The Most Livable Counties – A Discretionary Income Analysis
Consumer spending habits and discretionary income determine the quality of life for many Americans. Which counties are experiencing the best?
The Most Livable Counties – A Discretionary Income Analysis
Consumer spending habits and discretionary income determine the quality of life for many Americans. Which counties are experiencing the best?
America is beginning to return to a more normal state of living. Now that the COVID-19 pandemic is seemingly coming to an end, consumer spending is beginning to increase again. We used STI: PopStats™ data to analyze average household incomes and discretionary incomes to determine where the most livable cities/areas across the country are, and to see where spending is likely to increase the most.
The ranking for the following cities/areas was determined by comparing average discretionary income versus the average household income in a county. The counties with the most discretionary income to spend on goods not considered necessities are ranked higher. With consumer spending ramping back up in America, the areas with more discretionary income will be spending more than others.
Along with our rankings, we included economic indicators unique to the PopStats product like ‘Gross Domestic Product’ and ‘Mortgage Risk.’ These unique variables give further insight into our clients’ potential customers and their custom customer profiles. Mortgage risk is an interesting variable in that it rates an area on its chances of defaulting on a mortgage from 1 to 5, 5 being most likely and 1 being least likely.
All numbers and figures used in this analysis are sourced from STI: PopStats™. Contact Us to learn more about the 1000’s of variables we update quarterly.
Most Livable Counties in the United States
10. Nassau County – Long Island Area
- Population: 1,356,138
- Average HH Income: $157,016
- Average Discretionary Income: $65,977
- GDP per Capita: $111,661
- Mortgage Risk: 3.2672
- Average Disposable Income: $107,841
This county is the first county outside of New York City. A theme that you are going to notice through the rest of this analysis is that “most livable cities” are actually areas right outside of thriving metropolitans. These professionals are benefitting from high salaries and then escaping back to more affordable real estate. This combo allows for more discretionary income worth the extra time spent in the car.
9. Philadelphia – Chester County
- Population: 533,178
- Average HH Income: $139,215
- Average Discretionary Income: $66,893
- GDP per Capita: $91,027
- Mortgage Risk: 2.7338
- Average Disposable Income: $99,520
With a population of over 500,000, Chester county hosts several cities that are reaping the benefits of having a manageable drive time to Philadelphia.
8. The Bay Area
- Population: 3,816,251
- Average HH Income: $177,761
- Average Discretionary Income: $67,454
- GDP per Capita: $148,538
- Mortgage Risk: 3.9355
- Average Disposable Income: $118,504
Several counties in the bay area made the cut. This analysis is comprised of the following counties: Marin, San Mateo, Santa Clara, San Francisco.
It’s not a common thought to think of the bay area as livable with their housing crisis and homeless problem the area faces; however, looking at the data shows that those employed (especially in the booming tech industry) are able to fully utilize everything the area has to offer.
The bay area has the highest average household income on the list as well as the highest GDP per capita. The affordability of the city plays a heavy role with the fact that this area has the highest difference between income and discretionary income.
7. Indianapolis – Hamilton County
- Population: 353,562
- Average HH Income: $134,750
- Average Discretionary Income: $68,669
- GDP per Capita: $81,691
- Mortgage Risk: 2.7086
- Average Disposable Income: $97,894
Hamilton County is what you can consider a “healthy economy.” Their economic vitality score places them right on par with the national average. This along with high spending potential make it a solid area to live.
6. Forsyth County, GA
- Population: 253,007
- Average HH Income: $130,218
- Average Discretionary Income: $69,663
- GDP per Capita: $81,203
- Mortgage Risk: 3.0771
- Average Disposable Income: $100,934
Although this is the most rural county on our list, their incomes and spending power allow them to put up a good fight. Forsyth County has the highest economic vitality index on the list but the lowest GDP per capita.
5. New Jersey (New York Suburbs)
- Population: 824,369
- Average HH Income: $157,070
- Average Discretionary Income: $69,707
- GDP per Capita: $106,938
- Mortgage Risk: 2.8996
- Average Disposable Income: $108,721
This is another area with several counties making this top cities list. The counties included are Morris and Somerset.
A commute from a Jersey town to the bustling island of Manhattan is a pop culture reference at this point. With their close proximity to high incomes and the availability of more affordable real estate, it’s not hard to believe these counties host some of the most livable cities.
4. Baltimore – Howard County
- Population: 330,939
- Average HH Income: $151,890
- Average Discretionary Income: $71,558
- GDP per Capita: $90,908
- Mortgage Risk: 3.2304
- Average Disposable Income: $110,736
This county has an advantage that no other county on this list has. This county is sandwiched between two major metropolitan cities (Baltimore being the closest). The residents of this county get to benefit from both Washington D.C. and Baltimore.
3. Washington D.C. – Loudoun and Fairfax County
- Population: 1,556,521
- Average HH Income: $164,066
- Average Discretionary Income: $73,537
- GDP per Capita: $92,160
- Mortgage Risk: 3.4726
- Average Disposable Income: $116,647
The capitol city is hosting quite a few different neighboring counties on this list. Loudoun and Fairfax are benefitting from the city the most. These counties are enjoying healthy economies. The discretionary incomes in these areas are mirroring some people’s entire income.
2. Denver – Douglas County
- Population: 367,726
- Average HH Income: $150,232
- Average Discretionary Income: $74,097
- GDP per Capita: $81,981
- Mortgage Risk :3.4863
- Average Disposable Income: $110,941
For a city of its size, Denver has a relatively high cost of living. That does come with some great salaries. The neighboring counties, like Douglas, are the ones taking the most advantage of that.
The most livable county in America:
1. Nashville – Williamson County
- Population: 250,620
- Average HH Income: $153,023
- Average Discretionary Income: $78,515
- GDP per Capita: $98,173
- Mortgage Risk: 3.2665
- Average Disposable Income: $112,789
Austin didn’t make the top 10 in a city list? Not this time. A Nashville county currently holds the rank as the most livable city in America according to our discretionary income data. Between the cost of living and the cost of real estate in Tennessee, residents are able to afford to shop and spend lavishly.
Everyone’s definition of the most livable city/county will be different. Spending on necessities takes a large portion of our annual salaries. The money that is left over is what we can spend on pleasantries and entertainment like vacations, luxury goods, gifts, etc. Having the ability to spend on activities and goods like that are what make cities livable and popular.
Using variables like discretionary income and comparing them to staple variables like household income and mortgage risk can make for effective customer profiles and city stories. Combining different datasets and cross analyzing data is how you make effective and profitable site-location and related decisions.
