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Top 10 Richest Counties in Pennsylvania by Median Household Income
Pennsylvania, also known as the Keystone State, is home to a diverse mix of urban centers, rural farmlands, and small communities. While the state’s economy is known for its steel production and coal mining, it also embraces modern industries such as technology, healthcare, and finance. This has led to significant economic development and job creation in the region, showcasing disparities in wealth and income within the state.
This page will discuss the 10 richest counties in PA by median household income, focusing on the wealthiest towns, prominent landmarks, and captivating aspects of their local economies and populations. Find the list of the top 10 richest counties in Pennsylvania below:
| # | County | Median Household Income | Population |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Chester County | $104,161 | 545,072 |
| 2 | Montgomery County | $93,518 | 873,557 |
| 3 | Bucks County | $93,181 | 626,751 |
| 4 | Delaware County | $76,238 | 582,185 |
| 5 | Northampton County | $73,088 | 317,517 |
| 6 | Butler County | $72,642 | 196,733 |
| 7 | Cumberland County | $71,979 | 266,687 |
| 8 | Perry County | $70,660 | 45,803 |
| 9 | Lancaster County | $69,588 | 563,046 |
| 10 | York County | $68,940 | 462,879 |
Check out the richest counties in PA visualized:
🗺️ Map of the Wealthiest Counties in Pennsylvania
🏙️ Richest Counties in PA in Ascending Order
Discover Pennsylvania’s highest-earning and the richest county in PA in this concise list. Explore the economic prowess of these prosperous regions and uncover insights into the wealth and growth potential of Pennsylvania’s counties rated by the highest median household income .
Note: We gathered information for this piece from two US government census sources: the 2020 Decennial Census and the 2021 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates.
🏡 10. York County
| Median household income | $68,940 |
|---|---|
| Placement among all counties nationwide | #489 |
| Population | 462,879 |
| Notable towns |
|
York County, situated in south-central Pennsylvania, is an economically diverse and affluent region, as well as one of the wealthiest counties in PA. The county is home to one of the popular PENN Entertainment locations, adding to its thriving tourism industry – Hollywood Casino York. The wealthiest towns within the county include Springettsbury, Hanover, and Dallastown.
With a median household income of $68,940, York County ranks 489 among all US counties.
The population of the county is estimated at 462,879 as of 2023. Major industries include manufacturing, healthcare, and professional services. The county is also known for its rich history and attractions, such as the York County Heritage Trust and the Yorktowne Hotel.
🏡 9. Lancaster County
| Median household income | $69,588 |
|---|---|
| Placement among all counties nationwide | #449 |
| Population | 563,046 |
| Notable towns |
|
Lancaster County offers a diverse mix of communities, each with its own unique character and appeal. When it comes to the richest towns in the county, several stand out. Lancaster, for instance, has an average household income of $67,518, while Lititz boasts a median income of $68,008.
Further, residents of Ephrata enjoy several high-end amenities and luxury services, making it a popular destination for those seeking an upscale lifestyle.
🏡 8. Perry County
| Median household income | $70,660 |
|---|---|
| Placement among all counties nationwide | #360 |
| Population | 45,803 |
| Notable towns |
|
Perry County is a rural county in Pennsylvania with a population of around 45,803 people. The county includes several towns, including Newport, Marysville, and Duncannon, considered some of the county’s richest towns.
Perry County is known for its agriculture, and it has also become a popular bedroom community for people who work in nearby Dauphin and Cumberland counties. The Perry County Times, News-Sun, and Duncannon Record are the newspapers of record for Perry County and have been published since April 2000.
The office of the District Court Administrator was created in 1974 to reduce the burden of administrative duties of the Judges of the Court of Common Pleas.
🏡 7. Cumberland County
| Median household income | $71,979 |
|---|---|
| Placement among all counties nationwide | #323 |
| Population | 266,687 |
| Notable towns |
|
Cumberland County is among the wealthiest counties in Pennsylvania, with a population of approximately 266,687 people. The county is home to Parx Casino Shippensburg, located in a former Lowe’s Home Supply store in the Shippen Town Center. The satellite casino opened in January 2023 and is the county’s first casino.
Cumberland County also boasts several of the richest towns in the area, including Hampden Township, Upper Allen Township, and Silver Spring Township. The county is known for its excellent quality of life, thanks to its thriving economy, top-rated schools, and abundant outdoor recreational opportunities. The county seat is Carlisle, and other notable towns in the area include Camp Hill, Mechanicsburg, and Shippensburg.
🏡 6. Butler County
| Median household income | $72,642 |
|---|---|
| Placement among all counties nationwide | #304 |
| Population | 196,733 |
| Notable towns |
|
Butler County, Pennsylvania, is located in the western part of the state and has a population of around 196,733. The county is home to several towns, including Cranberry Township, Adams Township, and Middlesex Township, considered among the richest in the area.
These towns have a high quality of life, with excellent schools, beautiful parks, and numerous shopping and dining options. The town of Harmony, founded in 1804 by the Harmony Society of German immigrants, offers a unique glimpse into the county’s rich German history.
The county seat is Butler, located 35 miles north of Pittsburgh and is part of the Pittsburgh Metropolitan Area.
🏡 5. Northampton County
| Median household income | $73,088 |
|---|---|
| Placement among all counties nationwide | #289 |
| Population | 317,517 |
| Notable towns |
|
Northampton County in Pennsylvania has several interesting places and features, making it an attractive location for tourists and residents. For instance, along with being close to the richest county in PA, the county houses Wind Creek Bethlehem, a popular casino and resort in the region.
Additionally, according to Forbes, some of the richest towns in the county are Easton, Palmer Heights, and Bethlehem (the latter being only partly in the county). These towns boast impressive household median incomes compared to other parts of the county.
🏡 4. Delaware County
| Median household income | $76,238 |
|---|---|
| Placement among all counties nationwide | #197 |
| Population | 582,185 |
| Notable towns |
|
Delaware County is a beautiful and vibrant county in Pennsylvania, known for its rich history, diverse communities, and stunning landscapes. The county is home to several unique attractions, including Harrah’s Philadelphia, a popular casino and entertainment destination in the region.
Delaware County also boasts some of the richest towns in the county, such as Villanova, Newtown Square, and Radnor. These towns have high median household incomes, making them desirable places for many affluent residents. In addition, the county offers a great quality of life, with excellent public schools, low crime rates, and a variety of recreational activities to enjoy.
🏡 3. Bucks County
| Median household income | $93,181 |
|---|---|
| Placement among all counties nationwide | #76 |
| Population | 626,751 |
| Notable towns |
|
Bucks County, located in Pennsylvania, is a picturesque destination with a vibrant cultural scene and rich history. The region houses several prominent attractions, including the Parx Casino and Racing, which offers visitors exceptional gaming and entertainment experiences.
Bucks County is also known for some of the wealthiest towns in the area, such as Washington Crossing, Jamison, and Richboro, as reported by various sources. Residents of these towns have high median household incomes, making Bucks County a desirable place to live for many affluent families.
Overall, the county offers an excellent quality of life, with great public schools, top-notch healthcare facilities, and plenty of outdoor activities.
🏡 2. Montgomery County
| Median household income | $93,518 |
|---|---|
| Placement among all counties nationwide | #74 |
| Population | 873,557 |
| Notable towns |
|
Montgomery County in Pennsylvania is a versatile and attractive destination, offering something for everyone. One of the notable attractions in the county is the Valley Forge Casino Resort, which provides an array of gaming options, exquisite dining experiences, and lavish accommodations.
The resort is a major draw for visitors from near and far and has immensely contributed to the local economy. Moreover, the county is home to some of the richest towns in Pennsylvania, including Merion Township, Cheltenham Township, and Whitpain Township, where residents enjoy high median household incomes and comfortable living. The county is also famous for being home to the biggest number of millionaires in the state.
Generally, Montgomery County is a fantastic place to live, work, and play, offering excellent schools, beautiful parks, and a thriving business community.
🏡 1. Chester County
| Median household income | $104,161 |
|---|---|
| Placement among all counties nationwide | #35 |
| Population | 545,072 |
| Notable towns |
|
Chester County in Pennsylvania is a beautiful and affluent destination and the wealthiest county in PA, offering residents and visitors a high quality of life. The county is home to several noteworthy towns, such as West Chester, Malvern, and Kennett Square, among the wealthiest in the area.
Upper Uwchlan Township also has the most affluent people in the county, with a median household income of $150,945. Devon is another area known for its affluence, with a median household income of $220,978. Chester County is renowned for its scenic beauty, excellent public schools, and highly developed business community.
The county offers outdoor recreational activities, rich history, and culture, making it a desirable place to live and visit.
🏘️ The 10 Wealthiest Towns in Pennsylvania by Mean Household Income
Let’s take a closer look at the top 10 richest towns in the Keystone State:
| # | Town | County | Mean Household Income | Bachelor’s Degree or Higher | Median Home Price | Population |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Sewickley Heights | Allegheny County | $381,964 | 76.7% | $1,748,000 | 857 |
| 2 | Villanova | Montgomery & Delaware | $344,997 | 83.9% | $1,242,000 | 8,213 |
| 3 | Fox Chapel | Allegheny County | $341,148 | 82.4% | $944,000 | 5,343 |
| 4 | Edgeworth | Allegheny County | $307,396 | 80.7% | $1,003,000 | 1,669 |
| 5 | Merion Station | Montgomery County | $288,309 | 85.7% | $826,000 | 5,741 |
| 6 | Rose Valley | Delaware County | $278,668 | 81.3% | $829,000 | 1,017 |
| 7 | West Pikeland | Chester County | $261,593 | 73.3% | $760,000 | 4,024 |
| 8 | St. Davids | Delaware County | $244,982 | 87.9% | $930,000 | 3,604 |
| 9 | West Vincent | Chester County | $236,361 | 74.0% | $850,000 | 6,668 |
| 10 | Devon | Chester County | $220,978 | 79.6% | $937,000 | 1,580 |
Pennsylvania is home to plenty of billionaires and has some affluent areas on its roster. Here’s some key information about the towns on this list:
Economic Breakdown
The most affluent areas in PA are based in Allegheny County, with three of the richest areas in Pennsylvania; Chester County also has three, and Delaware and Montgomery make up the other four spaces.
The vast majority of the homes in the wealthiest towns in PA are owner-occupied, with the remaining homes likely being rentals to other affluent citizens who aren’t looking to be tied down. The average median house price on this list is over $1,000,000, so you can imagine the rental prices.
Educational Information
Each of the top 10 richest towns in PA has a much higher education rate than the rest of the United States, with an average of 80.75% of the population holding a bachelor’s degree or higher, while the US average is 33.7%.
Race, Ethnicity, and Diversity
Many of the townships on this list follow a similar pattern of diversity to that of the broader United States, with about 75-80% of the population being white and the rest mixed between black or African American, Asian, American Indian, Hispanic, and other minority groups.
That said, the Asian population is overrepresented in these areas, while the black and African American population is underrepresented.
There are some interesting outliers, too. For example, West Vincent township is 83.9% white and 13.0% Asian, which is double the national average.
Another outlier is Merion Station, which has a much higher white population totaling 93.6%. Fox Borough also has an 88.8% white population.
FAQ
What is the richest county in Pennsylvania?
According to United States Census Bureau data, the richest county in Pennsylvania is Chester County. As of 2023, the median household income in Chester County was $104,161, which is significantly higher than the state average of $63,463.
What is the richest city in PA?
The richest city in Pennsylvania is often considered to be Gladwyne, a suburb located in Montgomery County. The median household income in Gladwyne is over $250,000, which is significantly higher than the state average.
Which county is home to the highest number of millionaires in PA?
According to the available data, Montgomery County boasts the highest number of millionaires in Pennsylvania, with 2,982 individuals in this class and ranks as the highest income counties. The taxable income of Montgomery County’s millionaires amounted to over $8.2 billion.
What is Chester County famous for?
Chester County is the wealthiest county in PA, located in the southeastern part of Pennsylvania, and is famous for its picturesque scenery, rich history, and thriving agriculture. It is home to numerous horse farms, mushroom production, and wineries. One of its most notable landmarks is Longwood Gardens, a botanical garden that spans over 1,000 acres and attracts visitors worldwide.
What is the average salary in Pennsylvania?
According to data from the US Census, the per capita income in PA is $37,638, meaning half of the state earns either above or below that number. The median household income is $69,021.
How much is a house in the richest city in PA?
The median home price in Sewickley Heights, PA’s richest area, is around $1,748,000. That means half the homes cost less than that, and half the homes cost more.
Which are the wealthiest townships in PA?
Sewickley Heights, Villanova and Fox Chapel are the three richest townships in PA, each with an average household income of over $340,000 and median home prices of over $940,000 each.