According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the median household income for Americans is $55,322, with the poverty threshold defined as $12,228 for an individual, $15,569 for a couple, and $24,563 for a family of four. From 2012 to 2016, it was estimated that more than 12% of Americans were living below the poverty line.
With income inequality on the rise, minimum wage laws have become a hot-button issue – many claiming it should be raised to $15 per hour (roughly $30,000 annually for full-time work) in order to provide a “living wage.” At the start of this year, for example, 11 states passed legislation to raise their minimum wage.
Despite these efforts, the gap between the rich and poor has never been more apparent. To see how median wages compare across the country, researchers at ConsumersAdvocate.org analyzed the latest census data and found that the top 10 wealthiest cities have household incomes that are more than three times the national average.
Here are the top 10 wealthiest cities in America.
Methodology:
10. Colleyville, Texas
9. Westport, Connecticut
8. Saratoga, California
7. Wellesley, Massachusetts
6. Potomac, Maryland
5. Los Altos, California
4. Southlake, Texas
3. McLean, Virginia
2. University Park, Texas
1. Darien, Connecticut
Median Household Income: $208,125
Median Home Value: $1,248,200
Poverty Level: 4.8%
Population: 21,519
A coastal town about 50 miles away from New York City, Darien has the lowest population and the highest median household income on the list. Private beaches, yacht clubs, mansions, and more are features of this fabulously wealthy suburb.
