Virginia’s Wealthiest ZIP Codes: From Loudoun Horse Country to Fairfax Suburbs
When most people think of America’s richest communities, they picture Miami’s Fisher Island, Silicon Valley’s Atherton, or New York’s Tribeca. But according to Business Insider’s latest deep-dive into U.S. Census Bureau income data, Virginia is home to several of the wealthiest ZIP codes in the country.
From horse-country estates in Loudoun County, to secluded luxury in the Allegheny Mountains, to Metro-accessible enclaves in Fairfax County, the Old Dominion proves that affluence here isn’t one-dimensional. It comes in many forms—rural retreats, high-powered commuter hubs, and tight-knit luxury suburbs.
Here are the Virginia ZIP codes that ranked nationally in Business Insider’s 2025 analysis.
20129 – Paeonian Springs (Loudoun County)
National Ranking: Top 5 by mean household income
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Mean household income: $522,000
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Households earning $200K+: 90.8%
Paeonian Springs is a small Loudoun County community, but it packs an enormous economic punch. With a mean household income over half a million dollars, it ranks fifth in the nation, ahead of many well-known enclaves in California and New York.
Why It’s So Wealthy
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Location, location, location: Situated in horse country just west of Leesburg, Paeonian Springs offers privacy while keeping D.C. within commuting range (about 40 miles).
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Housing stock: Think sprawling estates, multi-acre lots, and custom homes worth well over $1 million.
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Income drivers: Many residents work in government contracting, defense, technology, and finance—industries that thrive in Northern Virginia.
Lifestyle
Paeonian Springs balances rural charm with luxury living. Residents enjoy rolling hills, wineries, and equestrian culture, while Dulles International Airport and Tysons Corner are less than an hour away. It’s this rare blend of serenity and access that makes it one of the most desirable addresses in the Mid-Atlantic.
24412 – Bacova (Bath County)
National Ranking: #1 for % of households earning $200K+
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Households earning $200K+: 93.0%
Bacova doesn’t have the name recognition of Paeonian Springs—but it quietly ranks as the wealthiest community in America by concentration of high earners. A staggering 93% of households report incomes above $200,000.
Why It’s Unique
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Scale: Bacova is tiny, more of a historic settlement in Bath County than a suburban hub.
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Second-home appeal: Its location near the Allegheny Mountains makes it a haven for vacation homes, hunting lodges, and private retreats.
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Exclusivity: With so few households, the percentages skew high—but it reflects real concentrated wealth in this corner of western Virginia.
Lifestyle
Living in Bacova is less about commuting to D.C. or working in tech—it’s about mountain privacy and legacy wealth. Many homes are multi-generational or used seasonally. It’s a reminder that prosperity in Virginia isn’t limited to the Washington suburbs.
22027 – Dunn Loring (Fairfax County)
National Ranking: Top 10 for % of households earning $200K+
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Households earning $200K+: 74.1%
Nestled between Vienna, Tysons, and Falls Church, Dunn Loring is a wealthy Fairfax County suburb where nearly three-quarters of households earn more than $200K annually.
Why It’s So Wealthy
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Commuter convenience: With its own Metro station (Orange Line) and direct access to I-495, it’s perfect for D.C. and Tysons professionals.
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Housing stock: Primarily large, renovated colonials and modern builds on generous lots. Median home prices are well above $1 million.
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Proximity to Tysons: Many Dunn Loring residents are high-level executives or contractors connected to Tysons’ booming corporate landscape.
Lifestyle
Dunn Loring offers the best of both worlds: quiet, tree-lined neighborhoods with immediate access to shopping, dining, and career opportunities. Its affluence reflects the broader Fairfax County story, where high incomes meet high real estate demand.
How These ZIP Codes Compare to Other Wealthy Virginia Communities
While Paeonian Springs, Bacova, and Dunn Loring made Business Insider’s top 20 lists, several other Virginia enclaves deserve mention:
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Great Falls (22066): Known for its multimillion-dollar estates and Potomac River mansions, Great Falls is consistently among Virginia’s wealthiest communities, with median household incomes north of $250K.
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McLean (22101 & 22102): Home to diplomats, CEOs, and politicians, McLean rivals Paeonian Springs in wealth, though its population size dilutes the percentage of ultra-high earners.
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Vienna (22180): A family-friendly hub with strong schools and incomes regularly above $150K.
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Arlington & Alexandria: While more urban and diverse, both cities include pockets of ultra-high earners, especially in neighborhoods near Amazon HQ2.
Why Virginia Produces Wealthy ZIP Codes
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Proximity to D.C. – High-paying jobs in government, defense, and contracting fuel incomes.
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Tech Expansion – Northern Virginia’s data centers, cloud companies, and Amazon HQ2 create six-figure opportunities.
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Lifestyle Balance – Wealthy Virginians value access to both urban centers and scenic retreats.
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Education Levels – Virginia ranks among the nation’s best for highly educated populations, which correlates strongly with income.
FAQs About Virginia’s Wealthiest ZIP Codes
Q: What is the richest ZIP code in Virginia?
A: Based on mean household income, it’s 20129 (Paeonian Springs) at $522,000. Based on percentage of $200K+ earners, it’s 24412 (Bacova) at 93%.
Q: Is Paeonian Springs more expensive than McLean or Great Falls?
A: On a per-household income basis, yes. But McLean and Great Falls have larger populations and a greater number of multimillion-dollar homes overall.
Q: Is Dunn Loring considered luxury?
A: Yes—while smaller in scale than McLean, Dunn Loring offers million-dollar homes, strong schools, and Metro convenience, making it one of Fairfax County’s most affluent suburbs.
Q: Why is Bacova on the list?
A: Though tiny, Bacova has an unusually high share of wealthy households, likely tied to second homes, family wealth, and vacation properties.
Q: Will more Virginia ZIP codes join the rankings?
A: Likely. With Loudoun, Fairfax, and Arlington continuing to grow in affluence, future surveys could see places like Great Falls, Oakton, and Lake Barcroft break into the national top tier.
Final Take
Virginia is no stranger to wealth—but Business Insider’s 2025 report shows just how concentrated it can be in select ZIP codes. From horse country in Paeonian Springs, to mountain retreats in Bacova, to Metro-accessible Dunn Loring, the Old Dominion proves that affluence isn’t confined to the coasts.
Source: Business Insider, “Where’s the richest ZIP code in the US? Depends on how you measure it,” by Juliana Kaplan and Eliza Relman, Aug. 24, 2025.
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