Those incredibly well-off ZIP codes were:
1. 21056, Gibson Island, MD
2. 77010, Houston, TX
3. 04642, Harborside, ME
4. 94528, Diablo, CA
5. 99510, Anchorage, AK
6. 08248, Strathmere, NJ
7. 10007, New York, NY
8. 19316, Brandamore, PA
9. 02110, Boston, MA
10. 49717, Tuscarora Township, MI
You probably already guessed a few of those spots, but you might be curious on how some others made this list. Wonder no more, because we’ll talk about how we got this ranking in the very next section. Or, if instead you’re curious how your ZIP code ranked, you can use the search bar above to find out.
Who knows, you might be a little better, or worse, off than you previously thought!
Methodology
In order to get this ranking, we didn’t go around asking people how big their paychecks were. Instead, as with all our Big Deal Lists, we went by the numbers, in this case consulting the Census’ American Community Survey for 2008 to 2012. Using that source, we examined each ZIP code based on per capita income.
After we omitted any places that didn’t have reported data, we were left with 32,420 ZIP codes. Then, we ranked each ZIP from 1 to 32,420, with more per capita income being better.
You can see the 50 richest ZIPs at the very bottom of this article. For now, though, let’s take a closer look at only our top 10, to see why each of these spots were just so wealthy. Try not to drool, we know it’ll be difficult.
1. Gibson Island, MD
It should be obvious, just by the list of former residents, that this place is for high-rollers. Thurgood Marshal, Pat Sajack, and Godfrey A. Rockefeller all have lived on this exclusive island at some point, and given that homes here cost in the millions, it makes sense that this ZIP is purely VIP.
More than that, the numbers show that locals here were really raking in that dough. Folks who lived in this area made easily the most money out of anywhere else in the nation, with a median per capita income of $264,393. Hey big spenders!
2. Houston, TX
Who would have thought that good ol’ Texas would have made our richest list, especially in Houston? Well, in this particular little area, Texans aren’t just big rodeo fans, big patriots, and big steak-lovers…they were also big earners.
The 342 locals to this area made an average per capita income of $212,325. You could buy a whole lot of BBQ with all that moolah.
3. Harborside, ME
This was one of the smallest spots in our top 10, at only 79 residents, but those few people who call this area home are lucky enough to enjoy waterfront property, beautiful homes, and some of the biggest earnings anywhere in America. Plus, there’s all those beautiful fall leaves every year. It is Maine, after all.
More to the point though, people here made $171,604 per capita. So while autumn may be about all the beautiful colors here, locals are probably most into the color green.
4. Diablo, CA
Maybe folks in this California locale sold their souls to the devil to get this kind of paycheck every year. Well, probably not, just kidding and all, but given how many zeros these guys get on their paystubs, it’s pretty easy to see why that might be a conclusion to jump to.
Just based on the census information, this ZIP code was full of wealthy folks, making a median per capita paycheck of $167,439. Hm, wonder who I have to make a deal with to make that kind of money.
5. Anchorage, AK
You might be thinking “Really? Alaska?” and we know, it may seem a little weird, but this Alaskan ZIP code is one for only the big earners. The area may often be coated in beautiful white, but it’s definitely all about the beautiful green too.
Still not convinced? Locals in the area made a yearly paycheck of $167,169 per capita, which along with the beauty of Alaska, made this a great place to call home.
6. Strathmere, NJ
Coming in at No. 6 is a place where pretty much everyone has beachfront property and the kind of house everyone else is jealous of. At least, everyone but people who live in this wealthy and beautiful little ZIP code.
People here do pay a pretty penny for that high-living, but as it turns out they can afford it. The per capita income here was $165,837 per year, another thing most people are probably jealous of.
7. New York, NY
Bright lights, big city? More like bright lights, big pay stubs! This is a large-city dream, at least for the 6,188 people who can afford it. It also is pretty convenient for people in this ZIP code, seeing as they’re next door to museums, parks, and even some very nice schools, both public and the expensive private kind.
For families, though, those expensive schools might not be too far out of reach. After all, locals made $156,554 per capita per year.
8. Brandamore, PA
Pennsylvania is a pretty great place in general to call home, and it doesn’t hurt to be living in a spot where the homes are beautiful and the natural setting is also lush and green. Of course, it’s particularly great to be in an area where there’s plenty of green in your wallet as well as in your surroundings.
This Brandimore ZIP code certainly knew how to keep locals financially happy. Well, one would at least assume so, given the $154,919 per capita yearly paycheck they received.
9. Boston, MA
This Massachusetts ZIP code is pretty much right next to everything you could possibly need. The famous Boston Harbor, the New England Aquarium, several parks, and beautiful views all call this place home. It makes sense, then, that a ton of wealthy folks also call this area home.
When we say well off, we mean it. The 1,486 people who live there make $152,007 per capita per year, and given all the perks of the area that cost a bundle, it’s a good thing too.
10. Tuscarora Township, MI
No. 10 on our list was also easily the smallest place on our list, at only 58 residents. This little spot was pretty, the houses were pretty, and the locals were pretty rich. In fact, they were really really rich by just about anyone’s standards.
Sure, we’re all looking to make a little more cash, but people here are making plenty to live comfortably. In fact, people who lived in this area made a whopping total of $151,348 per capita per year. Not bad for those select few who call this place home.
At Least We’re Rich In Experience
The grass is always greener, or something like that. You may not live in any of these high-brow spots, and you may never quite make it there, but there are still plenty of great places to call home. If you’re searching for that perfect spot, that fits your budget and your future plans, feel free to get in touch. Besides making informative lists, we also sell houses, and we’d be happy to help you on your way, no matter how big or small your paycheck is.
