Houston and Dallas areas shine in a new GoBankingRates ranking that tracks sky‑high household incomes and million‑dollar property values.
Texas is once again in the national spotlight, this time for the sheer concentration of wealth in four of its most exclusive suburbs. A fresh report from GoBankingRates, released in May 2025, places West University Place, Bellaire, University Park, and Southlake among the richest communities in the United States—thanks to six‑figure earnings and homes flirting with (or soaring past) the $1 million mark.
Who stands to benefit from this surge in prosperity, and what does it mean for the statewide housing market? Let’s dig in.
Houston’s West University Place and Bellaire set the pace for prosperity in the latest national ranking
West University Place grabbed the bronze medal nationwide, boasting an eye‑popping average household income above $409,000 and typical home prices brushing $1 million. Residents here aren’t just well‑paid; they also indulge in architectural showpieces such as the famed “Darth Vader house,” which fetched more than $3 million after its recent sale.
Just a few miles away, Bellaire secured the 23rd slot. With average earnings of $311,033 and median property values around $1.1 million, this enclave frequently headlines monthly lists of Houston’s most expensive closings. Not bad, right?
| Suburb | Metro area | Avg. household income | Median home value |
|---|---|---|---|
| West University Pl. | Houston | $409,000+ | ≈ $1 million |
| Bellaire | Houston | $311,033 | ≈ $1.1 million |
| University Park | Dallas | — data not disclosed* | — |
| Southlake | Dallas | — data not disclosed* | — |
*The report lists both Dallas suburbs in the national top ten but does not break out exact figures.
Houston might hog the top‑three bragging rights, yet the Dallas metro flexes its own fiscal muscle. University Park and Southlake both landed in the coveted top‑ten tier, underscoring that Texas affluence stretches well beyond the Gulf Coast. Want proof? Stroll down Southlake Boulevard on a Saturday—every third driveway seems to cradle a luxury SUV.
What the new GoBankingRates report reveals about rising Texas affluence and future housing pressures statewide
The study compared U.S. cities with at least 5,000 households, ranking them by average income as of May 2025. Analysts credit Texas’ booming job market, an influx of high‑salary professionals, and relentless demand for upscale housing. Consequently, inventories stay tight and bidding wars remain the norm. Could that spell opportunity—or frustration—for would‑be buyers eyeing these zip codes?
From West U’s storybook mansions to Southlake’s manicured cul‑de‑sacs, Texas now hosts four of the nation’s wealthiest neighborhoods. High paychecks, brisk real‑estate sales, and a relentless inflow of talent have cemented the Lone Star State’s elite status. For residents, that means robust property values. For everyone else, the message is clear: deep pockets required.