Forbes.com: #1 City of Falls Church

Forbes. com: Meet America's Richest Counties

...Boasting a strong school system and positioned about six miles from the nation's capital, Falls Church has for years enticed rich families, making it the nation's richest county with median annual household income of $113,313.
"It indicates that the City of Falls Church is located in a healthy economic area in the national capital region," says Wyatt Shields, city manager for Falls Church. "We are proud of the fact that we take advantage of the city's healthy economic area to attract people to live here." ...

5. Howard County, Md.
Median annual household income: $101,003

Located between Baltimore and Washington, this fast-growing county boasts a fantastic school system, attracting rich residents.

4. Hunterdon County, N.J.
Median annual household income: $102,500

This county in northwestern N.J. has the highest median annual household income in the country outside of the Virginia suburbs. A rural area, it borders Pennsylvania and has become home to both New York City and Philadelphia commuters in recent years.

3. Fairfax County, Va.
Median annual household income: $104,259

Another Washington county, Fairfax County, Va., rounds out the top three. With 1.1 million residents, this populous county has a massive federal government presence. It is home to companies with strong connections to the government, like Freddie Mac, and intelligence agencies like the CIA and the National Counterterrorism Center.

2. Loudoun County, Va.
Median annual household income: $112,021

The second richest county in the nation used to be a sleepy rural community just a few decades ago, but in recent years it became a technology center and a popular Washington, DC suburb.

No. 1 Falls Church County, Va.
Median annual household income: $113,313

Boasting a strong school system and located about six miles away from the nation's capital, Falls Church has for years enticed rich families, making it the nation's richest county.