Where Do Most Millionaires Live in Illinois?

If you are wondering where most millionaires live in Illinois, the answer is primarily in affluent suburbs surrounding Chicago. Communities such as Winnetka, Hinsdale, Glencoe, Lake Forest, Kenilworth, Long Grove, Riverwoods, Kildeer, South Barrington, and Barrington Hills are among the state’s wealthiest areas. These communities stand out for their high property values and strong concentration of affluent households.

These communities are known for high household incomes, expensive homes, large properties, strong schools, and convenient access to Chicago. Since there is no public database showing exactly where every millionaire lives, household income, home values, and other economic indicators are often used to identify areas where wealth is concentrated. Together, these factors provide a useful picture of where wealth is most concentrated across Illinois.

Where Is Wealth Concentrated in Illinois?

The greatest concentration of affluent communities is in the Chicago metropolitan area, especially along the North Shore and in western and northwestern suburbs.

Some of Illinois’ wealthiest communities include:

Recent Census-based estimates and 2026 rankings can vary by methodology.

Winnetka

Winnetka is one of the strongest answers to where wealthy people live in Illinois. This North Shore community has exceptionally high household incomes and some of the state’s most expensive residential properties.

Its appeal includes Lake Michigan access, large homes, excellent schools, established neighborhoods, and proximity to Chicago.

Hinsdale

Hinsdale is another major center of wealth located west of Chicago. Recent data show median household income of at least $250,001, while a 2026 analysis estimated average household income at approximately $367,874 in 2024.

The community attracts affluent professionals with upscale homes, strong schools, commuter access, shopping, dining, and proximity to Chicago.

Glencoe

Glencoe is one of the most prominent wealthy communities on Chicago’s North Shore. Recent data put its median household income at approximately $248,933, with a median home value of about $1.58 million.

Luxury homes, natural surroundings, Lake Michigan access, and convenient access to Chicago make Glencoe attractive to affluent families.

Lake Forest

Lake Forest is one of Illinois’ best-known affluent communities. Located along Lake Michigan north of Chicago, it is recognized for large properties, expensive homes, established neighborhoods, and affluent residents.

Recent estimates put median household income around $235,081, with median home values near $1.17 million.

Kenilworth

Kenilworth is a small North Shore community with exceptionally high wealth indicators. Recent data put median household income at $250,001.

Although its small population means it may not have the largest total number of millionaires, its concentration of affluent households makes it one of Illinois’ wealthiest communities.

Long Grove, Riverwoods, and Kildeer

Long Grove, Riverwoods, and Kildeer are additional affluent communities in the Chicago suburbs.

Long Grove has a reported median household income around $250,001 and a median home value near $924,000. Riverwoods has median household income of approximately $249,205, while Kildeer is also around $250,001.

These communities appeal to residents looking for larger homes, spacious properties, privacy, and a suburban lifestyle.

South Barrington and Barrington Hills

South Barrington has a median household income of approximately $221,575 and home values around $1.1 million.

Barrington Hills is particularly known for large estates, private properties, and a semi-rural atmosphere. It appeals to residents who value land and privacy while remaining within the Chicago metropolitan area.

Where Do Millionaires Live Near Chicago?

Wealth is concentrated across several suburban regions.

North Shore

Affluent North Shore communities include:

• Winnetka
• Glencoe
• Lake Forest
• Kenilworth
• Wilmette
• Highland Park
• Lake Bluff
• Northfield

Western Suburbs

The western suburbs include:

• Hinsdale
• Oak Brook
• Western Springs
• Burr Ridge
• Glen Ellyn
• Clarendon Hills
• Elmhurst

Northwest Suburbs

Affluent northwest communities include:

• Barrington Hills
• South Barrington
• North Barrington
• Kildeer
• Long Grove
• Inverness
• Hawthorn Woods

Is Naperville Where Most Millionaires Live in Illinois?

Naperville is affluent, but it is not generally considered Illinois’ wealthiest community.

Its large population is important when comparing it with smaller communities. Naperville has approximately 150,000 residents, meaning it can have many wealthy households even though its concentration of wealth is lower than places such as Kenilworth or Winnetka.

Chicago Magazine’s 2026 ranking placed Naperville fifth among 205 Chicago-area suburbs, with a median home sale price of approximately $700,000.

Naperville attracts affluent families because of its strong schools, parks, restaurants, shopping, employment opportunities, transportation, and highly regarded downtown.

Does High Income Mean More Millionaires?

Not necessarily.

A household can earn $500,000 annually without having a net worth of $1 million because of debt or limited investments. Conversely, someone earning $150,000 may be a millionaire because of accumulated real estate, investments, retirement accounts, or business ownership.

Income measures earnings, while net worth measures accumulated wealth.

For this reason, household income and home prices are useful indicators of affluent communities but cannot provide an exact millionaire count.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where do most millionaires live in Illinois?

Most millionaire households are concentrated in affluent Chicago suburbs, particularly Winnetka, Hinsdale, Glencoe, Lake Forest, Kenilworth, Long Grove, Riverwoods, Kildeer, South Barrington, and Barrington Hills.

What is the richest suburb in Illinois?

There is no universal answer because rankings use different measurements. However, Winnetka frequently ranks among the wealthiest Illinois communities based on income and property values.

Is Hinsdale one of the richest towns in Illinois?

Yes. Hinsdale consistently ranks among Illinois’ wealthiest communities because of its high household incomes, expensive homes, strong schools, and proximity to Chicago.

Is Naperville an affluent area?

Yes. Naperville is an affluent and desirable Chicago suburb. Its large population gives it a substantial number of wealthy households, although smaller communities may have a higher concentration of millionaire residents.

What part of Illinois has the most wealthy suburbs?

The Chicago metropolitan area has the greatest concentration of wealthy suburbs, especially along the North Shore and in western and northwestern communities.

Conclusion

So, where do most millionaires live in Illinois? They are primarily concentrated in affluent communities surrounding Chicago. Winnetka, Hinsdale, Glencoe, Lake Forest, Kenilworth, Long Grove, Riverwoods, Kildeer, South Barrington, and Barrington Hills are among the strongest examples. These areas combine high household incomes, luxury real estate, and desirable suburban amenities.

The North Shore is particularly known for luxury communities, while the western and northwest suburbs offer additional concentrations of affluent households. Naperville is also a major affluent suburb because of its size, strong schools, desirable neighborhoods, and large population. Its large and diverse housing market also makes it home to many high-income families and successful professionals.

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