The perception of being middle class can vary depending on your location. A new report from SmartAsset has defined middle class income as two-thirds to double the area’s median salary. Based on this definition, the national range for middle class is roughly $49,271 to $147,828.
Determining middle class status can be challenging, especially with inflated prices eroding purchasing power. A report from SmartAsset analyzed data to define middle class income ranges based on the Pew Research Center’s definition. The national range is estimated at $49,271 to $147,828, while the range varies significantly across states and cities. New Jersey has the widest range, while Mississippi has the narrowest. California cities dominate the upper end of the middle class range, with Sunnyvale requiring an income of at least $113,176. In contrast, the most affordable cities for middle class status include Detroit and Cleveland, where incomes of $24,300 and $24,898, respectively, qualify.
