America's Most Affluent Cities (Blog)

To determine America's most affluent neighborhoods, Forbes looked at average median household income estimates from 2005 to 2009 provided in the U.S. Census' American Community Survey. On Dec. 14, 2010, the Census released for the first time ever data estimates based on surveys collected between 2005 and 2009 from all communities in America. These include cities, towns and villages, as well as Census-designated places (CDPs), a type of neighborhood that lacks a separate municipal government, but otherwise physically resembles one of these other places. None of the most affluent communities and places had populations greater than 64,999.

1: Town of Westlake, Texas

Average Median Income: $250,000

This Dallas suburb is home to the Jonas Brothers, famous baseball players and golfers like Josh Hamilton and K.J. Choi, and big-shot CEOs like Matthew Rose. It's the richest place in the nation with an estimated annual median household income of $250,000.

2: Village of Kenilworth, IL.

Average Median Income: $247,000

Located along Lake Michigan's north shore, this Chicago suburb is the most exclusive neighborhood in the Midwest. Its estimated median household income is $247,000. Even after the housing slump, the average house here goes for just under $988,000, according to Zillow.

3 (Tie): Mission Hills, Kan.

Average Median Income: $243,000

Mission Hills is a suburb of Kansas City. It's in Kansas, not Missouri, but is home to the richest people in the area, like Kansas City Royals legend George Brett. Its estimated median household income is $243,000.

3 (Tie): Popponesset Island, Mass.

Average Median Income: $243,000

The smallest neighborhood to make the list, this Cape Cod island had only 39 residents, according to the 2000 Census. Billionaire Robert Kraft, owner of the New England Patriots, has owned a residence here, but recently reportedly sold a big stake in the property to his son and daughter-in-law.

The median household income is estimated to be $243,000, but the margin of error cited by the Census is as big as the Patriots' offensive line.

5: Village of Plandome, N.Y.

Average Median Income: $242,000

Long Island, N.Y., is well represented on the list of the most affluent neighborhoods. The Village of Plandome has an estimated annual median household income of $242,000.