This Is The Wealthiest Small Town In PA, New Study Says

Wealth can commonly be found in some of the nation's biggest cities, but what about in the small towns?

A new GoBankingRates study that set out to find pockets of wealth in the nation’s quieter communities found that the richest small town in Pennsylvania is Fox Chapel. There, the median annual income is $247,930. That's compared to a statewide median income of $73,824 in 2023.

Fox Chapel ranks in the top five of wealthiest small towns in the nation. It is located in Allegheny County, in the wooded north hills of Pittsburgh.

According to the town's website, the community was incorporated in 1934 and covers nearly eight and one-half square miles. "Fox Chapel is 100 percent residential, except for churches, private clubs, and schools," the town says.

There are several multi-million dollar listings currently on the market in Fox Chapel, including a $7 million, 13,700-square-foot home with two guest houses. There is also a $6.8 million property renovated by acclaimed architect Anthony Stillson.

For the study, GoBankingRates analyzed income data from the U.S. Census Bureau’s American Community Survey. “Small town” was defined as having between 500 and 15,000 households. Data is current as of May 16, 2023. Alaska wasn’t included because it doesn’t have enough data.

The top five wealthiest small towns in the nation are:

• Orinda, California (median income $248, 984)
• Noroton, Connecticut (median income $248,125)
• Fox Chapel, Pennsylvania (median income $247,930)
• University Park, Texas ($247,045)
• Flower Hill, New York ($246,533)

The least affluent of these wealthy small towns are:

• Shelburne, Vermont (median income $96,976)
• Cassville, West Virginia (median income $105,440)
• Inniswold, Louisiana (median income $106,759)
• Hickman, Nebraska (median income $107,604)
• Helena Valley Northeast, Montana (median income $115,833)