Exploring New Jersey's Wealthiest Towns

Short Hills, Alpine, and Millburn boast some of the highest median household incomes in the state.

Published on Feb. 21, 2026

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New Jersey is home to some of the wealthiest towns in the country, with median household incomes exceeding $250,000 in places like Short Hills, Alpine, and Millburn. These affluent communities reflect the state's overall prosperity, driven by high-paying industries and proximity to major job hubs like New York City.

Why it matters

Understanding the economic dynamics of New Jersey's wealthiest towns provides insight into the state's broader wealth distribution and cost of living challenges. These towns serve as examples of the extreme income inequality present in the Garden State, where a small percentage of households earn astronomical incomes while many others struggle with the high costs of housing and other expenses.

The details

Short Hills consistently ranks as New Jersey's wealthiest town, with a median household income ranging from $250,000 to $405,000. Alpine in Bergen County has a median household income of around $228,000, with home prices averaging over $4 million. Millburn, located near New York City, has a median household income of approximately $250,000 and access to top-rated schools.

  • New Jersey has consistently ranked as one of the wealthiest states in the country.

The players

Short Hills

A town in New Jersey that consistently ranks as the wealthiest in the state, with a median household income between $250,000 and $405,000.

Alpine

A town in Bergen County, New Jersey, with a median household income of approximately $228,000 and average home prices over $4 million.

Millburn

A town in New Jersey with a median household income of around $250,000, located near New York City and known for its top-rated schools.

Somerset County

Often considered the wealthiest county in New Jersey due to its high-earning households.

Hunterdon County

Another wealthy county in New Jersey, frequently ranking at the top for typical family incomes.

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The takeaway

New Jersey's wealthiest towns, such as Short Hills, Alpine, and Millburn, highlight the extreme income inequality present in the state, where a small percentage of households earn astronomical incomes while many others struggle with the high costs of living. Understanding the economic dynamics of these affluent communities provides insight into the broader wealth distribution challenges facing the Garden State.