Which Metro Area Boasts 7 of the 10 Most Affluent Counties in America?

New rankings from the 2011 American Community Survey released Thursday show that the residents of the D.C. area have benefited from an economy built on "the federal government, its legions of contractors and a flourishing high-tech sector."

1 minute read

September 21, 2012, 10:00 AM PDT

By Jonathan Nettler @nettsj


While communities across America have suffered through high unemployment, public sector cuts from dwindling revenues, and foreclosures resulting from the Great Recession, the Washington D.C. metropolitan area has been getting increasingly affluent. New census numbers show that the D.C. suburbs now include 7 of the 10 most affluent counties in the country, with Loudoun County and its median household income of $119,134 topping the list, report Carol Morello and Ted Mellnik.

"The rankings in the 2011 American Community Survey released Thursday
expand Washington's dominance among high-income households, reflecting a
regional economy that was largely cushioned as the recession yanked
down income levels elsewhere. Household incomes rose in most counties
around Washington last year, even as they continued to sink around the country."

Hunterdon and Somerset Counties in New Jersey, and Douglas County in Colorado, were the non-Washington area counties to make the top 10. 

Wednesday, September 19, 2012 in The Washington Post

portrait of professional woman

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Get top-rated, practical training

Red 1972 Ford Pinto with black racing stripes on display with man sitting in driver's seat.

Analysis: Cybertruck Fatality Rate Far Exceeds That of Ford Pinto

The Tesla Cybertruck was recalled seven times last year.

July 2, 2025 - Mother Jones

Close-up of park ranger in green jacket and khaki hat looking out at Bryce Canyon National Park red rock formations.

National Parks Layoffs Will Cause Communities to Lose Billions

Thousands of essential park workers were laid off this week, just before the busy spring break season.

February 18, 2025 - National Parks Traveler

Paved walking path next to canal in The Woodlands, Texas with office buildings in background.

Retro-silient?: America’s First “Eco-burb,” The Woodlands Turns 50

A master-planned community north of Houston offers lessons on green infrastructure and resilient design, but falls short of its founder’s lofty affordability and walkability goals.

February 19, 2025 - Greg Flisram

Screenshot of shade map of Buffalo, New York with legend.

Test News Post 1

This is a summary

0 seconds ago - 2TheAdvocate.com

Red 1972 Ford Pinto with black racing stripes on display with man sitting in driver's seat.

Analysis: Cybertruck Fatality Rate Far Exceeds That of Ford Pinto

The Tesla Cybertruck was recalled seven times last year.

18 minutes ago - Mother Jones

test alt text

Test News Headline 46

Test for the image on the front page.

March 5 - Cleantech blog