Three of the nation's most affluent public school districts are located in California, demanding substantial household incomes for families seeking enrollment. According to a study by MoneyLion analyzing 2024 American Community Survey data, these districts highlight the significant cost associated with living in areas known for highly-regarded educational institutions.
Piedmont City Unified School District ranked highest among California districts, placing 11th nationally. Families in this district report an average household income of $414,165, with a median household income of over $250,000.
La Canada Unified School District followed at 29th place, with an average household income of $346,340 and a median income of $247,670.
Palo Alto Unified School District secured the 49th spot, where households have an average income of $305,288 and a median income of $218,111.
While California had three districts in the top 50, New York led the nation with 18. Scarsdale Union Free School District in New York topped the overall list with an average household income of $619,839.
Texas was another state with multiple districts represented, including Highland Park Independent School District in Dallas County at sixth place and Carroll Independent School District at 16th. Alabama's Mountain Brook City School District was also among the non-coastal entries, ranking 37th.
Even the district at the lower end of the top 50 list, Livingston Township School District in New Jersey, required an average household income of $302,041 to be included.