A recent research has disclosed the salary required for maintaining a middle-class life across all U.S. states, with the lowest acceptable earnings differing by as much as $30,000.
The American middle class represents a wide socioeconomic segment positioned between the affluent upper class and the economically struggling working poor. commonly categorized based on earnings level , education, and lifestyle.
In financial terms, the middle class typically refers to households whose earnings fall within the range of half to twice the national median household income—currently at $77,719, as reported by the U.S. Census Bureau.
According to SmartAsset’s report, which utilized data from the U.S. Census Bureau, the most expensive state for maintaining a middle-class standard of living is Massachusetts. There, an individual needs anywhere from $66,565 to $199,716 annually. Right behind Massachusetts is New Jersey with costs ranging from $66,514 to $199,562, and then Maryland at $65,779 to $197,356.
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, West Virginia requires an income ranging from $37,295 to $111,896 for individuals to fall into the middle-class bracket. Similarly, in Louisiana, which ranks third-from-last, you would need an annual salary between $38,815 and $116,458 to be considered part of the middle class.
In California, which holds the title of the most populated state, it places fifth with regard to maintaining a middle-class standard of living. This requires an income ranging from $63,674 to $191,042 annually. As for Texas, being the second most populated state, it sits mid-range among others. To be considered part of the middle class within this state known as the Lone Star State, individuals need earnings spanning from $50,515 to $151,560 per year.
Across all states, the median income remains 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 earn 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—has traditionally been viewed as the cornerstone of the U.S. economy, fueling consumption and expansion, various elements like wages staying flat, 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 has the middle class has shrunk over recent decades. In 1971, 61 percent of Americans lived in middle-class households, but by 2023, the share had fallen to 51 percent.
It also found that over the years, the increase in the share of those viewed as upper class was greater than the increase in the share of those whose incomes are considered lower class. From 1971 to 2023, the share of Americans who live in lower income households increased from 27 percent to 30 percent, and the share in upper income households increased from 11 percent to 19 percent.
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