April 19, 2025

Ron Finklestien

“26 Affluent Western Cities Experiencing Wealth Growth Among the Elite”

Upper Class Growth in Western U.S. Cities Revealed by Study

Recent findings from a GOBankingRates study highlight that the upper class is increasingly concentrating wealth in the Western United States. Of the 50 cities ranked for wealth growth among the upper class, over half are located in this region.

GOBankingRates utilized a previous study that ranked these 50 cities based on wealth increase, isolating the Western region for this analysis. A full methodology accompanies this article.

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See which 26 Western cities have the greatest percentage of the upper class growing wealth.

Dublin Hills Regional Park, Alameda County, California, USA.

Dublin, California

  • % change in households with incomes of $200K+ (2020 to 2023): 23.2%
  • % change in household median income (2020 to 2023): 34.2%
  • $ change in household median income (2020 to 2023): $52,301
  • Household median income (2023): $205,046
  • Household median income (2020): $152,745

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Valley Homes panoramic view in Belmont, San Mateo County, California.

Belmont, California

  • % change in households with incomes of $200K+ (2020 to 2023): 24.4%
  • % change in household median income (2020 to 2023): 29.7%
  • $ change in household median income (2020 to 2023): $47,563
  • Household median income (2023): $207,609
  • Household median income (2020): $160,046

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Mercer Island Washington

Mercer Island, Washington

  • % change in households with incomes of $200K+ (2020 to 2023): 21.4%
  • % change in household median income (2020 to 2023): 34.5%
  • $ change in household median income (2020 to 2023): $51,853
  • Household median income (2023): $202,359
  • Household median income (2020): $150,506

Los Gatos, California entrance

Los Gatos, California

  • % change in households with incomes of $200K+ (2020 to 2023): 21.6%
  • % change in household median income (2020 to 2023): 33%
  • $ change in household median income (2020 to 2023): $51,621
  • Household median income (2023): $207,891
  • Household median income (2020): $156,270

Main Street of Burlingame, California.

Burlingame, California

  • % change in households with incomes of $200K+ (2020 to 2023): 26.6%
  • % change in household median income (2020 to 2023): 22%
  • $ change in household median income (2020 to 2023): $30,488
  • Household median income (2023): $168,832
  • Household median income (2020): $138,344

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Welcome to Colorado road sign photo.

Mill Creek East, Washington

  • % change in households with incomes of $200K+ (2020 to 2023): 23.3%
  • % change in household median income (2020 to 2023): 28.9%
  • $ change in household median income (2020 to 2023): $41,159
  • Household median income (2023): $183,466
  • Household median income (2020): $142,307

Welcome to Colorado road sign photo.

Erie, Colorado

  • % change in households with incomes of $200K+ (2020 to 2023): 20.4%
  • % change in household median income (2020 to 2023): 31.5%
  • $ change in household median income (2020 to 2023): $39,164
  • Household median income (2023): $163,644
  • Household median income (2020): $124,480

Household Incomes Surge in California and Washington Cities

Danville, California

  • % change in households with incomes of $200K+ (2020 to 2023): 19.4%
  • % change in household median income (2020 to 2023): 33%
  • $ change in household median income (2020 to 2023): $55,379
  • Household median income (2023): $223,206
  • Household median income (2020): $167,827

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Redmond, Washington

  • % change in households with incomes of $200K+ (2020 to 2023): 24.4%
  • % change in household median income (2020 to 2023): 22.1%
  • $ change in household median income (2020 to 2023): $29,329
  • Household median income (2023): $162,099
  • Household median income (2020): $132,770

Newark, California

  • % change in households with incomes of $200K+ (2020 to 2023): 20.8%
  • % change in household median income (2020 to 2023): 29.2%
  • $ change in household median income (2020 to 2023): $37,290
  • Household median income (2023): $164,909
  • Household median income (2020): $127,619

Cupertino, California

  • % change in households with incomes of $200K+ (2020 to 2023): 20.5%
  • % change in household median income (2020 to 2023): 26.4%
  • $ change in household median income (2020 to 2023): $48,282
  • Household median income (2023): $231,139
  • Household median income (2020): $182,857

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Santa Clara, California

  • % change in households with incomes of $200K+ (2020 to 2023): 20.2%
  • % change in household median income (2020 to 2023): 26.9%
  • $ change in household median income (2020 to 2023): $36,800
  • Household median income (2023): $173,670
  • Household median income (2020): $136,870

Menlo Park, California

  • % change in households with incomes of $200K+ (2020 to 2023): 20.8%
  • % change in household median income (2020 to 2023): 23.3%
  • $ change in household median income (2020 to 2023): $39,021
  • Household median income (2023): $206,588
  • Household median income (2020): $167,567

Mountain View, California

  • % change in households with incomes of $200K+ (2020 to 2023): 19.4%
  • % change in household median income (2020 to 2023): 24.8%
  • $ change in household median income (2020 to 2023): $35,801
  • Household median income (2023): $179,917
  • Household median income (2020): $144,116

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Manhattan Beach, California

  • % change in households with incomes of $200K+ (2020 to 2023): 18.3%
  • % change in household median income (2020 to 2023): 26%
  • $ change in household median income (2020 to 2023): $39,978
  • Household median income (2023): $193,904
  • Household median income (2020): $153,926

Sammamish, Washington

  • % change in households with incomes of $200K+ (2020 to 2023): 18%
  • % change in household median income (2020 to 2023): 25.2%
  • $ change in household median income (2020 to 2023): $45,809
  • Household median income (2023): [Data Unavailable]

# California Cities See Significant Rise in Household Incomes From 2020 to 2023

## Overview of Income Growth Trends in California Cities

A recent analysis highlights impressive increases in household incomes across several California cities from 2020 to 2023. The financial data reveals substantial growth, particularly among households earning over $200,000, showcasing regional economic resilience and shifts.

## Palo Alto, California

– **% Change in Households with Incomes of $200K+ (2020 to 2023):** 17.3%
– **% Change in Household Median Income (2020 to 2023):** 26.7%
– **$ Change in Household Median Income (2020 to 2023):** $46,405
– **Household Median Income (2023):** $220,408
– **Household Median Income (2020):** $174,003

The growth in both high-income households and median income indicates a booming economy in Palo Alto.

## San Carlos, California

– **% Change in Households with Incomes of $200K+ (2020 to 2023):** 19%
– **% Change in Household Median Income (2020 to 2023):** 23%
– **$ Change in Household Median Income (2020 to 2023):** $43,594
– **Household Median Income (2023):** $233,333
– **Household Median Income (2020):** $189,739

San Carlos showcases a substantial uplift, reflecting its attractive living conditions and economic opportunities.

## Milpitas, California

– **% Change in Households with Incomes of $200K+ (2020 to 2023):** 15.5%
– **% Change in Household Median Income (2020 to 2023):** 29.1%
– **$ Change in Household Median Income (2020 to 2023):** $39,822
– **Household Median Income (2023):** $176,822
– **Household Median Income (2020):** $137,000

Milpitas has experienced notable upward trends in median household income, reflecting growth in the tech sector and overall economic expansion.

## Fremont, California

– **% Change in Households with Incomes of $200K+ (2020 to 2023):** 17.6%
– **% Change in Household Median Income (2020 to 2023):** 23.9%
– **$ Change in Household Median Income (2020 to 2023):** $33,976
– **Household Median Income (2023):** $176,350
– **Household Median Income (2020):** $142,374

Fremont demonstrates robust income growth, benefiting from its strategic location near major tech hubs.

## Bethany, Oregon

– **% Change in Households with Incomes of $200K+ (2020 to 2023):** 18.1%
– **% Change in Household Median Income (2020 to 2023):** 21.3%
– **$ Change in Household Median Income (2020 to 2023):** $28,898
– **Household Median Income (2023):** $164,315
– **Household Median Income (2020):** $135,417

Despite being in Oregon, Bethany has shown a promising increase in household wealth, aligning with trends observed in neighboring states.

## North Tustin, California

– **% Change in Households with Incomes of $200K+ (2020 to 2023):** 16.1%
– **% Change in Household Median Income (2020 to 2023):** 25%
– **$ Change in Household Median Income (2020 to 2023):** $36,619
– **Household Median Income (2023):** $186,250
– **Household Median Income (2020):** $149,631

North Tustin’s growth in income indicates a healthy economy with high-value real estate.

## Foster City, California

– **% Change in Households with Incomes of $200K+ (2020 to 2023):** 18.4%
– **% Change in Household Median Income (2020 to 2023):** 18.6%
– **$ Change in Household Median Income (2020 to 2023):** $30,311
– **Household Median Income (2023):** $193,633
– **Household Median Income (2020):** $163,322

The community of Foster City benefits from waterfront properties and strong employment opportunities, reflecting its income growth.

## San Ramon, California

– **% Change in Households with Incomes of $200K+ (2020 to 2023):** 17.5%
– **% Change in Household Median Income (2020 to 2023):** 17.9%
– **$ Change in Household Median Income (2020 to 2023):** $30,013
– **Household Median Income (2023):** $197,358
– **Household Median Income (2020):** $167,345

San Ramon continues to attract high-income residents, underpinned by its quality of life and access to major highways.

## Pleasanton, California

– **% Change in Households with Incomes of $200K+ (2020 to 2023):** 18.3%
– **% Change in Household Median Income (2020 to 2023):** [data missing]
– **$ Change in Household Median Income (2020 to 2023):** [data missing]
– **Household Median Income (2023):** [data missing]
– **Household Median Income (2020):** [data missing]

Pleasanton shows similar trends, but specific income changes are not available at present.

## Conclusion

Overall, the data illustrates a significant rise in household incomes in these areas of California, highlighting economic growth and potential investment opportunities in these regions. These trends are critical for policymakers and investors alike as they navigate a competitive landscape.

Upper-Class Growth in Household Incomes: Analyzing Key Data

Recent findings highlight significant increases in household incomes across various cities in the United States. From 2020 to 2023, the median income for households in certain areas has seen notable changes, reflecting broader economic trends.

Household Income Trends by Location

Household Median Income Data

  • Percentage change in median income (2020 to 2023): 15.9%
  • Dollar change in household median income (2020 to 2023): $25,517
  • Household median income (2023): $186,206
  • Household median income (2020): $160,689

Lafayette, California

  • Percentage change in households earning $200K+: (2020 to 2023): 17.1%
  • Percentage change in household median income (2020 to 2023): 18.2%
  • Dollar change in household median income (2020 to 2023): $34,253
  • Household median income (2023): $222,393
  • Household median income (2020): $188,140

Methodology Behind the Analysis

This analysis was conducted by GOBankingRates, which started by identifying 71 cities with the highest mean household incomes, each having at least 8,000 households and a minimum household median income of $162,000. Data for the years 2020 and 2023 was sourced from the 2023 American Community Survey by the U.S. Census Bureau. Key points examined included:

  • 2020 median household income
  • 2023 median household income
  • Three-year percentage change in median household income
  • Percentage of the population with a household income of $200,000+ in 2020
  • Percentage of the population with a household income of $200,000+ in 2023
  • Three-year percentage change in households with incomes of $200,000+

Factors related to median incomes and population wealth were scored and combined to present a comprehensive view. All information was current as of March 7, 2025.

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This analysis initially appeared on GOBankingRates.com under the title “26 Western Cities Where the Upper Class Is Getting Richer.”

The opinions expressed herein are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc.


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