Summary
A study analyzed by Visual Capitalist shows the income needed to be considered middle class varies by U.S. state. Massachusetts residents need the highest income for this status, while Mississippi residents need the least. The study highlights differences in how economic classes are defined across the country.
Key Facts
- Visual Capitalist used data from SmartAsset, the U.S. Census Bureau, and the Pew Research Center.
- Massachusetts requires the highest income to be considered middle class at $69,900.
- Mississippi requires the lowest income for middle-class status at $39,400.
- The middle class typically includes households with incomes between two-thirds and double the national median income, currently $77,719.
- In 2023, only 51% of Americans were in the middle class, down from 61% in 1971.
- Economic factors, including cost of living and income, impact where people choose to live.
- The study also noted that incomes in Colorado, Georgia, and Maine are rising the fastest.
