How do PA’s wealthiest counties compare on income, home values? See latest analysis
Chester County was recently named the wealthiest in Pennsylvania, with a median income of $123,041, according to an analysis by finance website SmartAsset.
The report found Centre County the 17th richest, with a median income of $72,748.
The finance website used sources such as the U.S. Census Bureau, real estate site Zillow and the U.S. Internal Revenue Service to compile the ranking. The three metrics considered included investment income, median home value and median income. The most recent ranking reflects data updated in 2025.
SmartAsset developed a “wealth index” for each county, based on the three metrics, and counties are ranked by the index as opposed to income.
Pennsylvania has a statewide median household income of $76,081, according to the Census Bureau. Although residents of the Keystone State’s wealthiest counties make significantly more than the statewide median income, Americans are paying more this year for groceries, utilities and other essentials. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports the overall 12-month inflation rate is 2.7%, while some categories have seen steeper increases.
Centre County’s performance dropped compared to 2024’s ranking, which named it the 15th richest county in the commonwealth. In 2023’s ranking, Centre County landed in fifth. Still, the county performed particularly well in 2025 for home values, landing in sixth with a median home value of $301,551.
What are the wealthiest counties in Pennsylvania?
Here’s how the 10 wealthiest counties in Pennsylvania stacked up, from SmartAsset:
1. Chester County
- Median income: $123,041
- Investment income: $67,924
- Median home value: $480,356
- Wealth index: 37.09
2. Montgomery County
- Median income: $111,521
- Investment income: $77,738
- Median home value: $416,891
- Wealth index: 33.2
3. Bucks County
- Median income: $111,951
- Investment income: $49,730
- Median home value: $436,953
- Wealth index: 32.26
4. Delaware County
- Median income: $88,576
- Investment income: $74,127
- Median home value: $307,500
- Wealth index: 24.57
5. Northampton County
- Median income: $86,687
- Investment income: $35,552
- Median home value: $300,963
- Wealth index: 21.98
6. Cumberland County
- Median income: $85,634
- Investment income: $37,070
- Median home value: $288,813
- Wealth index: 21.55
7. Butler County
- Median income: $86,775
- Investment income: $28,018
- Median home value: $282,560
- Wealth index: 21.32
8. Lancaster County
- Median income: $83,703
- Investment income: $31,791
- Median home value: $316,602
- Wealth index: 21.2
9. Monroe County
- Median income: $82,374
- Investment income: $26,354
- Median home value: $279,934
- Wealth index: 19.93
10. York County
- Median income: $82,238
- Investment income: $31,766
- Median home value: $251,848
- Wealth index: 19.69
Several counties switched places from 2024’s ranking, which named Pennsylvania’s 10 wealthiest counties Chester, Montgomery, Bucks, Delaware, Cumberland, Northampton, Lancaster, Butler, Monroe and Adams.
