Illinois is home to some of the wealthiest communities in the Midwest, many of them located in the Chicago suburbs where luxury homes, top-rated schools, and high household incomes go hand in hand. While wealth is often associated with large estates and exclusive neighborhoods, factors such as safety, education, healthcare access, and overall quality of life also play a major role in determining where people choose to live.
Quick Guide
- Richest City in Illinois: Kenilworth
- Most Expensive Housing Market: Hinsdale
- Best Known North Shore Communities: Winnetka, Glencoe, Lake Forest
- Popular for Families: Hinsdale, South Barrington, Highland Park
- Known for Luxury Living: Kenilworth, Winnetka, Barrington Hills
- Region: Primarily Chicago suburbs and North Shore communities
- Source: moneyinc.com
Using recent wealth-ranking data and housing market information, we’ve ranked the 10 richest cities in Illinois and explored what makes each community stand out.
10. Golf
Despite its small size, Golf is one of the wealthiest communities in Illinois. The village has an average household income of more than $323,000, while the median household income is nearly $243,000.
The housing market is highly exclusive, with typical home values and sale prices ranging from about $1.2 million to $1.7 million. Because there are relatively few homes available, property values tend to remain strong.
Residents benefit from top-rated schools, quality healthcare nearby, and convenient access to Chicago for work or entertainment. With its quiet atmosphere, privacy, and upscale lifestyle, Golf continues to be one of the most desirable places to live in Illinois.
9. Riverwoods
Riverwoods is a peaceful and upscale suburb known for its beautiful wooded surroundings, large homes, and spacious lots. Many residents are drawn to the village for its privacy, natural scenery, and relaxed lifestyle.
Located in Lake County, Riverwoods ranks among Illinois’ wealthiest communities. The median household income is around $195,900, while the average household income is close to $199,800. Home values are also impressive, with median prices ranging from approximately $965,000 to $987,000.
The area’s high housing costs reflect its exclusive appeal. Families are often attracted by the strong schools, quiet neighborhoods, and easy access to healthcare services across the North Shore. Despite its small population, Riverwoods has earned a reputation as one of Illinois’ most desirable and understated luxury communities.
8. Highland Park
Highland Park combines many of the benefits of North Shore living with a larger population and a wider variety of amenities. The city has a median household income of about $153,226, while average household income exceeds $200,000. Home values typically range from $775,000 to $844,000, reflecting the area’s strong housing market and desirability.
Residents enjoy beautiful lakefront views, a vibrant downtown filled with shops and restaurants, and highly rated schools. Highland Park also offers excellent access to healthcare services and generally experiences lower crime rates than many larger cities, making it an attractive place to live for families and professionals alike.
7. South Barrington
South Barrington has earned a reputation as one of Illinois’ most desirable and affluent suburbs. Known for its spacious custom-built homes, peaceful neighborhoods, and highly rated schools, the village attracts many high-income families looking for a comfortable lifestyle.
By mid-2026, the median household income is around $221,500, while the average individual income stands at about $104,225. Homes in South Barrington are among the most expensive in the state, with a median home value of roughly $1.13 million.
The local housing market remains firmly in the luxury segment, offering large properties and upscale amenities. Residents also benefit from easy access to shopping centers, restaurants, healthcare facilities, and major highways across the northwest suburbs.
6. Barrington Hills
Barrington Hills offers a unique blend of luxury and countryside living. Known for its large estates, open landscapes, and equestrian culture, the village provides a peaceful, rural atmosphere while still being close enough for an easy commute to Chicago.
The community is one of the wealthiest in Illinois, with a median household income of about $205,074 and a per capita income of roughly $102,083. Home prices are also high, with median values typically ranging from around $615,000 to more than $913,000, depending on the property and market conditions.
Families are drawn to Barrington Hills for its highly rated schools, access to quality healthcare, and spacious lifestyle that offers privacy, comfort, and a break from the hustle of city life.
5. Lake Forest
Lake Forest combines luxury living with small-town charm and natural beauty. Known for its historic estates, top-rated schools, and beautiful Lake Michigan shoreline, it is one of the most desirable places to live in Illinois.
The city has an average household income of about $303,251 per year, while the median household income is $235,081. Homes are expensive, with a median value of around $1.19 million, reflecting the area’s strong demand and upscale housing market.
Even with its wealth, Lake Forest offers a friendly community feel, featuring well-maintained parks, cultural attractions, local events, excellent healthcare access, and outstanding educational opportunities.
4. Hinsdale
Hinsdale is one of the wealthiest and most expensive communities in Illinois. The village has an average household income of about $367,874, while the median household income is over $250,000. Home prices are also high, with the median home value reaching roughly $1.21 million.
Known for its beautiful historic homes, charming downtown area, and top-rated schools, Hinsdale offers a comfortable suburban lifestyle. Residents enjoy a close-knit community atmosphere while still having convenient access to Chicago and major job centers.
Excellent healthcare options, strong property values, and a high quality of life continue to make Hinsdale one of the most sought-after places to live in Illinois.
3. Glencoe
Glencoe offers a mix of luxury living and small-town charm. Situated along Chicago’s North Shore, the village is known for its beautiful neighborhoods, top-rated schools, and easy access to Lake Michigan.
Residents enjoy a high standard of living, with a median household income of $250,001, an average household income of more than $416,000, and average home values around $1.61 million.
Housing costs are significantly higher than the Illinois average, attracting families and professionals who value privacy, safety, and convenience. Despite its affluent character, Glencoe maintains a quiet, welcoming atmosphere thanks to its relatively small population.
2. Winnetka
Winnetka is widely known as one of Illinois’ most affluent and desirable suburbs. With beautiful lakefront homes, upscale neighborhoods, and highly rated schools, it continues to attract families looking for a premium place to live.
The village has an average household income of about $484,635, while median household income is estimated between $197,200 and $250,000. Home values are also among the highest in the state, with the typical property worth around $1.85 million to $1.9 million.
Many homes sell for well over $1 million, reflecting the area’s strong demand and exclusive appeal. Residents enjoy excellent schools, well-maintained neighborhoods, and easy access to downtown Chicago for work and entertainment.
1. Kenilworth
With an average household income of $460,411 and a median household income exceeding $250,000, Kenilworth ranks among the wealthiest communities in Illinois. Home prices are equally impressive, with median sale prices typically ranging from $2 million to $2.5 million, making it one of the most exclusive housing markets in the Chicago area.
Located on Chicago’s prestigious North Shore, Kenilworth offers a quiet, upscale lifestyle that attracts affluent families. The village is known for its beautiful tree-lined streets, luxury homes, excellent schools, and convenient access to Lake Michigan.
Residents also enjoy easy access to top healthcare facilities in the Chicago and Evanston areas. With its strong reputation for safety, privacy, and high quality of life, Kenilworth remains one of the most desirable places to live in Illinois.
What These Wealthy Illinois Cities Have in Common
Although each city has its own unique character, several trends appear across Illinois’ wealthiest communities:
- High household incomes
- Expensive housing markets
- Strong public schools
- Access to quality healthcare
- Low population density
- Stable property values
- Desirable suburban lifestyles
These factors continue to attract families, professionals, and retirees looking for long-term quality of life.
Final Thoughts
The richest cities in Illinois are concentrated largely around Chicago’s North Shore and western suburban corridors. While their housing markets may be among the most expensive in the state, residents often gain access to excellent schools, strong healthcare systems, attractive neighborhoods, and a high overall standard of living.
Whether you’re researching Illinois real estate, considering a relocation, or simply curious about where wealth is concentrated in the state, these communities represent some of the most exclusive and desirable places to live in Illinois.
