(08/30/06) BRIDGEWATER ? New U.S. Census Bureau numbers report Hunterdon and Somerset counties are among the richest locations in the United States.

Somerset County has boasted some pretty wealthy residents, such as Steve Forbes and Doris Duke. Members of the community say they love the area for its space and proximity to New York City. According to the Census Bureau report, Somerset ranks second when it comes to household income in New Jersey. It ranks fifth overall in the United States.

Residents attribute the county?s financial standing to the number of high-paying pharmaceutical jobs in New Jersey and the number of people who work in New York City. As for Hunterdon County, the report shows that area to have the highest median income in the state. It is also ranked third in the U.S. Morris County also notched a spot on the list.