Atherton, a small and exclusive enclave on the San Francisco Peninsula, has once again been named the richest town in California, and by many measures, the wealthiest in the entire United States. This distinction is based on staggering household incomes, astronomical property values, and a unique blend of privacy, prestige, and proximity to Silicon Valley’s tech titans.
A Snapshot of Atherton’s Wealth
Atherton leads California’s affluent communities with an average household income of $619,754 as of 2023, according to the latest Census data. The town’s population is just under 7,000, and the median household income exceeds $250,000, with the vast majority of homes valued at over $2 million. In fact, the median home price is regularly cited at around $7.5 to $7.9 million, with some properties fetching much higher sums.
| Rank | City | County | Population | Average Income | Median Income |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Atherton | San Mateo | 6,823 | $619,754 | $250,001+ |
The Allure of Atherton
Luxury Real Estate and Privacy
Atherton is renowned for its sprawling estates, gated properties, and lush landscaping that ensures privacy for its residents. Most homes sit on large lots, often an acre or more, making the town feel like a collection of private enclaves. There are virtually no apartments or condos, and rental options are limited to high-end houses, catering to executives and wealthy families.
Community Character and Exclusivity
Atherton’s zoning policies enforce single-family homes on large lots, effectively maintaining its exclusivity and keeping population density low. There are no commercial centers within the town-no shops, restaurants, or even many sidewalks-which further preserves its tranquil, residential atmosphere.
Proximity to Silicon Valley
Located less than 20 minutes from the headquarters of tech giants like Facebook, Google, and Tesla, Atherton is a favored address for Silicon Valley executives, entrepreneurs, and investors. Notable residents have included Sheryl Sandberg, Eric Schmidt, Meg Whitman, and the late Paul Allen.
Demographics and Lifestyle
Atherton’s population is predominantly White and Asian, with a median age of 49 years. The town boasts a high homeownership rate (over 87%) and a very low poverty rate, with only about 2.6% of the population living below the poverty line. Most residents commute by car, and the average household owns three vehicles.
Education and Amenities
While Atherton itself offers few commercial amenities, it is close to top-rated public and private schools, parks like Holbrook Palmer Park, and exclusive clubs such as the Menlo Circus Club. Many families opt for private education, with prestigious institutions like Sacred Heart School and Menlo School nearby.
What Makes Atherton So Wealthy?
Several factors contribute to Atherton’s extraordinary wealth:
- Tech and Investment Wealth: The town’s proximity to Silicon Valley means many residents are tech executives, founders, or venture capitalists.
- Exclusionary Zoning: Strict land use policies ensure only the wealthiest can afford to buy in.
- High Property Values: Home prices in the multi-million dollar range create a cycle of exclusivity.
- Premium Public Services: Funded by property taxes, Atherton offers excellent infrastructure and safety.
- Educational Excellence: Access to top schools, often supported by well-funded educational foundations, adds to its appeal.
Conclusion
Atherton stands as a symbol of concentrated wealth, privacy, and exclusivity in California. Its combination of luxury real estate, proximity to Silicon Valley, and carefully maintained community character ensures its place at the top of the state’s-and the nation’s-richest towns. For those who can afford it, Atherton offers a unique blend of tranquility, prestige, and access to the heart of the tech world.
Sources:-
[1] https://citizenx.com/insights/richest-cities-in-california/
[2] https://worldpopulationreview.com/us-cities/california/atherton
[3] https://www.businessinsider.com/what-its-like-inside-atherton-california-2017-9
[4] https://www.toolify.ai/ai-news/living-in-atherton-ca-pros-and-cons-2023-202321
[5] https://www.california-demographics.com/richest_cities
[6] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Atherton,_California
[7] https://kiisfm.iheart.com/content/2025-04-09-affluent-california-location-named-richest-town-in-the-entire-state/
[8] https://datausa.io/profile/geo/atherton-ca
[9] https://indianexpress.com/article/trending/top-10-listing/top-10-wealthiest-cities-global-2025-henley-partners-report-9942989/
[10] https://finance.yahoo.com/news/13-richest-retirement-towns-california-150126534.html
[11] https://www.forbes.com/sites/gennacontino/2025/04/02/the-cities-with-the-most-billionaires-2025/
[12] https://en.tempo.co/read/1995636/the-10-wealthiest-cities-in-the-world-2025-based-on-new-report
[13] https://www.niche.com/places-to-live/atherton-san-mateo-ca/residents/
[14] https://needecon.org/CityReports/Atherton.pdf