New economic data out this week shows Collier County leading Florida in average personal income, topping all other counties in the state based on recent tax and earnings figures. Residents here now sit at the peak of Florida’s income rankings, a distinction that provides both opportunities and economic pressures for local households and the broader community.

The latest figures show that personal income in Collier County tops roughly $134,500 on average, making it the highest in Florida. This places the region ahead of traditionally affluent counties across the state, signaling robust earnings among workers, retirees, and business owners in and around Naples and neighboring communities.

What “Personal Income” Tells Us

Personal income measures total earnings received by residents from all sources — including wages and salaries, business income, investment returns, and transfer payments such as retirement or Social Security benefits. Because Florida has no state personal income tax, this gross earning figure reflects actual income reported before federal or other local taxes, giving a clear picture of aggregate earning power in a region.

Collier’s status atop the state income list reflects its unique economy, a mix of high-paying professional services, real estate wealth, investment income growth, and a sizeable retiree population that contributes dividends and pension earnings as part of aggregate income totals. The affluent enclaves of Naples, Pelican Bay, and the surrounding communities contribute meaningfully to these averages.

Behind the Numbers

Beyond the headline figure, a deeper look at local economic statistics offers context:

  • Median household income in Collier County sits around $86,000, notably above not just the state average but many national peers.

  • Per capita income locally is significantly higher than state and national benchmarks, reflecting higher wages, investment income, and a relatively affluent demographic compared with much of Florida.

  • Poverty rates in Collier are lower than the national average, indicating broader stability, even as income levels rise.

These figures together paint a community where wealth accumulation and higher earnings are common, not the exception — but they also highlight the variability of income within the county, with affluent enclaves alongside more modest wage earners.

What This Means for Naples and the Region

The implications of Collier County’s income leadership are wide-ranging:

  • Housing market dynamics — With higher incomes come higher home prices and demand for premium properties. Naples and nearby areas consistently show strong real estate performance partly backed by local buying power.

  • Consumer and retail activity — Higher earnings typically translate to stronger consumer spending, feeding growth in local retail, dining, and services sectors.

  • Tax landscape — Even without a state income tax, residents benefit from higher disposable income, but they also face relatively high property values and living costs that come with affluent coastal markets.

  • Labor market and wages — Employers in fields like health care, finance, professional services, and hospitality may feel pressure to offer competitive wages aligned with local income expectations.

How Collier Compares

While Collier tops Florida in average personal income, its per capita and household income metrics place it among the most affluent counties nationally when adjusted for population and cost of living. Cities and towns within Collier, including Naples proper, rank high in statewide per capita income comparisons, alongside other Florida communities known for wealth like Pelican Bay.

In contrast to more rural or economically diverse counties throughout Florida, Collier’s income composition reflects its combination of tourism appeal, retiree migration, and high-end service economies.

The Bottom Line

Collier County’s rise to the top of Florida’s personal income rankings underlines the county’s economic strength and the prosperity of its residents. As income levels continue to shape housing, commerce, and quality of life here, Naples and the surrounding area remain focal points for understanding how wealth and growth interplay in one of Florida’s most dynamic regions.