How much do you have to earn to be considered middle class in the US?

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.

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.

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.

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.

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?

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.