New Study Names Illinois’ Wealthiest Small Town–Any Guesses?

When most of us think about rich, affluent, wealthy, or monied communities, we generally think about larger cities, because that's where the money is, for the most part.

But, when you look around a little bit, you'll see that there are plenty of smaller, or small towns across the nation that pack some serious firepower when it comes to the wealth of their residents.

Is the richest/wealthiest/most affluent small town in the United States in Illinois?

No, it's not. But we are pretty well represented here in the Land of Lincoln by some population-challenged but very wealthy small towns.

Before We Name Illinois' Wealthiest Small Town, Let's Take A Look At Which Small Towns Are The Richest In The Entire Country

We get the information from a new study released by GoBankingRates.com, who analyzed U.S. Census Bureau income data in locations in every state with 500 to 15,000 households to determine the wealthiest small towns in America. Their data is current as of May 16th, 2023. There was not enough data to include results from Alaska.

As for the number-one wealthiest small town in America, the title goes to Orinda, California (population 19,364). The median income in Orinda is $248,984, and the median house price is $1.9 million.

Next comes Noroton, Connecticut (population 7,006). Median income: $248,125. Median house price: $1.9 million.

And at number-three nationally, we've got Fox Chapel, Pennsylvania (population: 5,180). Median income: $247,930. Median house price: $1.6 million.

As For The Wealthiest Small Town In The State Of Illinois...

The GoBankingRates.com study gives that title to a town in Lake County that's located about thirty miles northwest of Chicago, and was incorporatated in 1958.

Kildeer, Illinois (population 4,000) has a median income of $226,375 (Illinois' median income is about $80,000), and the median house price is $887,000.

Patch.com:

Since its incorporation in 1958, the Village's growth has been carefully and thoughtfully guided, according to its website. As of 2025, Kildeer is nearing a population of 4,000, with approximately 1,200 residences.

Kildeer has 2,625 acres with 25 plus subdivisions offering a range of quality custom homes in a rural setting, where lakes, ponds, streams, woods, wetlands and natural habitats prevail.

Click here to read the full study on America's wealthiest small towns.