Discover the 7 Wealthiest Counties in Florida

Introduction

Florida is the southernmost point in the entire United States of America. Its unique location also makes Florida the only state in the country that borders both the Atlantic Ocean and the Gulf of Mexico. On top of this, Florida has more coastline than any other state in the continental United States! Also known as the Sunshine State, Florida is a popular vacation destination for people across the world. However, the area also offers wonderful residential opportunities. Sandy beaches, sunny weather, clear blue waters, and beautiful scenery make Florida a wonderful place to live.

Florida was the 27th state to be admitted to the Union and currently houses a population of over 20,000,000 residents. The population is spread across 67 different counties that make up the 65,758 square miles Florida encompasses. However, some of these counties have a much higher cost of living than others. Keep reading to discover the seven wealthiest counties in Florida.

1. – Monroe County

Located on the southwestern tip of the state, Monroe County is the wealthiest county in all of Florida. In addition to being the wealthiest county in the state, Monroe County is also the largest. The county encompasses a large portion of Florida’s southwestern region, as well as the Florida Keys. These islands are actually where most of Monroe County’s population lives due to their serene, picturesque nature. Within the county, the median income is over $73,000, which is more than two times the national average ($31,000). The median home value in Monroe County is $957,819, making it extremely expensive to be able to live in the area. So, what do the residents of Monroe County do for a living to be able to afford it? The largest industries in the area are accommodation and food services, retail trade, and construction.

2. – Collier County

The second wealthiest county in Florida is Collier County. Located north of Monroe County, Collier County encompasses 2,305 square miles. This makes the area the largest county in the state by land area. Although Monroe County has the largest total area, 73 percent of the county is made up of water. As of 2021, Collier County was home to 385,980 residents. The median income for the county is higher than Monroe County’s, totaling $75,543. However, the median home value in Collier County is significantly less than in Monroe County, equaling $594,299. Some of the largest industries in the county include healthcare, manufacturing, and tourism.

3. – St. Johns County

St. Johns County is situated in the upper eastern region of Florida. The third wealthiest county in the state encompasses 822 square miles, with water making up 27 percent of this area. Within the county lines live an impressive 292,466 residents. Aside from being one of the wealthiest counties in Florida, St. Johns County is known for its amazing natural beauty. Quaint coastal towns such as St. Augustine and Ponte Vedra Beach are located in the county, providing endless opportunities for fun and enjoyment. The clear blue waters of the Atlantic Ocean cool off residents and visitors of the area, making it a truly wonderful place to relax.

In St. Johns County, the median income is a staggering $88,794 per year! On top of this, the area has a median home value of $515,056. These statistics make St. Johns County an extremely expensive place to live. The largest industries in the county are healthcare, retail trade, agriculture, and manufacturing.

4. – Miami-Dade County

Miami-Dade County is located on the southeasternmost tip of the state. Home to the iconic Florida city of Miami, this county is known for beautiful beaches as well as vibrant nightlife and metropolitan opportunities. The county is also one of the largest in the state, stretching over an impressive 2,431 square miles. This area is larger than both the states of Rhode Island and Delaware! The iconic Everglades National Park is located in Miami-Dade County, which houses an abundance of wildlife studied year-round by scientists. Miami-Dade County is the most populated county in the entire state, housing an impressive 2,663,000 residents as of 2021. The median income for the area is slightly lower than the other counties on this list, coming in at around $57,815 per year. However, housing is just as valuable in Miami-Dade County as almost any other county in the state. The median home value for the area is $479,969. Top industries in the county include aviation, tourism, finance, and innovation.

5. – Palm Beach County

The fifth wealthiest county in Florida is located slightly north of Miami-Dade County. Palm Beach County spans over 2,383 square miles and is home to 1,498,000 residents. This makes the area the third most populous county in all of Florida. Because Palm Beach County is home to several major cities, many opportunities for employment and development exist in the area. One interesting fact about the area is that it is the national leader in sugar and sweet corn production. The fertile soil and warm climate in Palm Beach County make it the perfect place to grow crops, bringing an abundance of wealth to the area. In the county, the median income is around $68,874. In addition to a high income, median home values in the area sit at $458,834. This number is substantially higher than the median home value of $410,200 for the entire United States. The largest industries in the county include tourism, construction, and agriculture.

6. – Martin County

Martin County is located directly north of Palm Beach County on the eastern edge of the state. The county is much smaller than many of the others on this list, spanning just 753 square miles. Within Martin County, 159,942 people reside, making it less populous than many of Florida’s larger counties. Interestingly, Martin County is home to the most bio-diverse lagoon ecosystem in the entire Northern Hemisphere. Located in the St. Lucie Inlet, the lagoon is home to 4,300 different forms of life. In Martin County, the median income is an impressive $69,796 per year. The median home value for the area sits at around $460,905, making Martin County an extremely nice place to call home. Major industries in the area include manufacturing, government, professional services, and agriculture.

7. – Broward County

Located directly above Miami-Dade County, Broward County is the seventh wealthiest county in Florida. The area is home to major cities such as Fort Lauderdale, making it a hub of employment and culture. The county encompasses 1,323 square miles of area, with water making up only eight and a half percent. Within the county lives 1,931,000 people, making it the second most populous county in Florida. The median income for Broward County is $64,522 per year, and the median home value equals $414,387. Major industries in the area include educational services, construction, healthcare, and retail trade.