20 of the wealthiest places in America

If you want to start 2016 by building your roster of high-net-worth and ultra-high-net-worth clients, these wealthy cities and communities are the ones you should be targeting. These might be smaller cities located within bigger metro areas, or small, exclusive communities. They may also be called a “Census-designated place” or CDP, which identifies a concentration of population that is classified as such for statistical purposes by the U.S. Census Bureau.

Analysts at FindTheHome.com, a website that tracks real estate trends, took a look at the average per capita income in American cities larger than 4,000 people from the data provided by the Census’ American Community Survey (ACS). The ACS is an ongoing survey that provides vital information on a yearly basis about the United States.

The analysts spotted different trends within the demographics in these affluent communities, where opportunities abound for advisors across the nation. For example, the wealthiest communities are usually located near major metro areas, which provide higher-paying jobs. Also, the population might be highly educated because the skilled nature of many high-paying jobs requires it. The report also found that affluent areas tend to attract married couples who have, or are planning on having, children. 

So, which places made it onto the list? Keep reading to find out.

No. 20: Piedmont, California

The City of Piedmont is located in Alameda County, California and is surrounded on all sides by the city of Oakland. Today, it is mostly residential and a semi-suburband city.

Population: 10,957

Average per capita income in Piedmont: $101,794

Average per capita income in California: $29,906

Percentage with bachelor’s degree or higher: 84%

Percentage married: 71%

No. 19: Short Hills, New Jersey

Located within the Millburn Township in Essex County, New Jersey, the city is a popular “commuter town” for people who work in New York City. In 2014, Time magazine named it the “Richest Town in America.”

Population: 12,729

Average per capita income in Short Hills: $102,528

Average per capita income in New Jersey: $36,359

Percentage with bachelor’s degree or higher: 88.7%

Percentage married: 73.4%

No. 18: Glencoe, Illinois

Glencoe is a village in Cook County, Illinois, located on Chicago’s suburban North Shore. According to the Village of Glencoe website, it is “one of the most attractive business districts along the North Shore.”

Population: 8,824

Average per capita income in Glencoe: $103,788

Average per capita income in Illinois: $30,019

Percentage with bachelor’s degree or higher: 85.3%

Percentage married: 73.7%

No. 17: Fox Chapel, Pennsylvania

A borough of Allegheny Country and a Pittsburg suburb, Fox Chapel is convinently located just 6 miles northeast of downtown. Fox Chapel is also 100 percent residential, its website says.

Population: 5,397

Average per capita income in Fox Chapel: $104,737

Average per capita income in Pennsylvania: $28,912

Percentage with bachelor’s degree or higher: 85%

Percentage married: 70.1%

No. 16: Pelican Bay, Florida

Even though Pelican Bay is not a city, it is part of the Naples-Marco Island Metropolitan Statistical Area. The area is divided into residential and common areas, and includes a mangrove forest that is a natural resource protected area.

Population: 5,426

Average per capita income in Pelican Bay: $105,516

Average per capita income in Florida: $26,499

Percentage with bachelor’s degree or higher: 63.1%

Percentage married: 78%

No. 15: West University Place, Texas

Often referred to as “West U,” this city is located near Houston, Texas. It is mostly a commuter city made up of upper-class families. The name comes from the area’s proximity to Rice University. 

Population: 15,223

Average per capita income in West University Place: $106,583

Average per capita income in Texas: $26,513

Percentage with bachelor’s degree or higher: 88%

Percentage married: 68.9%

No. 14: Bronxville, New York

A small village only 15 miles from midtown Manhattan, Bronxville prides itself in having a community spirit and beautiful architecture, according to their website. 

Population: 6,378

Average per capita income in Bronxville: $107,327

Average per capita income in New York: $32,829

Percentage with bachelor’s degree or higher: 80.2%

Percentage married: 61.6%

No. 13: Kentfield, California 

Located near San Rafael, Kentfield is not exactly a city, but a CDP.

Population: 6,667

Average per capita income in Kentfield: $109,976

Average per capita income in California: $29,906

Percentage with bachelor’s degree or higher: 76.5%

Percentage married: 63.4%

No. 12: Hunters Creek Village, Texas

Located west of Houston, Hunters Creek Village is also northwest of West University Place. The city was incorporated in 1954, according to its website.

Population: 4,545

Average per capita income in Hunters Creek Village: $112,585

Average per capita income in Texas: $26,513

Percentage with bachelor’s degree or higher: 84%

Percentage married: 74.4%

No. 11: Scarsdale, New York

One of the northern suburbs of New York City, Scarsdale is a town with its own village government. 

Population: 17,471

Average per capita income in Scarsdale: $113,535

Average per capita income in New York: $32,829

Percentage with bachelor’s degree or higher: 86.7%

Percentage married: 73%