A study conducted by SmartAsset has determined the minimum income required to live a middle-class lifestyle in each U.S. state, with the range varying by up to $30,000. The middle class is typically defined by income level, education, and lifestyle, falling between the wealthy elite and the working poor. The American middle class is generally defined as households with incomes between two-thirds and double the national median household income, which is currently $77,719 according to the U.S. Census Bureau. The study found that the most expensive state to live a middle-class lifestyle is Massachusetts, where you would need between $66,565 and $199,716 to live comfortably, followed closely by New Jersey and Maryland.
On the other end of the spectrum, Mississippi is the least expensive state to enjoy a middle-class lifestyle, with a range of $36,132 to $108,406 required. West Virginia and Louisiana are also among the states where the income needed to be considered middle class falls at the lower end of the spectrum. In California, the most populous state, individuals would need between $63,674 and $191,042 to achieve a middle-class lifestyle, with Texas requiring between $50,515 and $151,560. In every state, the median income falls between these bounds, indicating that the majority of each state’s population is considered middle class.
The study outlines the minimum income required to be considered middle class in each state, ranging from $36,132 to $199,716 depending on the state. The middle class is an essential socioeconomic group that helps drive consumer spending and economic growth. However, factors such as wage stagnation, rising living costs, and economic shifts have impacted the stability and size of the middle class over time. The Pew Research Center reports that the share of Americans in the middle class has decreased in recent decades, from 61 percent in 1971 to 51 percent in 2023. Additionally, there has been a greater increase in the share of those viewed as upper class compared to those considered lower class over this period.
The changing landscape of the middle class highlights the impact of economic changes on the distribution of income and social classes in the United States. The study’s findings shed light on the disparities in income needed to achieve a middle-class lifestyle across states, reflecting the varying costs of living and standards of living throughout the country. As the middle class remains a significant portion of the population, understanding the income requirements for this socioeconomic group is crucial for policymakers, economists, and individuals aiming to achieve financial stability and upward mobility. The disparities in income needed for a middle-class lifestyle underscore the complex nature of socioeconomic status and highlight the challenges faced by individuals and families in different regions of the United States.
