you might be able to spot wildlife like otters and beavers on a hike there.

Taylor Swift also owns property in Forest Hills — a four-bedroom, five-bathroom Greek Revival home that sits on six acres.

She purchased the Northumberland Estate for $2.5 million in 2011, says the New York Post.

Poorest city: Newport

Median household income: $24,124

Newport, situated along Pigeon River, sits in Cocke County, which 24/7 Wall St designated the worst place to live in Tennessee.

A ConAgra food plant in Newport recently closed its production area and the entire warehouse is set to shut down in spring 2022.

Knoxville-based station WBIR-TV says 1 in 20 residents in Newport will be affected by the closure — the plant was Cocke County’s biggest employer.

Colorado

Richest city: Cherry Hills Village

Median household income: $250,000+

This snowy Denver suburb ranked fourth on Bloomberg’s list of the Richest Places in 2020.

The Denver Business Journal said the priciest Denver-area home sale since 2008 was a Cherry Hills Village mansion that sold for $11.6 million in Dec. 2019 — which once belonged to former Level 3 CEO James Crowe.

Aside from its multi-million dollar mansions, the suburb offers plenty of activities for its wealthy residents, like golfing, swimming, biking and hiking.

Poorest city: Rocky Ford

Median household income: $29,551

This small agricultural town is famed for its melons — and celebrates Watermelon Day at its annual Arkansas Valley Fair in August.

Lucille Ball allegedly loved Rocky Ford melons so much, she had them delivered to her dressing room, according to the city’s website.

Unfortunately, the town is also considered the poorest in Colorado, with residents earning less than $30,000 each year.

New Hampshire

Richest city: Hanover

Median household income: $109,514

This New England college town — home to the prestigious Dartmouth College — has a large educated population, as over 83% of residents have a bachelor’s degree.

There are also local employment opportunities at places like Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.

Andrea Reimann-Ciardelli — heiress and descendant of Ludwig Reimann, who began the JAB holding company that owns brands like Krispy Kreme and Panera Bread — reportedly resides in Hanover and is also the richest person in New Hampshire.

Poorest city: Berlin

Median household income: $39,130

Berlin lies along the Androscoggin River in Coös County and is the northernmost city in New Hampshire.

Once a prosperous mill town, Berlin has seen an exodus of young people while newcomers arrive only for the low housing costs.

Residents told The Washington Post in 2020 that the only jobs available in the city paid minimum wage with no benefits while health care costs shot up. If you reside in the area, make sure to shop around for the best health insurance rates available.

Arkansas

Richest city: Cave Springs

Median household income: $134,740

Situated by the stunning Ozark National Forest, Cave Springs is a mecca for outdoor enthusiasts and also a gateway to larger cities like Fayetteville and Springdale.

Neighborhood ranking and review site Niche calls the city the No. 1 Best Place to Buy a Home in America, with A+ grades for housing and public schools.

Just keep in mind that the median home value in Cave Springs is over $400,000 — that’s more than double the state median.

Poorest city: Ozark

Median household income: $20,101

The city of Ozark sits on the opposite end of the Ozark National Forest from Cave Springs — and the opposite end of the spectrum for household wealth.

Like the wealthiest city in the Natural State, Ozark also provides plenty of outdoor recreational opportunities, surrounded by gorgeous mountains, forests, rivers and lakes.

However, the median home value is just under $81,000.

North Carolina

Richest city: Marvin

Median household income: $206,469

The village of Marvin, where only 2% of residents live below the poverty line and nearly three-quarters have a bachelor’s degree, is the Old North State’s wealthiest area.

The median home value in this Charlotte suburb is $904,000, climbing up by 23% over the past year, according to Zillow.

And you’ll have to contend with a high cost of living if you decide to settle down in the area.

Poorest city: Enfield

Median household income: $20,567

Enfield holds the prestigious title of being the oldest town in Halifax County — and the dubious distinction of being North Carolina’s poorest — and was founded back in 1974.

Once named the world's biggest raw peanut producer, the area holds true to its roots by hosting a Peanut Festival each year.

Peanuts have also remained one of Enfield’s top crops.

Hawaii

Richest city: East Honolulu

Median household income: $133,165

The Aloha State in general is considered one of the most affluent areas in the U.S. (and incredibly pricey to live in), but it’s the census-designated place of East Honolulu that really takes the cake.

Nearly 60% of the population have a bachelor’s degree and just about 3% live below the poverty line.

The median property value is $959,800.

Poorest city: Hawaiian Ocean View

Median household income: $15,654

Hawaiian Ocean View does indeed provide gorgeous views of the water, but its residents contend with low income and a limited county budget.

Residents say there’s plenty of crime in the area, especially involving burglary and drug use. The Hawaii Tribune-Herald reported in 2017 that there were only four police officers who patrolled the area during the day — dropping to two at night.

The county’s only water source, serving the Hawaiian Ocean View Estates and the Ranchos area in Ka‘u, also failed that same year.

Virginia

Richest city: Great Falls

Median household income: $238,125

Great Falls has everything from Tudor mansions to massive horse farms and green, open space — so you’d best be prepared for pricey home values.

According to Zillow, the median home value in the city is over $1.3 million. Great Falls is also situated close to Washington, D.C. and is home to some high-ranking schools, making its location a bonus for wealthy Americans.

Famous residents have included former CIA director Stansfield Turner and members of the Saudi royal family.

Poorest city: Emporia

Median household income: $27,063

In Emporia — an independent city surrounded by Greensville County — 27% of residents live in poverty.

Historically a commercial hub, Emporia was founded in 1887 when the towns of Hicksford and Belfield merged.

It has a population of around 5,300, but residents in Great Falls earn about nine times as much as those in Emporia typically make.

North Dakota

Richest city: Beulah

Median household income: $99,125

The "Energy Capital of North Dakota" lies in the heart of coal country, distinguished by rich farmland and towering smokestacks.

Its motto is “small town appeal, big city looks” and it certainly delivers.

Beulah houses just over 3,000 residents, but offers plenty of dining options and recreational activities, with Lake Sakakawea and two golf courses nearby.

Poorest city: Wahpeton

Median household income: $45,150

The Peace Garden State’s poorest city is Wahpeton, nestled beside the Bois de Sioux River.

With a median household income of over $45,000, however, it’s not quite as badly off as some other cities on this list. Wahpeton also has some fun activities for residents and visitors to enjoy, like golfing, fishing and visiting the Chahinkapa Zoo.

It’s also home to the Wahpper — the world’s biggest catfish, at 40 feet in length, 12 feet in height and weighing in at 5,000 pounds.

Ohio

Richest city: The Village of Indian Hill

Median household income: $207,174

This green, residential suburb of the Greater Cincinnati Area was home to Neil Armstrong before his death in 2012 and was also named one of Forbes’ top places to retire rich.

The typical home in the area is valued at nearly $1.3 million, according to Zillow.

It also has a well-educated population — 87% of residents have a bachelor’s degree — and the poverty rate is just 2.7%.

Poorest city: East Cleveland

Median household income: $20,743

East Cleveland’s dilapidated apartment buildings and storefronts help mark it as Ohio’s poorest city.

Cleveland.com reported in 2019 that residents have been fleeing the area over the past decades, job opportunities have been scarce and city leaders were working with a budget of just $10 million — which basically means each resident received just $600 of city services for that year.

The poverty rate in East Cleveland is over 37%.

Maryland

Richest city: Brookmont

Median household income: $239,943

The Brookmont community is made up of around 200 homes in a variety of styles, from Cape Cod to Craftsman, reported The Washington Post in 2019.

It’s situated near the Potomac River and the C&O Canal, a big draw for outdoor enthusiasts like competitive kayakers and canoeists.

Six properties sold in Brookmont in 2018 for an average close to $1.3 million — the lowest-priced was a four-bedroom and four-bathroom home for $950,000.

Poorest city: Crisfield

Median household income: $29,688

Crisfield is the Old Line State’s southernmost town, situated on the eastern shore of the Chesapeake Bay and famed for its delicious seafood, like the Maryland blue crab.

Unfortunately, the waterfront community is also incredibly poor.

WTVR CBS 6 Richmond reports that even public housing authorities can be particularly aggressive when it comes to eviction filing — in 2019, almost 30% of Crisfield’s housing authority eviction cases concerned tenants who owed less than $100 on rent.

Wyoming

Richest city: Ranchettes

Median household income: $99,403

This wealthy census-designated place near Cheyenne is the most expensive place to buy a home, says magazine Best Life, which cites high median home values and monthly housing costs.

The median home value in the area is over $326,000, according to Zillow.

Ranchettes offers a good mix of both rural and urban lifestyles — further into country territory than Cheyenne but just a short drive away from the big city and its stores and restaurants.

Poorest city: Fox Farm-College

Median household income: $43,666

On the other side of Cheyenne lies Fox Farm-College, a census-designated place with around 4,000 residents.

Residents earn about $20,000 less in the area, compared to the median household income of the entire state of Wyoming.

Fox Farm-College is also home to Laramie County Community College, which lost $8 million in state funding in 2020, the biggest funding cut in its history.

Oregon

Richest city: Cedar Mill

Median household income: $145,057

This luxurious Portland suburb features quiet, green neighborhoods and a relatively well-educated population, as almost 65% of residents have a bachelor’s degree.

Housing in Cedar Mill is even more expensive than in Portland, however, with Zillow placing the median home value at $786,000.

Poorest city: Cave Junction

Median household income: $26,250

The scenic hamlet, tucked away in the foothills of the Siskiyou Mountains, provides access to the Oregon Caves and also houses the Illinois River Forks State Park.

However, Cave Junction’s residents earn less than half of what those in the rest of the state typically make in a year.

Some folks also spoke to Medford-based station KTVL in early 2020 about how the area’s increasing population might also be leading to increased crime.

Minnesota

Richest city: North Oaks

Median household income: $178,816

North Oaks began as a water source for St. Paul and then as a 5,000-acre research farm for railway tycoon James Jerome Hill.

Today, it’s an exclusive suburb that covers 6,000 acres of rolling hills, woods and wetlands, with plenty of trails and lakes and a private golf club to entertain residents.

The median home value in the area is over $830,000, says Zillow.

Poorest city: Bemidji

Median household income: $32,193

The “First City on the Mississippi” sits at the bottom of the list when it comes to household wealth in the state of Minnesota. Close to a third of the population is impoverished.

It’s a bicycle-friendly community with an abundance of trails, waterways, bakeries and boutiques.

And it’s also home to Bemidji State University and the Paul Bunyan and Babe the Blue Ox statues — renowned roadside landmarks.

Pennsylvania

Richest city: Fox Chapel

Median household income: $205,987

Fox Chapel draws educated and affluent residents, with many holding management positions in business, science or the arts and nearly 84% holding bachelor’s degrees.

Residents earn over $200,000 a year, making the Pittsburgh suburb one of the wealthiest areas on this list.

Poorest city: Johnstown

Median household income: $24,561

Johnstown was a booming steel town way back in the 1800s, but today nearly 40% of its residents are impoverished.

Some locals told WTAJ-TV in 2018 that the area lacks well-paying jobs, but others also pointed out that new businesses have been arriving in the Greater Johnstown area.

Nevada

Richest city: Incline Village

Median household income: $99,006

Incline Village sits on the north shore of Lake Tahoe and boasts spectacular blue waters and beaches, ski slopes, casinos and golf courses.

Wealthy business folks like Larry Ellison and David Duffield own property on “Billionaires Row” along the shoreline. Forbes calls the area “one giant country club” with massive gated estates that you can only see from the water.

Poorest city: Yerington

Median household income: $31,795

Yerington has plenty of options for outdoor enthusiasts, like off-highway vehicle riding, wildlife watching and fishing, but residents earn less than a third of what those in upscale Incline Village make each year.

The farm town began as a trading post in 1871 and was initially named Pizen Switch, after a local whiskey.

It’s also known for its copper mining.

Idaho

Richest city: Eagle

Median household income: $92,807

Unlike much of the Potato State — usually recognized for its farmland and agricultural communities — Eagle’s high-end subdivisions and thriving business district have cemented its reputation as a luxury suburb.

The self-dubbed “friendly and family-oriented community” in Idaho is known for its golf courses, spas and hiking trails.

Poorest city: Rexburg

Median household income: $31,128

Rexburg, the largest city and county seat of Madison County, houses a large student population, thanks to the Brigham Young University–Idaho — which perhaps accounts for its overall low income.

Madison County itself ranks as having the highest poverty rate in Idaho, reported the Idaho County Free Press in May 2021.

Even back in 2009, County Commissioner Chair Bob Hansen told the Rexburg Standard Journal that around a third of the county’s population was made up of BYU-Idaho college students, many of whom “live off borrowed money and have parents who support them."

South Dakota

Richest city: Dakota Dunes

Median household income: $118,966

This affluent master-planned community is just five minutes from downtown Sioux City, Iowa, and 10 minutes away from the Sioux Gateway Airport.

It’s also home to the Dakota Dunes Country Club, which was designed by golf great Arnold Palmer and has been rated one of the top courses in the state.

Originally owned by Berkshire Hathaway Energy Company, most of the community’s assets, including commercial and residential land, were bought by Connelly Development in 2020.

Poorest city: Sturgis

Median household income: $43,214

Sturgis is widely known for its annual Motorcycle Rally, America’s biggest bike rally, drawing over 250,000 attendees this year (normally, it brings double that number).

It’s not quite as destitute as other cities, with most households earning over $40,000 a year and the poverty rate sitting at just 7.7% — lower than the state rate.

However, South Dakota workers on average make some of the lowest wages in the nation, particularly with an economy dominated by support-service and food industry jobs. Sturgis’ Motorcycle Rally helps bring both money and jobs to the region, says Reuters.

Oklahoma

Richest city: Nichols Hills

Median household income: $186,912

Nichols Hills is known for housing the Classen Curve mall, which features upscale shopping boutiques, fitness studios and dining options.

The city’s not all commercial buildings, however — it boasts some lovely neighborhoods and green spaces with trails and a golf club.

The median home value in the area is around $778,000, according to Zillow. That’s almost five times the typical home value in the rest of Oklahoma.

Poorest city: Hugo

Median household income: $25,212

Hugo was once a vibrant railroad hub back in the early 1900s, with a long history of circus culture, but it’s perhaps no longer the American hotspot it used to be.

Nearly 43% of the city’s population lives below the poverty line and a mere 11.4% have a bachelor’s degree.

Wisconsin

Richest city: Merton

Median household income: $154,464

The town of Merton features five lakes and offers snowmobiling and hiking opportunities for residents.

Over half the population have a bachelor’s degree, and the poverty rate is less than 3%.

Residents of Merton earn nearly $100,000 more than the median household income of the rest of the state.

Poorest city: Adams

Median household income: $30,806

Adams began as a railroad terminal, located halfway between Chicago, Illinois, and Twin Cities, Minnesota.

The city website calls Adams a “Community of Progress” and says it’s currently dedicated to redeveloping its Main Street and downtown areas.

Utah

Richest city: Silver Summit

Median household income: $147,404

The upscale Silver Summit lies next to Utah Olympic Park — built for the 2002 Winter Olympics — and is just a half-hour drive away from Salt Lake City.

Residents here rake in over double what those in the entire state typically make (Utah’s median household income is $71,621).

Poorest city: Logan

Median household income: $41,833

The city of Logan houses Utah State University and, as a result, plenty of broke college students help contribute to its low household wealth.

Over a quarter of Logan’s population lives below the poverty line while Cache County reports half that rate.

The Herald Journal reports that Logan is also mainly made up of multi-family housing and higher-end properties, with few homes available under $250,000 for middle-income homebuyers.

Missouri

Richest city: Ladue

Median household income: $214,875

The St. Louis suburb of Ladue offers upscale shopping and dining experiences and tree-lined neighborhoods.

Forbes also named it one of the top places to retire rich in 2016. If you’re looking to settle down in Ladue in your golden years, consider speaking to a financial advisor about your retirement goals.

The median home value in the area is over $1 million, according to Zillow, and most households earn over $200,000 a year.

Poorest city: Cuba

Median household income: $20,607

The Show-Me State shows off arts and history in Cuba — a city renowned for its murals, museums and historic landmarks.

You’ll also discover the world’s second-largest rocking chair sitting on Route 66.

The roadside attraction unfortunately no longer actually rocks — it posed a safety concern and had to be welded to the ground.

Washington

Richest city: Clyde Hill

Median household income: $238,958

This affluent little haven in the Evergreen State provides a quiet country lifestyle to wealthy residents who also get to enjoy easy access to downtown Seattle and tech giants like Microsoft and T-Mobile.

The Seattle Times says Clyde Hill features large custom homes with fancy amenities, like multi-car garages, pools and home theaters.

The median home value is a staggering $3.4 million, according to Zillow.

Poorest city: Peaceful Valley

Median household income: $30,292

This community was once called Poverty Flats before getting rebranded as Peaceful Valley in 1893.

It’s home to Paradise Lakes Country Club and lies fairly close to America’s border with British Columbia, Canada.

Iowa

Richest city: Robins

Median household income: $131,078

The Cedar Rapids suburb is home to plenty of acclaimed schools and medical services, according to the Robins city website. The University of Iowa, Iowa State University and the University of Northern Iowa are fairly close by as well.

Robins’ population has shot up by 83% since 2000 and currently sits at around 3,500.

Poorest city: Onawa

Median household income: $36,406

This residential and industrial community sits between Loess Hills and the Missouri River along the I-29 corridor

Onawa is mainly known for claiming the "widest main street in America" — at 150 feet wide — and for being the birthplace of Edy’s Pie — a chocolate-covered vanilla ice cream bar that was recently renamed from the more problematic name, which contained what's now known as a slur for Indigenous people.

Mississippi

Richest city: Madison

Median household income: $114,521

Madison, named for America’s fourth president, was established in the mid-1800s as a railroad community.

It currently exists as one of only 13 certified retirement communities in Mississippi but offers seniors plenty of recreational, educational and cultural opportunities, according to the city’s website.

Poorest city: Hazlehurst

Median household income: $22,437

The poorest city in America’s poorest state is Hazlehurst, which was established as a railroad stop back in 1856.

Blues musician Robert Johnson’s birth home reportedly rests here — a tiny, plain dwelling with wooden siding, located behind Heritage House in Hazlehurst.

New York

Richest city: Scarsdale

Median household income: $250,000+

This affluent Westchester suburb was settled in 1701 by English aristocrat Caleb Heathcote and has a bit of a reputation for “snootiness,” says The New York Times.

Bloomberg reported in 2019 that the average household earns a whopping $417,335 a year.

Neighborhoods are lined with a mix of Tudor, Italianate, Georgian and Mediterranean homes and are often situated around school districts. Scarsdale is also recognized for its excellent school system.

Poorest city: New Square

Median household income: $23,730

New York’s poorest municipality is New Square — where many residents depend on social service programs and benefits to cover the bills and put food on the table.

This isn’t anything new.

In fact, in 1970, the city had the state's lowest per-capita income, and in 1975, about two-thirds of New Square families received food stamps and Medicaid, The Journal News reports.

Read more

• US cities people are most eager to get out