Top 5 Richest County in 2023

The wealthiest counties in America tend to have higher median household incomes than others due to proximity to government or big company jobs that pay better than the national average.

The wealthiest counties often have low poverty rates due to higher incomes and lower living costs. Controlling costs is essential for everyone's financial wellbeing, regardless of income level.

1. Los Alamos County

Los Alamos County, New Mexico's smallest county, has been named one of America's 10 richest places. It's home to the Los Alamos National Laboratory, renowned for its groundbreaking research and development projects. Furthermore, Los Alamos boasts an enviable quality of life as well as having one of the lowest child poverty rates in America.

The town of Los Alamos offers a wealth of cultural activities, such as art galleries and museums. Additionally, there are various musical groups and clubs. The Los Alamos Concert Association produces subscription series of classical concerts while the Santa Fe Desert Chorale and Sangre de Cristo Chorale perform choral music.

Outdoor recreational opportunities abound in the surrounding area. Pajarito Plateau National Forest and National Park land provide hundreds of miles of hiking, biking and equestrian trails throughout the town; plus it's only 45 minutes away from eight Indian pueblos.Residents from various nations make the town truly global in nature, leading to extensive cultural exchange between them.

In 1940, when the Manhattan Project began, Los Alamos was designed as a secret city for scientists working on an atomic bomb. Similar to Oak Ridge in Tennessee and Hanford in Washington State, Los Alamos was almost completely self-contained.

Once the war ended, White Rock was established as a civilian town to house employees of Los Alamos Laboratory. It later closed and reopened as an residential community in the 1960s.

2. Forsyth County

Forsyth County, Georgia is one of the wealthiest counties in the state. With household income nearly double that of the statewide median and low unemployment rates, it's no wonder why this area of Atlanta enjoys such a prestigious reputation.

The county's wealth is due to its location near Atlanta and the Blue Ridge Mountains, as well as development around 37,000-acre (150 km2) Lake Sidney Lanier. Additionally, it boasts several Fortune 500 companies like Coca-Cola, Home Depot and Lowe's which have contributed to making the area into a bedroom community for those who work in Atlanta while living close by.

Due to its rapid growth, it has become one of the most diverse regions in Georgia. It's a popular retirement spot due to its abundance of public schools which ensure residents have access to quality education.

Its residents are highly educated, with 53% having earned a bachelor's degree or higher. Furthermore, the county boasts one of the top-ranked school districts in California based on combined math and reading proficiency testing data.

But Forsyth County's rapid expansion hasn't come without its share of challenges. Many residents must commute to work and make frequent trips from home, adding to the cost of living here.

In an effort to address this problem, Forsyth County is now considering the implementation of a transportation special purpose local option sales tax (TSPLOST). This tax would go towards funding transportation improvements like roads that are essential for continued growth in the area. If approved, this tax could help keep housing costs in Forsyth County at their lowest levels ever.

3. Fairfax County

Fairfax County, Virginia is a vibrant county located in the Northern Neck. It boasts numerous government agencies, major corporations and numerous national parks.

The county is renowned for its vibrant history. It was here that George Washington first settled and his iconic home, Mount Vernon, still stands today.

Shenandoah Valley is an educational hub, boasting numerous colleges and universities such as the University of Virginia. Its schools serve students from kindergarten through college.

As a result, many young people find employment and relocate to the county. Currently, over 1 million people reside there.

Fairfax County, VA is one of the largest counties in America and home to several universities and research facilities. It's a desirable place for job seekers due to its close proximity to Washington D.C.

Fairfax County is renowned for its abundance of parks and green spaces, such as the Washington & Old Dominion Railroad Trail - one of the region's premier bike paths. Furthermore, there are several zoos and wildlife refuges located here.

Though most residents drive to work, many opt for public transportation like buses and trolley buses - some of which offer free rides.

As the nation's capital, Fairfax County attracts many high-paying jobs that contribute to its high household income. Despite these relatively high earnings, however, its cost of living is higher than average compared to other counties.

4. Arlington County

Arlington County, Maryland, is a wealthy suburb of Washington, D.C. Its proximity to the nation's capital has resulted in both an affluent population and high median household incomes. Furthermore, Arlington County draws highly-paid professionals in fields like law and policy which translates to higher earnings for its citizens.

Arlington County's population increased by 2.4 percent between 2010 and 2021, outpacing Virginia's growth rate of 1.7 percent. Additionally, the age distribution of its citizens changed between these two years, with younger individuals growing at the fastest pace.

Between 2012 and 2013, Arlington County's population composition changed, with the greatest shift occurring among White (non-Hispanic) citizens. Their share of non-Hispanic residents increased by 1.4 percentage points.

Arlington County's majority population is white (non-Hispanic). This trend is not typical across all US counties.

Arlington County, in addition to the federal government, is home to several prominent corporations. These include the Pentagon - one of the tallest office buildings worldwide and headquarters for the United States Department of Defense. Northern Virginia is home to the headquarters of several major military forces and numerous national institutions, making it one of the top employers in Northern Virginia with a large employee base. Arlington is home to the world's best airport and numerous colleges and universities, making it a popular vacation spot for locals as well as tourists. A number of attractions can be found within Arlington itself, such as Ball-Sellers House which vividly encapsulates life during Virginia's Colonial era and was constructed in 1740.

5. San Francisco

San Francisco is one of the world's most diverse cities, known for its pioneering spirit and exciting culture that draws people from everywhere. The city offers plenty of restaurants, stores, entertainment venues, and museums that make it a desirable home for many people to live in.

The city is renowned for its luxurious neighborhoods and breathtaking views of the bay. Many of these areas boast a high concentration of wealthy residents, making them some of the top places to live in the Bay Area.

However, San Francisco is not without its drawbacks. As one of the nation's most expensive cities, if you plan to move here it is essential that you understand how much living costs here will be.

Housing costs in San Francisco can be high, making it a challenge for some families to afford. Fortunately, the city offers numerous affordable apartments so people can find an ideal place to live at an affordable cost.

Additionally, healthcare costs in the city tend to be lower, which can be a great benefit for those on a budget. Furthermore, residents should note that crime rates in the area tend to be low.

As we can see, many factors come into play when determining the richest counties in 2023. High home prices, major companies hiring in the area and low crime rates are just a few that contribute to making a county prosperous. With these elements in place, counties with higher wealth levels are sure to prosper over time.