If you’re looking to build your wealth and move up in life, these 12 cities might be the place to do it. According to a new report from GOBankingRates, each of these cities has seen an 80% or more increase in upper-middle-class households between 2018 and 2023. That means more families earning between $100,000 and $149,000 are choosing to live and grow in these areas.
Let’s take a look at where the upper-middle class is growing the fastest in America right now.
1. North Charleston, South Carolina
North Charleston leads the list with a 125.1% rise in upper-middle-class households. Now, 16% of the city’s population falls into this income group. Charleston was also ranked No. 1 in South Carolina for richest counties by SmartAsset. The median household income is $62,789, and investment income averages $146,964.
2. Port St. Lucie, Florida
With over 16,000 upper-middle-class households, Port St. Lucie saw a 122.2% growth. The city’s booming economy and expected job growth of more than 10% over the next three years make it an attractive place to live.
3. Hialeah, Florida
This city experienced a 114.3% increase in upper-middle-class households. Now, 14% of the people in Hialeah are in this income range.
4. Spring Hill, Florida
In Spring Hill, the number of upper-middle-class families has doubled. With an increase of 100.7%, 18% of the area’s population now falls into this group.
5. Palm Bay, Florida
Palm Bay has had a 98.9% growth in upper-middle-class families. It’s also been named one of the top cities for high-income growth in 2025 by SmartAsset.
6. Knoxville, Tennessee
Knoxville’s upper-middle-class population grew by 95.2%. The city’s strong and steady economy is a big factor, and job growth is expected to rise 4.4% in the next few years.
7. Meridian, Idaho
Meridian is home to over 45,000 upper-middle-class households. That’s a 93.5% increase, making up 23% of the city’s population.
8. Providence, Rhode Island
Providence saw a 92.6% rise in this group. With more people choosing to live in richer parts of the state, Providence is becoming a place for families to grow financially.
9. Pompano Beach, Florida
The city grew its upper-middle class by 91.6%. With new luxury housing and a downtown makeover in the works, it’s attracting wealthier residents.
10. Miami, Florida
Miami remains a magnet for the wealthy. The upper-middle class has increased by 86.5%, and the city now has about 39,000 millionaires.
11. Orlando, Florida
Orlando’s upper-middle class grew by 85.5%, reaching over 126,000 households. It’s one of Florida’s major growth hubs for families earning higher incomes.
12. West Palm Beach, Florida
With a growth rate of 80.7%, West Palm Beach has become a “wealth hub.” The area is home to millionaires and even billionaires, with 68 billionaires reported living there in 2025.
These cities are quickly becoming the go-to places for people looking to grow their income and financial future. Whether it’s because of strong job markets, booming economies, or better living conditions, families earning between $100,000 and $149,000 are finding new homes in these fast-growing cities. If you’re aiming to join the upper-middle class or stay in it, these places are worth watching—or even moving to.
