Mapping Texas' Richest Towns: Where the Highest-Income Households Are Concentrated in 2025

If you’re curious about the wealthiest communities across Texas, a comprehensive analysis of income distribution reveals fascinating patterns about where affluence is most concentrated. This study examined all Texas cities with 5,000 or more households to identify the 20 richest towns in Texas, uncovering a wealth distribution that spans from approximately $165,000 to nearly $410,000 in average annual household earnings.

The data comes from the 2023 American Community Survey combined with current 2025 property valuations, providing a complete picture of where Texas’ most prosperous residents have chosen to settle. These richest towns showcase remarkable diversity in their characteristics, yet they share common threads: excellent schools, strong job markets, and desirable living environments.

Houston Metro’s Elite Communities

The Houston-The Woodlands-Sugar Land metropolitan area dominates the top positions, claiming five of the 20 richest communities in the state.

West University Place leads the entire state with an average household income of $409,677 and a typical home value of $1,758,363. This exclusive neighborhood represents the pinnacle of Texas wealth concentration.

Bellaire, the fourth-richest town overall, generates average household income of $311,033, with homes valued around $1,123,984. Located within the Houston metro, it maintains its status through a combination of professional employment and established community prestige.

Fulshear ranks tenth with $210,123 average household income and $545,379 typical home values, representing the emerging wealth tier within the Houston region.

Cinco Ranch (16th, $178,516 average household income) and Sugar Land (18th, $174,026 average household income) complete Houston’s representation on this list of the richest towns in Texas, with property valuations of $557,775 and $462,592 respectively.

Dallas-Fort Worth’s Most Affluent Communities

The Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington region claims the largest presence with nine of the twenty richest towns—a testament to the metro’s economic diversity and strong corporate job markets.

University Park stands as the second-wealthiest community statewide, with average household earnings of $389,868 and homes valued at $2,445,874—among the highest property values across all Texas richest towns.

Southlake secures the third position with $382,520 average household income and $1,284,219 typical home value. This community has become synonymous with affluence in North Texas.

Colleyville (5th, $265,831), Prosper (7th, $229,754), Keller (9th, $217,210), Coppell (11th, $194,208), Flower Mound (12th, $191,231), and Frisco (13th, $186,265) represent the secondary tier of Dallas-area wealth.

Celina (14th), Highland Village (15th), and Murphy (17th) complete the Dallas-Fort Worth’s representation among Texas’ richest towns, with household incomes ranging from $184,308 to $176,156 and homes valued between $609,887 and $608,510.

Austin Metro’s Prosperous Communities

The Austin-Round Rock-Georgetown area contributes three communities to this ranking of the richest towns in Texas, reflecting the region’s emergence as a technology and professional services hub.

Steiner Ranch ranks sixth statewide with $232,530 average household income and $528,502 typical home values.

Lakeway positions itself eighth overall with $222,045 annual household earnings and $824,558 property valuation, offering a lifestyle centered around outdoor recreation and community amenities.

Leander completes the Austin region’s presence at 19th with $167,516 average household income and $455,706 typical home value.

Houston’s Remaining High-Income Suburb

Friendswood, ranking 20th, generates average household income of $165,294 with typical home values of $464,519, representing the entry point among Texas’ richest towns while maintaining strong economic fundamentals.

What Defines Texas’ Richest Towns

The richest towns in Texas share several distinguishing characteristics that drive their elevated income levels and property valuations. Professional employment concentration—particularly in energy, healthcare, technology, and finance sectors—creates the foundation for these communities’ prosperity. Quality schools consistently rank among the best in their respective regions, attracting families prioritizing education. Strategic location near major employment centers, combined with comprehensive amenities and strong community infrastructure, reinforces their appeal to high-income households.

The geographic distribution reveals that Texas wealth concentrates around three major metropolitan areas: Houston’s energy and healthcare sectors, Dallas-Fort Worth’s diversified corporate economy, and Austin’s expanding technology industry. This pattern demonstrates how regional economic engines directly translate to elevated household incomes and property values across their suburban communities.

Research Methodology

This analysis examined all Texas cities containing 5,000 or more households, isolating the 20 communities with the highest average household income according to the 2023 American Community Survey. Metropolitan area classifications were determined through official statistical designations, while 2025 home valuations were sourced from Zillow’s comprehensive property database. Data collection and analysis were completed as of July 9, 2025, ensuring current accuracy for prospective residents and investors evaluating Texas communities.

Understanding where Texas’ richest towns concentrate provides valuable insight into regional economic patterns, employment opportunities, and lifestyle preferences shaping the state’s most affluent communities.