The United States ranks as the 10th most developed country in the world, behind nations such as Norway, Australia, and Switzerland, according to the 2016 Human Development Index of the United Nations Development Programme.
The main factors the HDI considers in its analysis are education, income, and life expectancy. While the United States as a whole falls behind a number of Western European and Asia-Pacific countries by these measures, conditions are not uniform nationwide and some parts of the country far outrank most of the nation. In a number of counties, the college attainment rate and median household income are about double the corresponding national figures, and the average life expectancy is higher than in any country in the world.
To determine the best counties to live in, 24/7 Wall St. developed an index based on the three socioeconomic measures used in the HDI — educational attainment, poverty rate, and life expectancy — and ranked counties based on their well-being.
Click here to see the 25 best counties to live in.
Many of the best counties to live in are suburbs of major metropolitan areas, such as Washington D.C, New York City, and San Francisco, where large shares of residents commute to jobs in high-paying industries such as professional, scientific, and technical services and government. In 16 of the 25 best counties to live in, a larger share of workers over the age of 16 commute outside of their home county to jobs — often in large cities nearby — than the national average of 23.9%.
Seven of the 25 best counties to live in are in the Washington-Arlington-Alexandria metro area, where a large share of residents have access to advanced, high-paying jobs in government and defense. Major employers in Falls Church, Arlington County, Fairfax County, and Alexandria include the U.S. Department of Defense, the Department of Homeland Defense, the Department of Commerce, defense contractor Northrop Grumman, and government services company Booz Allen and Hamilton.
Another major cluster of affluent, well-educated, and healthy counties is in the Western Slope region of Colorado. The three counties with the longest life expectancy in the United States — the contiguous Summit, Pitkin, and Eagle — are located in this region, which is known for its numerous tourist and recreation areas and physically active population.
Many of the counties with the highest educational attainment, lowest poverty, and longest life expectancy also lead the nation in employment and population growth. Of the 25 best counties to live in, 22 have lower unemployment rates than the 4.1% national jobless rate. The numerous economic opportunities likely attract new residents to these areas at a faster pace than in most of the country. As a whole, the population of the 25 best counties to live in grew by 7.5% from 2011 to 2016, nearly twice the 3.9% national population growth rate.
While advanced employment opportunities and a healthy job market likely attract new residents to these high income, well-educated, and healthy counties, a number of the best counties to live in rely on tourism and recreation as a main source of their economic activity. Counties such as San Miguel County, Colorado and Teton County, Wyoming are largely comprised of resort towns and may lack the high-paying job opportunities that other affluent areas have year-round. The unemployment rates in both San Miguel County and Teton County is 6.1%, among the highest of any of the best counties to live in and above the national jobless rate.
To identify the best counties in which to live, 24/7 Wall St. created an index composed of three socioeconomic measures — the poverty rate, the percentage of adults who have at least a bachelor’s degree, and life expectancy at birth — and ranked counties based on the index. The selection of these three measures was inspired by the United Nations’ Human Development Index. Poverty, median household income and bachelor attainment rates came from the U.S. Census Bureau’s American Community Survey and are five-year averages from 2012-2016. Population data also came from the ACS. Life expectancies at birth are from the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation, a health research center affiliated with the University of Washington, and are for 2014. Unemployment rates are from the Bureau of Labor Statistics and are seasonally adjusted for November 2017. Independent cities in Virginia are treated as counties by the U.S. Census Bureau and are included in this list for that reason.
Source: Wikimedia Commons
25. Carver County, Minnesota
> 5-yr. population change: +7.9%
> Nov. unemployment rate: 2.2%
> Poverty rate: 4.1%
> Life expectancy at birth: 82.8 years
By a number of quality of life indicators, Carver County is the best county to live in in Minnesota, and one of the best counties to live in nationwide. The typical county household earns $88,638 a year, over $30,000 more than the national median household income of $55,322. The county’s high incomes are likely due in part to the area’s healthy job market. Just 2.2% of the county workforce is unemployed, nearly half the 4.1% national unemployment rate. Carver County also has some of the higher educational attainment levels, best health outcomes, and fastest population growth of any U.S. county.
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Source: Tim Erskine / Wikimedia Commons
24. Delaware County, Ohio
> 5-yr. population change: +10.8%
> Nov. unemployment rate: 3.1%
> Poverty rate: 4.9%
> Life expectancy at birth: 81.4 years
The population of Delaware County grew by 10.8% from 2011 to 2016, nearly three times the national population growth rate of 3.9% over that time. A number of new Delaware County residents likely moved to the area for its healthy job market and employment opportunities. Just 3.1% of the county workforce is unemployed, tied as the fourth lowest unemployment rate in Ohio and one of the lowest in the nation. Many in the county likely work in advanced, high-paying jobs in nearby Columbus, the capital of Ohio. Some 58.2% of workers in Delaware County commute outside of the county for work, more than twice the national average. The county is also one of the wealthiest in the region. The typical household earns $94,234 a year, the highest median household income in Ohio and the 22nd highest of any U.S. county.
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Source: Ichabod / Wikimedia Commons
23. Johnson County, Kansas
> 5-yr. population change: +6.2%
> Nov. unemployment rate: 2.8%
> Poverty rate: 6.0%
> Life expectancy at birth: 81.7 years
By a number of metrics related to quality of life, Johnson County is one of the best places to live in the United States. Some 53.6% of county adults have a bachelor’s degree, the largest share in Kansas and far more than the national college attainment rate of 30.3%. A college degree tends to lead to higher-paying jobs, and Johnson is one of the wealthiest counties in the country. The typical county household earns $78,186 a year, far more than the national median household income of $55,322.
Source: JERRYE and ROY KLOTZ MD / Wikimedia Commons
22. Hunterdon County, New Jersey
> 5-yr. population change: -2.1%
> Nov. unemployment rate: 3.7%
> Poverty rate: 4.5%
> Life expectancy at birth: 82.5 years
Located within the New York-Newark-Jersey City metropolitan area, Hunterdon County is one of the wealthiest, most well-educated, and healthiest counties in the country. The typical county household earns $108,177 a year, nearly twice the national median of $55,322 and the sixth most of any U.S. county. Nearly 50% of adults in the county have a bachelor’s degree, also one of the highest such figures nationwide. Wealth and education are closely tied to longevity, and Hunterdon County has one of the longest life expectancies in the nation at 82.5 years — more than three years longer than the U.S. figure.
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21. San Miguel County, Colorado
> 5-yr. population change: +5.2%
> Nov. unemployment rate: 6.1%
> Poverty rate: 11.9%
> Life expectancy at birth: 83.7 years
San Miguel is one of the most well-educated and healthiest counties in the nation. The county seat is Telluride, a ski town known for its first-class resorts, numerous summer festivals, and a free gondola lift connecting the city to its companion town of Mountain Village. Some 55.1% of adults in the county have a bachelor’s degree, the 19th largest share of any U.S. county. The life expectancy at birth in San Miguel County is 83.7 years, nearly five years longer than the U.S. life expectancy and the sixth longest of any county nationwide.
San Miguel County is primarily comprised of resort towns and may lack the economic opportunities of other healthy, well-educated counties have year-round. Some 6.1% of the county’s workforce is unemployed, a larger share than the 4.1% national unemployment rate.
Source: milda79 / iStock
20. Ouray County, Colorado
> 5-yr. population change: +6.4%
> Nov. unemployment rate: 3.1%
> Poverty rate: 9.2%
> Life expectancy at birth: 83.0 years
Ouray is one of many counties in the Colorado Western Slope region that have higher educational attainment levels, income, and better health outcomes than much of the nation. Some 54.5% of Ouray County adults have a bachelor’s degree, far more than the 30.3% of adults nationwide. The life expectancy at birth in the county is 83.0 years, the 23rd highest life expectancy of any county and nearly four years longer than the national life expectancy of 79.1 years. The county also has relatively low unemployment and poverty rates, and the typical household earns $62,800 a year — approximately $7,500 more than the national median income of $55,322.
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19. Morris County, New Jersey
> 5-yr. population change: +1.4%
> Nov. unemployment rate: 3.7%
> Poverty rate: 4.6%
> Life expectancy at birth: 82.0 years
Part of the New York-Newark-Jersey City metro area, Morris County is one of the best counties to live in. The typical county household earns $102,798 a year, nearly twice the national median household income of $55,322. Just 4.6% of county residents live in poverty, less than a third of the 15.1% U.S. poverty rate. Some 51.9% of adults in the county have at least a bachelor’s degree, the 34th highest college attainment rate nationwide. Education and wealth are positively associated with longevity, and Morris County has one of the highest life expectancies of any county at 82.0 years — nearly three years longer than the national life expectancy of 79.1 years.
Source: Jerrye & Roy Klotz, MD / Wikimedia Commons
18. Somerset County, New Jersey
> 5-yr. population change: +3.2%
> Nov. unemployment rate: 3.9%
> Poverty rate: 5.2%
> Life expectancy at birth: 82.0 years
Somerset is one of many counties in the New York-Newark-Jersey City metro area that lead the nation in health, educational attainment, and wealth. Life expectancy at birth in Somerset County is 82.0 years, nearly three years longer than the U.S. life expectancy of 79.1 years. Positive health outcomes are associated with income and educational attainment. The typical county household earns $102,405 a year, nearly twice the national median of $55,322. Additionally, some 53.0% of county adults have at least a bachelor’s degree, the 27th highest college attainment rate nationwide.
Source: krblokhin / iStock
17. Montgomery County, Maryland
> 5-yr. population change: +6.9%
> Nov. unemployment rate: 3.3%
> Poverty rate: 6.9%
> Life expectancy at birth: 81.5 years
A part of the Washington-Arlington-Alexandria metro area, Montgomery County is one of the most affluent and well-educated counties in the country. The typical Montgomery County household earns $100,352 a year, far more than the $55,322 national median household income. An estimated 58.1% of adults in the county have a bachelor’s degree, a larger share than all but 10 U.S. counties. Montgomery County residents also have some of the best health outcomes in the nation. The life expectancy at birth in the county is 81.5 years, approximately 2.4 years longer than the national life expectancy.
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Source: Jon Bilous / Shutterstock.com
16. Alexandria, Virginia
> 5-yr. population change: +10.6%
> Nov. unemployment rate: 2.8%
> Poverty rate: 9.8%
> Life expectancy at birth: 81.7 years
One of several independent cities in the Washington-Arlington-Alexandria metro area to lead the nation in income, educational attainment, and life expectancy, Alexandria is one of the best places to live in the United States. Many Alexandria residents work in advanced, high-paying government jobs in the nation’s capital. The two largest employers of the Alexandria workforce are the U.S. Department of Commerce and Department of Defense, and 62.1% of adults have at least a bachelor’s degree — the fourth largest share of any county. The typical Alexandria household earns $89,200 a year, far more than the national median household income of $55,322 and the 34th most of any county or county equivalent.
Source: sboice / iStock
15. Eagle County, Colorado
> 5-yr. population change: +2.8%
> Nov. unemployment rate: 3.1%
> Poverty rate: 8.1%
> Life expectancy at birth: 85.9 years
Eagle is one of three contiguous counties in the Western Slope region of Colorado that lead the nation in life expectancy. The life expectancy at birth in Eagle County is 85.9 years, the longest of any county in the United States other than adjacent Pitkin and Summit County, Colorado. According to a study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association in July 2017, factors that contribute to the area’s high life expectancy are high education, income, access to medical care, and physical activity. The typical Eagle County household earns $78,763 a year, and some 45% of adults have a bachelor’s degree — each some of the highest figures nationwide.
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Source: Thinkstock
14. Hamilton County, Indiana
> 5-yr. population change: +12.7%
> Nov. unemployment rate: 2.7%
> Poverty rate: 5.1%
> Life expectancy at birth: 81.8 years
Hamilton, Indiana ranks as the best county to live in the Midwest and one of the best in the country. Over half of all adults in the county have a bachelor’s degree or higher, and only 5.1% of area residents live in poverty. In comparison, 30.3% of American adults have a four-year degree and 15.1% of the U.S. population lives below the poverty line.
Like many areas reporting strong socioeconomic measures, Hamilton County is growing relatively rapidly. In the last half decade, the number of people living in the county, situated just north of Indianapolis, increased by 12.7%, three times the U.S. population growth rate of 3.9% over that time.
Source: Justinreznick / iStock
13. Teton County, Wyoming
> 5-yr. population change: +7.2%
> Nov. unemployment rate: 6.1%
> Poverty rate: 7.3%
> Life expectancy at birth: 83.5 years
An estimated 53.8% of Teton County adults have a bachelor’s degree, far greater than the 30.3% of U.S. adults with a college degree and the 23rd most of any county. Higher educational attainment is often associated with longevity, and Teton County has one of the longest life expectancies in the country. The life expectancy at birth in the county is 83.5 years, more than four years longer than the national life expectancy of 79.1 years.
Teton County contains the Jackson Hole ski area, Grand Teton National Park, and much of Yellowstone National Park. While the area has a number of major tourist attractions, it may lack the economic opportunities that other affluent counties have year-round. Some 6.1% of the county’s workforce is unemployed, more than the 4.1% national unemployment rate.
Source: csfotoimages / iStock
12. Williamson County, Tennessee
> 5-yr. population change: +14.5%
> Nov. unemployment rate: 2.5%
> Poverty rate: 5.2%
> Life expectancy at birth: 81.9 years
Part of the Nashville metro area, Williamson County is one of the most educated and affluent counties in the country. Some 56.6% of county adults have a bachelor’s degree, nearly twice the national college attainment rate of 30.3%. Just 2.5% of the county’s workforce is unemployed, and just 5.2% of residents live in poverty — each some of the smallest figures nationwide. The county’s median household income of $100,140 a year is also the highest of any county in Tennessee and the 16th highest nationwide.
The large number of high-paying economic opportunities in Williamson County has likely attracted new residents to the area. The county’s population grew by 14.5% from 2011 to 2016, nearly four times the 3.9% national growth rate over that time.
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11. Summit County, Colorado
> 5-yr. population change: +6.4%
> Nov. unemployment rate: 2.1%
> Poverty rate: 12.1%
> Life expectancy at birth: 86.8 years
With the ski resort town of Breckenridge as its county seat, Summit County is located about 70 miles west of downtown Denver. Based largely on the health of area residents, Summit is one of several counties in the state to rank among the best places in the nation. Life expectancy at birth is 86.8 years in Summit, the highest life expectancy of any county in the United States.
Adults with college educations are better equipped to make healthy life choices, and as a result often live longer, healthier lives than those without a college degree. In Summit, about half of all adults have at least a bachelor’s degree compared to 30.3% of adults nationwide.
Source: Martin Prochnik / Flickr
10. Fairfax, Virginia
> 5-yr. population change: +6.0%
> Nov. unemployment rate: 3.0%
> Poverty rate: 6.2%
> Life expectancy at birth: 83.7 years
Fairfax is one of many affluent and well-educated counties in the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area. While Fairfax is the seat of Fairfax County, it is an independent city and is separate from the county under Virginia law. Like other suburbs of the nation’s capital, a large share of Fairfax workers are employed in professional, scientific and technical, and government services. Some 54.7% of adults in the county have a bachelor’s degree, and the typical household earns $104,065 a year — each some of the highest figures of any U.S. county.
High income areas with high educational attainment rates tend to have high life expectancies, and Fairfax is no exception. Life expectancy at birth in Fairfax is 83.7 years — about four and a half years longer than life expectancy in the U.S. as a whole.
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Source: Thinkstock
9. Marin County, California
> 5-yr. population change: +3.5%
> Nov. unemployment rate: 2.2%
> Poverty rate: 8.1%
> Life expectancy at birth: 83.8 years
Situated directly across from San Francisco at the the other end of the Golden Gate Bridge, with the Pacific Coast along its western border, Marin County is one of the wealthiest in the United States. The typical county household earns $100,310 a year, well above the median income nationwide of $55,322. In addition, financial hardship is relatively scarce in the region. Only 8.1% of the Marin population lives below the poverty line compared to 15.1% of Americans.
High income families have access to a greater range of healthy options related to lifestyle and diet. As a result, more affluent areas tend to have longer life expectancies — and Marin County is no exception. Life expectancy at birth in Marin is 83.8 years, well above the life expectancy nationwide of 79.1 years.
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Source: Cecouchman / Wikimedia Commons
8. Loudoun County, Virginia
> 5-yr. population change: +19.5%
> Nov. unemployment rate: 3.0%
> Poverty rate: 4.0%
> Life expectancy at birth: 83.2 years
Like many suburban counties in the Washington-Arlington-Alexandria metro area, a large share of Loudon County residents work in advanced, high-paying jobs in government and private defense. The U.S. Department of Homeland Defense, the Department of Transportation, the Orbital Sciences Corporation, and defense contractor Raytheon Company are among the top 20 employers of the county’s workforce.
Some 58.8% of county adults have a bachelor’s degree, and the typical Loudon County household earns $125,672 a year — the highest median household income nationwide. Since 2011, the county’s population has increased by 19.5%, five times the national average growth rate.
Source: Thinkstock
7. Howard County, Maryland
> 5-yr. population change: +8.7%
> Nov. unemployment rate: 3.1%
> Poverty rate: 4.9%
> Life expectancy at birth: 83.0 years
Like many counties on this list, Howard County residents have relatively easy access to employment opportunities and cultural amenities of a nearby urban area. Both Baltimore and Washington D.C. are within commuting distance of the county. Proximity to the cities means Howard County workers have access to jobs at dozens of federal agencies as well as universities, Fortune 500 companies, technology, defense and health care companies.
Jobs with such employers are often high paying. The typical county household earns $113,800 a year, more than double the median income nationwide of $55,322. There is also a relative lack of poverty in the county. Only 4.9% of Howard residents live below the poverty line, compared to 15.1% of the U.S. population.
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6. Fairfax County, Virginia
> 5-yr. population change: +6.4%
> Nov. unemployment rate: 3.0%
> Poverty rate: 6.0%
> Life expectancy at birth: 83.7 years
Fairfax County is one of several counties within the Washington-Alexandria-Arlington metro area that ranks among the best places to live. The county seat is the city of Fairfax, which, as an independent city, is separate from Fairfax County under Virginia law. Like other suburbs of the nation’s capital, many Fairfax County residents work in high-paying, advanced jobs in government and private defense. The top 15 largest employers of the Fairfax workforce include the U.S. Department of Defense, the Department of Homeland Defense, government services company Booz, Allen and Hamilton, and defense contractor Northrop Grumman Corporation. An estimated 60.3% of adults in the county have a bachelor’s degree, and the typical household earns $114,329 a year — each about double the corresponding national figures of 30.3% and $55,322.
Source: Thinkstock
5. Douglas County, Colorado
> 5-yr. population change: +12.0%
> Nov. unemployment rate: 2.5%
> Poverty rate: 3.8%
> Life expectancy at birth: 83.7 years
Some 97.9% of adults in Douglas County have a high school diploma, and 57.5% have a four-year college degree or higher — each among the largest such shares of any U.S. county and well above the comparable U.S. figures of 87.0% and 30.3%, respectively. Better-educated populations provide a greater talent pool for employers to choose from and are less susceptible to unemployment. In Douglas, only 2.5% of the labor force is unemployed compared to the 4.1% U.S. unemployment rate.
Not only are there enough jobs to support the area’s workforce, but also many of those jobs are high paying. The typical county household earns $105,759 a year, about $55,000 more than what the typical American household earns. High incomes are underscored by a poverty of only 3.8% — among the lowest of any U.S. county.
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4. Los Alamos County, New Mexico
> 5-yr. population change: -0.8%
> Nov. unemployment rate: 3.7%
> Poverty rate: 5.1%
> Life expectancy at birth: 83.5 years
Los Alamos County is less than 40 miles from Sante Fe, New Mexico’s capital city and about 90 miles north of Albuquerque, New Mexico’s largest city. The county’s economy is supported largely by the Los Alamos National Laboratory, a weapons development facility. The laboratory employs some 11,200 people from Los Alamos County and surrounding cities and towns and boasts a $2.45 billion annual budget.
Due in part to skill sets required to work at the laboratory, Los Alamos County has a well-educated population. Some 64.6% of county adults have a bachelor’s degree or higher, the third largest share of any U.S. county and more than double the share of American adults with similar education of 30.3%. The area’s high educational attainment is reflected in the county’s median household income. The typical Los Alamos household earns $105,902 a year, more than in all six other U.S. counties and about $45,700 more than the median income in Sandoval, the next wealthiest county in New Mexico.
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3. Arlington County, Virginia
> 5-yr. population change: +11.4%
> Nov. unemployment rate: 2.4%
> Poverty rate: 8.7%
> Life expectancy at birth: 82.8 years
Arlington County is situated directly across the Potomac River from Washington D.C. As a result, area residents have access to a range of employment opportunities with government agencies, government contractors, major companies, and universities — many which are high paying. One of the wealthiest counties in the United States, the typical Arlington household earns $108,706 a year, and only 8.7% of the county population lives below the poverty line. In comparison, the typical U.S. household earns $55,322 a year, and 15.1% of Americans live in poverty.
The area’s high incomes are bolstered by the county’s well-educated labor force. Adults with a bachelor’s degree are far more likely to secure a high-paying job than those with only a high school diploma, and in Arlington, 73.7% of adults have at least a bachelor’s degree, the second largest share of any U.S. county.
Source: Darren_Bridges_Photography / iStock
2. Pitkin County, Colorado
> 5-yr. population change: +5.0%
> Nov. unemployment rate: 5.8%
> Poverty rate: 8.6%
> Life expectancy at birth: 86.5 years
With a life expectancy of 86.5 years, Pitkin County, Colorado is one of only two U.S. counties in which life expectancy at birth exceeds 86 years. The near nation-leading life expectancy is due in part to the area’s high educational attainment. Adults with a college education are better equipped to make healthy decisions regarding diet and lifestyle, and 60.4% of county adults have a bachelor’s degree or higher — nearly double the comparable share of American adults nationwide.
Pitkin County is home to the ski resort towns of Aspen and Snowmass Village, which serve as major economic engines in the area.
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Source: Famartin / Wikimedia Commons
1. Falls Church, Virginia
> 5-yr. population change: +14.8%
> Nov. unemployment rate: 2.8%
> Poverty rate: 2.7%
> Life expectancy at birth: 81.8 years
Falls Church is an independent city, which functions similarly to a county, within the Beltway around the nation’s capital. As is the case with other counties on this list in close proximity to Washington D.C., Falls Church residents have access to a range of employment opportunities with the federal government, contractors, universities, and hospitals — many of which offer high paying jobs. Only 2.8% of the county’s workforce is unemployed, well below the 4.1% U.S. unemployment rate . Also, the the typical area household earns over $115,000 a year, which is more than double the median income nationwide.
Like many other prosperous parts of the country, Falls Church is growing rapidly. In the last half decade, the area’s population grew by 14.8%, more than triple the comparable 3.9% national population growth rate.
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