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Discovering Luxury

Where the Super Rich Live in America in 2015

By
Erik Sherman
Erik Sherman
Down Arrow Button Icon
By
Erik Sherman
Erik Sherman
Down Arrow Button Icon
December 6, 2015, 9:00 AM ET
Rich, wealth woman
Elegant Caucasian woman holding small dogPhotography by Hill Street Studios/Eric Raptosh Getty Images/Blend Images RM

The United States is the richest, and most unequal, country in the world. And the money keeps rolling in, according to Capgemini’s new U.S. Wealth Report 2015

Wealth of high net worth individuals (HNWIs)–those with at least $1 million in investible assets–rose more than $1 trillion between 2013 and 2014, the report finds. That represents a growth of 9.4% to a total of $15.2 trillion. There were also more HNWIs than ever, with the total reaching 4.4 million, which was an 8.6% jump between 2013 and 2014. So where do you find America’s wealthiest? Where are they living?

Most —roughly two-thirds—are residing in one of the 12 following metro-area cities. (Update: this story has been updated to clarify that this report looked at metropolitan areas. Each city listed below includes the metro area.)

1. New York (metro area)

Supermoon 2014
Super Moon rising over the Midtown Manhattan skyline on July 12, 2014 as viewed from Weehawken, NJ.Photograph by Robert Barnes — Moment Editorial/Getty Images
Photograph by Robert Barnes — Moment Editorial/Getty Images

Number of wealthy residents: 963,100
Percent growth from 2013 to 2014: 7.7%
Total wealth: $3.5 trillion
Percent growth from 2013 to 2014: 8.8%

2. Los Angeles (metro area)

Beijing's Skyline
A general view of the skyline of central business district on February 19, 2013 in Beijing, China.Photograph by Feng Li — Getty Images
Photograph by Feng Li — Getty Images

Number of wealthy residents: 364,200
Percent growth from 2013 to 2014: 10.4%
Total wealth: $1.3 trillion
Percent growth from 2013 to 2014: 11.5%

3. Chicago (metro area)

The downtown skyline is seen in Chicago
Downtown ChicagoPhotograph by Jim Young — Reuters
Photograph by Jim Young — Reuters

Number of wealthy residents: 282,000
Percent growth from 2013 to 2014: 6.7%
Total wealth: $1.2 trillion
Percent growth from 2013 to 2014: 7.8%

4. Washington, D.C. (metro area)

U.S. Capitol
Photograph by Alex Wong — Getty Images

Number of wealthy residents: 236,100
Percent growth from 2013 to 2014: 7.0%
Total wealth: $957.3 billion
Percent growth from 2013 to 2014: 8.1%

5. San Francisco (metro area)

San Francisco.Photograph by Getty Images
Photograph by Getty Images

Number of wealthy residents: 221,600
Percent growth from 2013 to 2014: 11.2%
Total wealth: $794.3 billion
Percent growth from 2013 to 2014: 12.3%

6. Boston (metro area)

Boston Exteriors And Landmarks
Paul Marotta—Getty Images

Number of wealthy residents: 162,000
Percent growth from 2013 to 2014: 9.7%
Total wealth: $618.4 billion
Percent growth from 2013 to 2014: 10.8%

7. Houston (metro area)

Houston.Photograph by Gavin Hellier—Getty Images/Robert Harding World Imagery
Photograph by Gavin Hellier—Getty Images/Robert Harding World Imagery

Number of wealthy residents: 149,700
Percent growth from 2013 to 2014: 14%
Total wealth: $571.6 billion
Percent growth from 2013 to 2014: 15.2%

8. Philadelphia (metro area)

Ben Franklin Parkway and City Hall at night
Photograph by John Greim — Getty Images

Number of wealthy residents: 146,400
Percent growth from 2013 to 2014: 7.9%
Total wealth: $599.5 billion
Percent growth from 2013 to 2014: 9.0%

9. San Jose (metro area)

San Jose, California

Number of wealthy residents: 136,400
Percent growth from 2013 to 2014: 11.4%
Total wealth: $505.4 billion
Percent growth from 2013 to 2014: 12.5%

10. Dallas (metro area)

The skyline of Dallas, Texas

Number of wealthy residents: 126,000
Percent growth from 2013 to 2014: 11.2%
Total wealth: $513.1 billion
Percent growth from 2013 to 2014: 12.4%

11. Detroit (metro area)

Detroit Area Economy Worsens As Big Three Automakers Face Dire Crisis
Detroit, MichiganSpencer Platt—Getty Images
Spencer Platt—Getty Images

Number of wealthy residents: 116,200
Percent growth from 2013 to 2014: 7.4%
Total wealth: $468 billion
Percent growth from 2013 to 2014: 8.5%

12. Seattle (metro area)

View of downtown Seattle with Space Needle
Seattle's new law will require all single-stall restrooms to be gender neutral.Photograph by Getty Images
Photograph by Getty Images

Number of wealthy residents: 98,500
Percent growth from 2013 to 2014: 12.1%
Total wealth: $348.0 billion
Percent growth from 2013 to 2014: 13.3%

About the Author
By Erik Sherman
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