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High costs of living have significantly shifted what it means to be considered middle-class in the US. With significant disparities in income, according to the Pew Research Center’s definition, households considered middle class need to be earning between two-thirds or even twice the median income in their respective state. This marks a massive change to how the middle class was comprised before the turn of the century and is in line with notably worsening social issues in the country, such as poverty, homelessness, and general financial strife.
So what are the figures behind the data? How much do you have to make to be considered middle class in your state? Click on to find out. All figures are listed in USD.
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.
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.
Therefore, the wage increases that have occurred are largely disproportionate and unable to meet the high and ever-increasing costs of these needs.
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%.
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.
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.
In addition to financial instability, the majority of these people also reported that they didn’t have expectations that their financial conditions would improve.
The earnings that are considered middle class now exceed $100,000, at minimum within the marginal upper bound, in every US state.
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?
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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)
How much do you have to earn to be considered middle class in the US?
Middle-class status comes at a premium these days
LIFESTYLE Economics
High costs of living have significantly shifted what it means to beconsidered middle-class in the US. With significant disparities inincome, according to the Pew Research Center’s definition,households considered middle class need to be earning betweentwo-thirds or even twice the median income in their respective state.This marks a massive change to how the middle class was comprisedbefore the turn of the century and is in line with notably worseningsocial issues in the country, such as poverty, homelessness, andgeneral financial strife.
So whatare the figures behind the data? How much do you have to make to beconsidered middle class in your state? Click on to find out. All figures are listed in USD.