By Larry Hartstein

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

Sandy Springs is the ninth-most affluent area in the United States, according to a fresh analysis by Portfolio.com.

The home of stifling traffic and fine suburban houses is in the top 10 of the wealthiest cities in the country.

In a fresh analysis by Portfolio.com, Sandy Springs is ranked as the ninth-most affluent area in the United States. Sandy Springs celebrated its 4th anniversary in 2009.

The report says nearly 18 percent of Sandy Springs households have annual incomes of $200,000 or more.

Portfolio.com ranked 420 U.S. communities with populations over 75,000. Sandy Springs placed ninth, Roswell 49th and Atlanta 79th. Only Arlington, Va., placed ahead of Sandy Springs in the South. Seven of the top 10 communities are in California, led by No. 1 Newport Beach.

A sister publication of the Atlanta Business Chronicle, Portfolio.com says Sandy Springs has a per capita income of $55,752, a median household income of $71,592 and a median house value of $486,500.

The median house value was $322,800 in Roswell, $254,600 in Atlanta.