Texas is known for its vibrant cities and diverse culture. But it’s also home to some of the wealthiest communities in the United States. From bustling urban areas to charming small towns, Texas has a whole host of cities that are home to high-income residents, excellent schools, and high-quality entertainment options.
The 10 richest cities in Texas…
In this article, I’ll explore the 10 wealthiest cities in Texas based on median household income, per capita income, average house price, and poverty rate. I’ll also take a closer look at each city’s population size, geographical location, and local amenities, highlighting what makes each one a desirable place to live.
So, whether you’re a long-time Texan looking for a change of scenery or a newcomer to the Lone Star State, these ten cities offer a glimpse into the wealth and prosperity that can be found in Texas.
Join me as we explore them!
Contents
The 10 Richest Cities in Texas Overall
1 West University Place
West University Place, also known as West U, is an affluent city located in the Houston metropolitan area, in Harris County, Texas. According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a population of 15,311. Making it one of the smaller cities on this list. However, what it lacks in size, it makes up for in its median household income of $250,001 and per capita income of $93,594.
Not bad for such a small town!
The average house price in West University Place is a staggering $1.5 million, right up there with the highest in the state. Plus, the poverty rate in the city is only 2.1%, which is incredibly low compared to the rest of the state.
When it comes to interesting attractions, West University Place offers plenty of outdoor spaces, like Colonial Park and Friends Park. It is also located in close proximity to popular Houston day-trip options, such as the Houston Zoo, the Museum of Fine Arts, and the Houston Museum of Natural Science.
2 Southlake
The second wealthiest city in Texas is Southlake. Situated in Tarrant and Denton counties, Southlake is a thriving city with a population of approximately 32,000 people.
The median household income in Southlake is a staggering $239,833, and the per capita income is equally impressive at $98,952.
With such high levels of income…
It’s no surprise that the average house price in Southlake is around $900,000.
Southlake also has a very low poverty rate of only 1.6%, and the city’s low crime rate and high-quality schools are some of the reasons why it’s such an attractive place to live for wealthy families.
This city is also known for its upscale shopping centers, such as Southlake Town Square, which features high-end retailers like Tory Burch, Louis Vuitton, and Apple. It also offers a wide range of parks and recreational areas, such as Bob Jones Nature Center and Preserve and Bicentennial Park.
3 Highland Park
Located in Dallas County, Highland Park is definitely one of the most affluent cities in Texas. And with a population of around 9,000 people, it is also one of the smallest cities on our list.
Even smaller than West U!
But don’t let that fool you; the median household income in Highland Park is a remarkable $234,427, making it one of the highest-income cities in Texas. The per capita income is equally impressive, with a figure of $159,337. These high-income levels are reflected in the city’s average house price, which is an astronomical $1.5 million.
And, once again, despite being a small city, Highland Park offers plenty of opportunities for recreation and relaxation. Lakeside Park area features a beautiful lake and scenic walking trails. The Dallas Country Club is also located here and offers a range of sports facilities and dining options.
Rich kids…
Highland Park is also home to several prestigious schools, not the least of which is Highland Park High School, which is consistently ranked among the top public high schools in the United States.
Furthermore, the city has low poverty and crime rates which only add to its allure.
4 Bellaire
Located in Harris County, Bellaire is another wealthy city in Texas with a population of approximately 19,000 people. The median household income here is around $211,202. Making it one of the highest-income cities in the state. The per capita income is equally sufficient, with a figure of $103,990.
Bellaire is also known for its luxurious homes and neighborhoods, with an average house price of around $900,000. However, the city’s low poverty rate of only 2.5% is a true testament to its strong economy and high standard of living.
Plenty to do…
The city has a load of things for residents to use to kill their boredom and some truly lovely recreational areas like Evergreen Park and Mulberry Park. It also has a strong focus on education, with several top-ranked schools in the area, including Bellaire High School.
In addition, Bellaire is located in close proximity to Houston. And that’s where you can find the Houston Museum of Natural Science and the Houston Zoo. There is also a range of dining options and high-end retail shops.
5 Terrell Hills
Terrell Hills can be found in Bexar County, with a population of approximately 5,000 people. Despite its tiny size, Terrell Hills is one of the wealthiest of all cities in the state, with a median household income of around $181,979 and a per capita income of $92,000.
Dynamite!
The city’s high-income levels are reflected in an average house price of around $830,000. Terrell Hills has a relatively low poverty rate of only 3.3%, making it an attractive place to live for those seeking a high standard of living.
San Antonio Botanical Garden and the Witte Museum are some of the places to enjoy around these parts. There are beautiful parks and green spaces, like the 6-acre Terrell Hills Park. In addition to these, Terrell Hills also has a low crime rate, making it another very safe place to live in Texas.
More on that later…
6 Prosper
The aptly named Prosper is a thriving town situated in Collin County, Texas. It has a population of approximately 28,000 people and is considered one of the wealthiest towns in the state. With a median household income of around $159,164 and a per capita income of $58,313, Prosper has a robust economy that is reflected in its average house price of about $530,000.
Come on down to Prosper…
This town boasts a low poverty rate of only 2.8% and has a range of things to do. Several parks and green spaces, such as Frontier Park and Windsong Park, offer shady spaces to picnic and relax. Additionally, the town has a growing commercial district offering a variety of entertainment and dining options. It is also conveniently near several popular attractions, such as the Dallas World Aquarium and the Dallas Museum of Art.
It’s no surprise Prosper is a highly sought-after place to live.
7 Alamo Heights
With a population of around 8,000 people, Alamo Heights is located in Bexar County. Known for its affluent residents, the city has a median household income of approximately $152,188 and a per capita income of $100,586, making it the 7th wealthiest city in Texas.
The average house price in Alamo Heights is around $730,000, a reflection of the city’s high-income levels. The city also has a low poverty rate of only 3.8%.
Are you starting to see the common thread here?
You’ll find several things to do here, like visiting the McNay Art Museum and the San Antonio Zoo. And once again, the city has several parks and green spaces, like the 31-acre Olmos Basin Park, which offers residents plenty of space to enjoy some fresh air.
8 Fair Oaks Ranch
Fair Oaks Ranch is located in both Bexar and Kendall counties and has a population of approximately 10,000 people. The median household income is around $127,917 and with a per capita income of $75,205.
So Fair Oaks Ranch makes it into the top ten wealthiest cities in Texas…
The average house price in Fair Oaks Ranch is just over $500,000, and the city has a low poverty rate of only 3.3%. The city’s location in the Texas Hill Country also provides locals with a picturesque landscape and plenty of outdoor activities.
Cibolo Nature Center and the Fair Oaks Ranch Golf and Country Club are where many residents tend to hang out. In addition, the city’s proximity to San Antonio, just a short drive away, provides easy access to the Alamo and the River Walk.
9 Celina
Celina is a city of around 20,000 people located in both Collin and Denton counties. One of the fastest-growing cities in Texas, Celina has a median household income of approximately $130,000 and a per capita income of $50,000.
But wait a minute…
The average house price in Celina is around $410,000, making it a far more affordable place to live than most of the cities on this list.
Celina has great spots for relaxation, several parks, and golf clubs, such as the Old Celina Park and the Preston Trail Golf Club. The city also has a growing commercial district, offering an ever-increasing range of retail and entertainment options for residents.
Being located just a short drive away from both Dallas and Fort Worth, living in Celina provides residents with easy access to the full range of cultural and entertainment options those cities have to offer.
10 Melissa
And rounding out our list of the 10 richest cities in Texas is Melissa. Known for its small-town charm and family-friendly atmosphere, Melissa has a median household income of approximately $130,000 and a per capita income of $41,000, and it’s located in Collin County with a population of around 17,000 people.
The average house price?
In Melissa, it’s around $350,000, reflecting the city’s more rural location. The poverty rate in the city is also low, at only 2.7%, indicating a strong economy and high standard of living for all who reside there.
Melissa has magnificent parks and trails to enjoy, like Melissa City Park and the Bois D’Arc Creek Trail.
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Ok, back to today’s Texan city affluence scale…
Final Thoughts
The top wealthy cities in Texas offer a unique perspective into the economic prosperity and high standard of living that can be found in the Lone Star State.
From the bustling urban centers of Southlake and Highland Park to the charming small towns of Melissa and Celina. And you must have noticed that each and every one of these cities boasts high median household incomes, low poverty rates, and a range of entertainment options that make them all highly desirable places to call home.
The combination of strong economies, excellent schools, and attractive local scenes make these cities a top choice for anyone seeking the highest standard of living in Texas, along with a strong sense of community.
Go Texas!