That's Gold Streaming Along the Potomac

The latest census data has DC area residents ranked 1, 2, 3 and 4, among the richest counties in the country. My old neighbors in Arlington, whose million dollar bus stops are being financed by the federal taxpayer, are way ahead of us all.

Indeed, the metropolitan area of Washington, D.C., a city with little identifiable industrial output, dominates the Census Bureau’s newly updated list of America’s wealthiest counties. Here are some highlights from that list: 

Based on the median family income in 2012, the wealthiest county in America—by far—is Arlington Co., Va., located just across the Potomac River from D.C. In fact, Arlington’s median family income ($137,216) is more than $10,000 higher than that of any other county in the United States.

The county with the 2nd-highest median family income ($127,192) is Loudoun Co., Va., also located in the D.C. metro area (according to the White House Office of Management and Budget’s list of metropolitan areas). The 3rd-highest tally ($125,162) belongs to Howard Co., Md., which technically isn’t part of the D.C. metro area but is located between D.C. and Baltimore and is home to many people who commute to D.C. The 4th-highest tally ($124,831) belongs to Fairfax Co., Va., yet another county located in the D.C. metro area. 

Arlington, VA, viewed across the Potomac River from the Lincoln Memorial 

In other words, in a nation that ranges from the Pacific to the Atlantic and boasts such grand and affluent cities as New York, San Francisco, Los Angeles, Chicago, Dallas, San Diego, Boston, and Seattle (among others), the four wealthiest counties in the land are all within commuting distance of the capital.

Though many Howard County residents do commute to DC, it is hardly necessary because Howard County is where Fort Meade is located, home to tens of thousands of NSA employees and contractors. Not only are these people spying on you, they are getting paid incredibly well for the privilege.  I am sure my ex-neighbors join in seeking your support, as budget debates continue, to ensure the federal government works smoothly and without interruption because it is operating so efficiently and working so well.
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