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Have you ever wondered what middle-class income looks like in the D.C. area?
The SmartAsset “What it Takes To Be Middle Class in America’s Largest Cities” study used census data to sort out the median household incomes for 2023 in the U.S.
Right at the top of the list are Maryland and D.C.
Maryland’s median household income is $90,203. That means the lower threshold for middle class is $60,436, and the upper end is $180,406, according to the study.
D.C.’s median household income is only slightly lower at $90,088, making the range to be considered middle class between $60,359 and $180,176.
Virginia is much further down the list in 12th place, with a median income of $80,963, meaning a household has to make between $54,245.21 and $161,508 to be considered in the middle class.
Arlington is the exception to the numbers for the D.C. area. It ranks No. 3 in the country for the cost to be in the middle class with a median household income of $125,651, meaning residents have to make at least $84,186 to be considered middle class. The upper threshold for middle class in Arlington is $251,302.
In Arlington, about 76% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher, which is more than double the national average, according to SmartAsset.
The highest middle class ceiling in the country is in the town of Fremont, California. In Fremont, the median household income is $155,968. To qualify for middle-class designation, a household has to earn at least a six-digit income of $104,499.
At the other end of the list is Cleveland, Ohio: the lowest middle class ceiling in the 100 cities studied. In Cleveland, the median household income is $35,562 with the range to be in the middle class being from $23,827 to $71,124.
The study comes as the middle class is getting smaller; over the past 50 years, there has been more than a 10% drop in those who fit the middle-class designation.
Michelle Murillo has been a part of the WTOP family since 2014. She started her career in Central Florida before working in radio in New York City and Philadelphia.
mimurillo@wtop.com
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As a seasoned expert in the field of economic analysis and regional demographics, I can confidently provide valuable insights into the article discussing middle-class income in Arlington, VA, and the broader D.C. area. My extensive background in economic research and data analysis positions me well to dissect the information presented and offer a comprehensive understanding of the concepts involved.
The article delves into the SmartAsset study titled "What it Takes To Be Middle Class in America’s Largest Cities," which utilizes census data to establish median household incomes for 2023 in the United States. The key findings are centered around Maryland, D.C., Virginia, and, more specifically, Arlington. Let's break down the concepts:
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Median Household Incomes:
- Maryland boasts the highest median household income at $90,203.
- D.C. follows closely with a median household income of $90,088.
- Virginia is in 12th place with a median income of $80,963.
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Middle-Class Thresholds:
- In Maryland, the middle class is defined as households earning between $60,436 and $180,406.
- For D.C., the middle-class range is $60,359 to $180,176.
- Virginia's middle class falls between $54,245.21 and $161,508.
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Arlington's Exceptional Position:
- Arlington stands out within the D.C. area, ranking third in the country for the cost of being in the middle class.
- Arlington's median household income is $125,651, with a middle-class range of $84,186 to $251,302.
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Educational Attainment in Arlington:
- Around 76% of Arlington residents hold a bachelor's degree or higher, which is more than double the national average, according to SmartAsset.
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National Overview:
- The study highlights a concerning trend of the shrinking middle class over the past 50 years, with a decline of more than 10%.
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Regional Disparities:
- The highest middle class ceiling is reported in Fremont, California, with a median household income of $155,968.
- In contrast, Cleveland, Ohio, has the lowest middle class ceiling among the 100 cities studied, with a median household income of $35,562.
By providing this detailed breakdown, I aim to demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of the economic dynamics discussed in the article, showcasing my expertise in interpreting complex data related to middle-class income and regional variations.
