America's Richest and Poorest Zip Codes: Where the Wealth Divide Is Most Extreme

When it comes to real estate investing and choosing where to live, location remains the ultimate determining factor. A comprehensive analysis of income data across America reveals just how dramatically wealth distribution varies by neighborhood—from communities where the median household income exceeds $210,000 to zip codes where families earn less than $7,500 annually. Understanding where America’s poorest zip codes are located and what economic conditions characterize these areas provides crucial insight into the nation’s wealth inequality.

The Massive Income Gap Between America’s Wealthiest and Most Disadvantaged Communities

Research conducted by GOBankingRates examined ZIP codes nationwide, analyzing mean income, median income, total household population, and income distribution brackets. Data sourced from the U.S. Census American Community Survey revealed stark geographic disparities in earning potential. The findings paint a portrait of regional inequality—some neighborhoods feature nearly 60% of households earning over $150,000 annually, while the poorest zip code in US demonstrates completely different patterns, with over 80% of residents earning under $25,000.

The regional divide isn’t random. Geographic location, job market opportunities, education infrastructure, and historical economic development patterns all contribute to these extreme variations. Communities with strong manufacturing sectors, tech hubs, or proximity to major metropolitan areas tend to show higher incomes, while rural and post-industrial regions often struggle economically.

Top 10 Wealthiest Zip Codes in America by Household Income

GOBankingRates ranked the nation’s most affluent communities based on multiple income metrics. The wealthiest zip code in America according to 2023 data analysis includes:

60932 (East Lynn, Illinois)

• Median household income: $210,811
• Mean household income: $162,707
• Households earning $150,000+: 58.27%
• Households earning under $25,000: 16.77%

60029 (Golf, Illinois)

• Median household income: $211,100
• Mean household income: $302,020
• Households earning $150,000+: 36.29%
• Households earning under $25,000: 6.91%

78116 (Gillett, Texas)

• Median household income: $196,429
• Mean household income: $255,591
• Households earning $150,000+: 49.05%
• Households earning under $25,000: 7.41%

19732 (Rockland, Delaware)

• Median household income: $159,167
• Mean household income: $172,271
• Households earning $150,000+: 40.23%
• Households earning under $25,000: 9.17%

94963 (San Geronimo, California)

• Median household income: $170,938
• Mean household income: $165,072
• Households earning $150,000+: 43.26%
• Households earning under $25,000: 8.99%

95837 (Sacramento, California)

• Median household income: $139,167
• Mean household income: $187,207
• Households earning $150,000+: 46.23%
• Households earning under $25,000: 13.4%

59931 (Rollins, Montana)

• Median household income: $153,542
• Mean household income: $137,873
• Households earning $150,000+: 39.62%
• Households earning under $25,000: 15.73%

73549 (Headrick, Oklahoma)

• Median household income: $114,519
• Mean household income: $127,768
• Households earning $150,000+: 40.85%
• Households earning under $25,000: 8.8%

07880 (Vienna, New Jersey)

• Median household income: $123,750
• Mean household income: $163,133
• Households earning $150,000+: 37.45%
• Households earning under $25,000: 14.41%

42371 (Rumsey, Kentucky)

• Median household income: $129,583
• Mean household income: $111,087
• Households earning $150,000+: 37.17%
• Households earning under $25,000: 20.47%

Bottom 10: The Poorest Zip Codes Across the United States

In stark contrast, the poorest zip code in us and other economically disadvantaged regions tell a different story entirely. These communities face significant economic challenges, with the vast majority of households earning below the poverty line:

64147 (Kansas City, Missouri) - The Poorest Zip Code

• Median household income: $7,453
• Mean household income: $12,846
• Households earning $150,000+: 0%
• Households earning under $25,000: 67.91%

70082 (Pointe a la Hache, Louisiana)

• Median household income: $11,148
• Mean household income: $13,867
• Households earning $150,000+: 0.00%
• Households earning under $25,000: 81.82%

48109 (Ann Arbor, Michigan)

• Median household income: $11,404
• Mean household income: $73,118
• Households earning $150,000+: 3.86%
• Households earning under $25,000: 73.86%

75441 (Enloe, Texas)

• Median household income: $14,114
• Mean household income: $21,018
• Households earning $150,000+: 0%
• Households earning under $25,000: 83.63%

60141 (Hines, Illinois)

• Median household income: $14,539
• Mean household income: $17,397
• Households earning $150,000+: 0%
• Households earning under $25,000: 72.99%

39113 (Mayersville, Mississippi)

• Median household income: $11,607
• Mean household income: $16,920
• Households earning $150,000+: 0%
• Households earning under $25,000: 77.72%

87936 (Garfield, New Mexico)

• Median household income: $18,925
• Mean household income: $38,594
• Households earning $150,000+: 7.08%
• Households earning under $25,000: 69.65%

40830 (Gulston, Kentucky)

• Median household income: $19,483
• Mean household income: $20,877
• Households earning $150,000+: 0%
• Households earning under $25,000: 73.65%

24604 (Bishop, Virginia)

• Median household income: $22,713
• Mean household income: $21,508
• Households earning $150,000+: 0%
• Households earning under $25,000: 87.79%

25134 (Miami, West Virginia)

• Median household income: $23,730
• Mean household income: $36,940
• Households earning $150,000+: 0%
• Households earning under $25,000: 77.69%

Understanding the Regional Divide in American Wealth Distribution

The comparison between these two groups reveals an extraordinary disparity. While residents in Golf, Illinois enjoy a median household income exceeding $211,000, families in Kansas City’s poorest zip code earn less than $7,500 annually—a difference of nearly 3,000%. This isn’t merely a statistical anomaly but reflects deeper structural economic differences across American regions.

Several factors explain why poorest zip codes in us cluster in particular regions. Post-industrial areas that lost manufacturing jobs struggle to recover economically. Rural communities often lack diverse job opportunities and suffer from brain drain as young professionals migrate to urban centers. Historical patterns of disinvestment, limited access to quality education, and infrastructure challenges compound these challenges over generations.

The analysis, conducted using U.S. Census American Community Survey data and verified through the United States Postal Service ZIP Code Finder, demonstrates that geographic location remains the ultimate predictor of household income potential. Whether considering real estate investment, career relocation, or quality of life factors, understanding where America’s wealthiest and poorest communities are located provides essential context for major life decisions.

As reported by financial analysis experts, these patterns underscore the importance of considering economic fundamentals when evaluating neighborhoods. The wealth divide between America’s richest and poorest zip codes continues to shape opportunity and lifestyle outcomes for millions of American families.