A recent study analyzed the wealthiest cities in Pennsylvania using data from the Census Bureau’s 2022 American Community Survey. By looking at several financial factors, the study ranked the top 50 richest cities in the state. Here, we’ll focus on the top five.
Sewickley Heights: Pennsylvania’s Richest City
Sewickley Heights, a small borough near Pittsburgh, is the richest city in Pennsylvania. With only 276 households, it boasts a median household income of $228,000 and an average household income of $381,964, the highest in the state.
Homes in Sewickley Heights have a median value of $947,600, and property taxes exceed $10,000 annually. Most residents work in management and health professions, with key industries including professional services, manufacturing, and health care.
Villanova: A Wealthy Suburb
Villanova, a suburb of Philadelphia and home to Villanova University, ranks second. It has 802 households, a median household income over $250,000, and a median home value of $780,200. The average household income is $344,997. Like Sewickley Heights, property taxes in Villanova also exceed $10,000 annually.
Fox Chapel: Affluence Near Pittsburgh
Fox Chapel, another borough in the Pittsburgh metro area, ranks third. It has over 1,700 households, a median household income of $247,930, and an average household income of $341,148. The median home value is $769,300, with property taxes above $10,000 per year. Major industries in Fox Chapel include health care, professional services, and manufacturing.
Merion Station: Main Line Luxury
Merion Station, part of the Philadelphia Main Line, is the fourth richest city in Pennsylvania. With 1,847 households, it has a median household income of $233,340 and an average household income of $288,309. The median home value is $693,800, and property taxes exceed $10,000 annually.
Edgeworth: Close to the Top
Edgeworth, neighboring Sewickley Heights, is the fifth richest city. It has a median household income of $190,000 and an average household income of $307,396. The median home value is $628,000, with property taxes over $10,000 per year. Key industries in Edgeworth include health care, professional services, and education.
Conclusion
The top five richest cities in Pennsylvania, from Sewickley Heights to Edgeworth, showcase high incomes, valuable properties, and strong economic foundations. These cities highlight Pennsylvania’s diverse and affluent nature.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What makes Sewickley Heights the richest city in Pennsylvania?
Sewickley Heights has the highest median and average household incomes and the highest median home value in the state. Its economy is supported by high-paying jobs in management and health-related fields.
2. Why is Villanova considered one of the wealthiest cities?
Villanova’s wealth is due to its high median household income, significant property values, and the presence of Villanova University, which enhances the area’s prestige.
3. What are the primary industries in Fox Chapel?
Fox Chapel’s main industries include health care, professional services, and manufacturing, with many residents employed in management and health professions.
4. How does Merion Station compare to other wealthy cities in Pennsylvania?
Merion Station ranks fourth with a high median household income and notable home values. Its historical significance and proximity to Philadelphia make it an affluent community.
5. What sets Edgeworth apart from the other wealthy cities?
Edgeworth stands out with its high median and average household incomes, valuable properties, and strong industries in health care, professional services, and education, reflecting the economic patterns of nearby wealthy cities.