Potomac is a bit of a curious city located in northern Maryland. The name "Potomac" is a Algonkin word that means "where something is brought." Perhaps most famous is the Potomac River, although this city in particular does not sit on it.

So what makes Potomac curious? Potomac is not an incorporated city. It's not an independent city either. In fact, it's NOT a city. It's unincorporated! What does this mean for the 45,000 people living here? Well, the United States Census Bureau DOES recognize Potomac as a Census-designated place. Meanwhile, the United States Geographical Survey lists Potomac as a 'populated place'.

So why on earth would anyone want to live here? For one thing, Potomac (zip code 20854) is the second most-affluent zip code in the United States, behind the familiar 90210 of Beverly Hills. The average household income is $128,936, while the per capita income is $64,875. The median house value is a whopping $451,000. The reason for this is simple. Potomac is right next to Washington DC. Many rich professionals live in Potomac and commute to Washington DC to work during the week.

Looking at the numbers, you'd think you were at a university. 76% of all residents have their bachelor's degrees, while 44% ahve their graduate degrees. Only 2% are unemployed.