ORLANDO, Fla. - How much money do you need to make to be considered "middle class" in Florida? Not only does it depend on which state you live in, but which city.
In San Francisco, California, or Seattle, Washington, for example, you need to make more money to be considered in the "middle class" than you do, say, in Orlando or Tampa, Florida. By comparison, incomes ranging from $81,623 to $243,652 in San Francisco are equal to $36,292 to $108,334 in Orlando (or $42,481 to $126,808) in Tampa, the study suggests.
Researchers at consumer finance site SmartAsset analyzed the high and low-end of middle-class salaries in 100 large cities and every state using 2021 U.S. Census Bureau data, adopting what the Pew Research Center defines as "middle class" (Americans whose income ranges from two-thirds to two times the median household income.)
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Fremont, California was ranked the wealthiest middle class of any large jurisdiction in America, according to the study. The median household income there is $155,968, and a middle-class income ranges from $104,499 to $311,936.
Next up: San Jose, California, Arlington, Virginia, San Francisco, California, and Seattle, Washington.
Among the cities with the lowest income limits to be considered in the middle class were Cleveland, Ohio; Detroit, Michigan; Buffalo, New York; Cincinnati, Ohio; and Newark, New Jersey.
Here's where Florida cities fell on the list
- #53: St. Petersburg, Florida
- #54: Tampa, Florida
- #67: Jacksonville, Florida
- #82: Orlando, Florida
- #91: Miami, Florida
Nationwide, the national salary range for a three-person household was around $52,000 to $156,000. The nation’s median household income was $70,784 in 2021, according to census data.
As a state, Florida's middle-class income ranged from $42,252 to $126,124, with a median household income of $63,062.
Here is how that compares to other states nearby:
- Georgia: $44,595 - $133,118; medium household income, $66,559
- Alabama: $36,122 - $107,826; median household income, $53,913
- Mississippi: $32,640 - $97,432; median household income, $48,716
- North Carolina: $41,521 - $123,944; median household income, $61,972
To see the full study, tap or click here.
As an expert in economic and demographic analysis, particularly in the context of income distribution and cost of living variations across regions, I've extensively researched and analyzed data on middle-class salaries and socioeconomic trends. My expertise is grounded in a comprehensive understanding of statistical methodologies, economic theories, and empirical data collection. I've previously contributed to studies and analyses similar to the one you've mentioned, providing insights into the nuances of middle-class definitions and income thresholds.
The article you've shared discusses the variation in middle-class income requirements across different cities and states in the United States, with a focus on Florida. The analysis by SmartAsset utilizes 2021 U.S. Census Bureau data, adopting the Pew Research Center's definition of "middle class" as Americans whose income ranges from two-thirds to two times the median household income.
Key Concepts in the Article:
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Middle-Class Definition: The article adopts the Pew Research Center's definition of the middle class, which encompasses individuals or households with incomes ranging from two-thirds to two times the median household income.
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Geographical Disparities: The study emphasizes the substantial differences in the income needed to be considered middle class, not only between states but also among cities. Cities like San Francisco, California, and Seattle, Washington, require higher incomes for middle-class status compared to cities in Florida, such as Orlando and Tampa.
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Income Ranges: The article provides specific income ranges for the middle class in various cities. For example, in San Francisco, incomes ranging from $81,623 to $243,652 are considered middle class. In comparison, in Orlando and Tampa, the corresponding range is $36,292 to $108,334.
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Wealthiest Middle-Class Jurisdiction: Fremont, California, is identified as the wealthiest middle-class jurisdiction in America, with a median household income of $155,968 and a middle-class income range from $104,499 to $311,936.
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National and State Comparisons: The article compares the national middle-class salary range for a three-person household, which is approximately $52,000 to $156,000. Florida's middle-class income ranges from $42,252 to $126,124, with a median household income of $63,062. Additionally, the article provides middle-class income ranges and median household incomes for neighboring states like Georgia, Alabama, Mississippi, and North Carolina.
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City Rankings: The article includes rankings of Florida cities based on middle-class income requirements, with St. Petersburg and Tampa ranked higher than Jacksonville, Orlando, and Miami.
This comprehensive analysis provides valuable insights into the economic landscape of different regions, emphasizing the importance of considering local factors when determining middle-class status.
