A recent study has disclosed the required earnings for maintaining a middle-class life across all U.S. states, with the lowest acceptable income differing by as much as $30,000.
The U.S. middle class constitutes a wide socioeconomic category that lies midway between the affluent upper class and the economically struggling lower class.
usually characterized by financial status
, education, and lifestyle.
In financial terms, the middle class typically refers to households whose earnings fall within the range of half to twice the nation’s median household income—currently standing at $77,719, as reported by the U.S. Census Bureau.
According to a report from SmartAsset using data from the U.S. Census Bureau, Massachusetts tops the list as the most expensive state for maintaining a middle-class lifestyle. In this state, one needs an income ranging from $66,565 to $199,716 annually to do so comfortably. It’s closely trailed by New Jersey with required earnings of $66,514 to $199,562 per year, and Maryland at $65,779 to $197,356 yearly.
On the opposite end of the scale, Mississippi stands as the most affordable state for a middle-class lifestyle. In this state, the required amount would range from $36,132 to $108,406.
Coming in as the second-to-last is West Virginia, where individuals must earn between $37,295 and $111,896 to be classified as part of the middle class. Similarly, in Louisiana, which ranks third from last, you would need an income ranging from $38,815 to $116,458 for the same classification.
In California, which holds the title of the most populated state, it places fifth with regard to this metric; sustaining a middle-class life here demands an income ranging from $63,674 to $191,042. As for Texas, being the second most densely inhabited state, positions itself centrally among others. To be considered part of the middle class within the borders known as the Lone Star State, individuals must earn somewhere in the range of $50,515 to $151,560 annually.
Across all states, the median income resides within these limits, indicating that most residents fall into the middle-class category.
What Is the Income Required for Middle-Class Status in Every State?
As stated in the report, you must have an income within the specified range to qualify as part of the middle class in each U.S. state.
-
Massachusetts
: $66,565 – $199,716 -
New Jersey
: $66,514 – $199,562 -
Maryland
: $65,779 – $197,356 -
New Hampshire
: $64,552 – $193,676 -
California
: $63,674 – $191,042 -
Hawaii
: $63,542 – $190,644 -
Washington
: $63,064 – $189,210 -
Utah
: $62,274 – $186,842 -
Colorado
: $61,934 – $185,822 -
Connecticut
: $61,104 – $183,330 -
Virginia
: $59,948 – $179,862 -
Alaska
: $57,748 – $173,262 -
Minnesota
: $56,718 – $170,172 -
Rhode Island
: $56,642 – $169,944 -
New York
: $54,725 – $164,190 -
Delaware
: $54,235 – $162,722 -
Vermont
: $54,135 – $162,422 -
Illinois
: $53,532 – $160,612 -
Oregon
: $53,435 – $160,320 -
Arizona
: $51,538 – $154,630 -
North Dakota
: $51,012 – $153,050 -
Nevada
: $50,904 – $152,728 -
Texas
: $50,515 – $151,560 -
Idaho
: $49,956 – $149,884 -
Georgia
: $49,750 – $149,264 -
Wisconsin
: $49,749 – $149,262 -
Nebraska
: $49,722 – $149,180 -
Pennsylvania
: $49,211 – $147,648 -
Maine
: $49,150 – $147,466 -
Florida
: $48,869 – $146,622 -
Wyoming
: $48,272 – $144,830 -
South Dakota
: $47,869 – $143,620 -
Iowa
: $47,617 – $142,866 -
Montana
: $47,198 – $141,608 -
North Carolina
: $47,198 – $141,608 -
Kansas
: $46,884 – $140,666 -
Indiana
: $46,313 – $138,954 -
Michigan
: $46,117 – $138,366 -
Missouri
: $45,692 – $137,090 -
South Carolina
: $45,198 – $135,608 -
Ohio
: $45,175 – $135,538 -
Tennessee
: $45,083 – $135,262 -
New Mexico
: $41,508 – $124,536 -
Alabama
: $41,471 – $124,424 -
Oklahoma
: $41,421 – $124,276 -
Kentucky
: $40,741 – $122,236 -
Arkansas
: $39,129 – $117,400 -
Louisiana
: $38,815 – $116,458 -
West Virginia
: $37,295 – $111,896 -
Mississippi
: $36,132 – $108,406
The Changing Middle Class
Although the middle class—which encompasses most Americans—is often seen as the cornerstone of the U.S. economy, stimulating consumption and fostering economic expansion, various elements like
stagnant wages alongside increasing cost of living
, and changes in the economy have affected its stability and scale over time.
Based on data from the Pew Research Center, the proportion of Americans
The middle-class population has decreased.
Over recent decades, the landscape has shifted significantly. In 1971, 61 percent of Americans resided within middle-class households; however, by 2023, this proportion had declined to 51 percent.
The study revealed that over the decades, the rise in the proportion of people categorized as upper class surpassed the growth in the portion classified as having lower-class incomes. Between 1971 and 2023, the percentage of Americans living in lower-income homes rose from 27% to 30%, whereas the segment dwelling within higher-income brackets climbed from 11% to 19%.
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