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What qualifies as middle class? -

In the 1990s, the marker of upper-class wealth was reaching a six-figure salary. My, how the times of changed. According to a 2023 SmartAsset analysis, what qualifies as middle class is far different more than 20 years on.

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Cost of living is high -

While wages have increased during the same time period, so has the cost of living. Basic essentials, such as housing and food, have skyrocketed in price.

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Wage increases are disproportionate -

Therefore, the wage increases that have occurred are largely disproportionate and unable to meet the high and ever-increasing costs of these needs.

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Costs skyrocket -

Since 2020 alone, housing costs have gone up over 50%, a significant jump. Food costs, too, are ever-more expensive, reportedly 30% higher than in 2020. Inflation at large has jumped 25%.

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Financial strife -

According to the report, even those making six-figure salaries “feel stretched” to make ends meet with their earnings. Therefore, it’s no wonder so many Americans, making far less than six-figures, report financial strife.

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Reportedly two-thirds of Americans struggle -

According to a 2024 survey issued by the National True Cost of Living Coalition, two-thirds of middle-class Americans report that they were facing financial instability.

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Low expectations -

In addition to financial instability, the majority of these people also reported that they didn’t have expectations that their financial conditions would improve.

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Earnings exceeding $100,000 -

The earnings that are considered middle class now exceed $100,000, at minimum within the marginal upper bound, in every US state.

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Which 23 states are listed? -

In fact, in 23 states, earning a salary of $150,000, which used to be considered an upper-class income, now falls within the middle-class income bracket, according to the US Census Bureau. Is your state one of them?

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Alaska -

In Alaska, the median household income is $86,631. The middle-class bracket is quite wide in the state. The low end of what’s considered middle class is $57,748 and the high end is $173,262.

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Arizona -

In Arizona, also called “The Grand Canyon State,” has an average household income of $77,315. The middle-class bracket is a range of just over $100,000. The low end of what’s considered middle class is $51,538 and the high end is $154,630.

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California -

California, also referred to as the “Golden State,” has a median household income of $95,521. The low end of what’s considered middle class in the state is $63,674 and the high end is $191,042.

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Colorado -

Colorado, home to the extraordinary Rocky Mountains, has a median household income of $92,911. The low end of what’s considered middle class in the state is $61,934 and the high end is $185,822.

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Connecticut -

Connecticut, boasting the prestigious Yale University, has a median household income of $91,665. The low end of what’s considered middle class in the state is $61,104 and the high end is $183,330.

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Delaware -

Delaware, the second-smallest US state, has an average household income of $81,361. The low end of what’s considered middle class is $54,235 and the high end is $162,722.

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Hawaii -

The nation’s youngest state, Hawaii, has an average household income of $95,322. The low end of what’s considered middle class is $63,542 and the high end is $190,644.

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Illinois -

Illinois, also known as the “Land of Lincoln,” after US President Abraham Lincoln, has an average household income of $80,306. The low end of what’s considered middle class is $53,532 and the high end is $160,612.

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Maryland -

Maryland, the birthplace of the country’s national anthem, has a median household income of $98,678. The low end of what’s considered middle class in the state is $65,779 and the high end is $197,356.

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Minnesota -

The Midwestern state of Minnesota, whose state motto L’etoile du Nord means "star of the North," has an average household income of $85,086. The low end of what’s considered middle class is $56,718 and the high end is $170,172.

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Nevada -

Nevada, a state dear to gambling aficionados, has a median household income of $76,364. The low end of what’s considered middle class in the state is $50,904 and the high end is $152,728.

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New Hampshire -

Nicknamed the Granite State, New Hampshire has an average household income of $96,838. The low end of what’s considered middle class is $64,552 and the high end is $193,676.

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New Jersey -

New Jersey, also known as the ‘Garden State,’ has a median household income of $99,781. The low end of what’s considered middle class in the state is $66,514 and the high end is $199,562.

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New York -

New York, home to the second-highest concentration of billionaires in the country, has an average household income of $82,095. The state’s middle-class income bracket is a range of over $100,000. The low end of what’s considered middle class is $54,725 and the high end is $164,190.

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North Dakota -

North Dakota, the largest producer of honey in the country, has an average household income of $76,525. The state’s middle-class income bracket also holds a range of over $100,000. The low end of what’s considered middle class is $51,012 and the high end is $153,050.

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Oregon -

Oregon, whose state motto Alis Volat Propriis, is Latin for "She flies with her own wings," has a median household income of $80,160. The low end of what’s considered middle class in the state is $53,435 and the high end is $160,320.

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Rhode Island -

The smallest US state, Rhode Island has an average household income of $84,972. The low end of what’s considered middle class is $56,642 and the high end is $169,944.

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Texas -

Nicknamed the Lone Star State, Texas has a median household income of $75,780. The low end of what’s considered middle class in the state is $50,515 and the high end is $151,560.

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Utah -

Utah, famous for the Great Salt Lake and its incredible naturescapes, has an average household income of $93,421. Its middle-class bracket has a range of over $140,000. The low end of what’s considered middle class is $62,274 and the high end is $186,842.

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Vermont -

Vermont, known for its maple syrup and dairy production, has a median household income of $81,211. The low end of what’s considered middle class in the state is $54,135 and the high end is $162,422.

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Virginia -

The birthplace of the United States, the state of Virginia has an average household income of $89,931. The low end of what’s considered middle class is $59,948 and the high end is $179,862.

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Washington -

The state named after the first US President George Washington, Washington state, has a median household income of $94,605. The low end of what’s considered middle class in the state is $63,064 and the high end is $189,210. 

Sources: (CNBC) (Pew Research Center)

See also: The cheapest states to buy a house in the US

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