LOS ANGELES - What does it take to be considered "middle class?" Depends on where you live, of course.
In Los Angeles, California, for example, you'll obviously need to make much more than you would in Cleveland, Ohio. By comparison for those two cities alone, incomes ranging from $23,827 to $71,124 in Cleveland are equal to $47,149 to $140,744 in Los Angeles.
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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Coming out on top was Fremont in the Bay Area, which is home to the wealthiest middle class of any large jurisdiction in America, according to the study.
In Fremont, the median household income is $155,968, and a middle-class income ranges from $104,499 to $311,936.
Los Angeles ranks 37th among large cities for middle-class income, with a range from $47,149 to $140,744. The median income was $70,372.
Three out of the top five cities with the highest income thresholds for the middle class are located in the Bay Area. These middle income residents need to make at least $81,623 in San Francisco, $84,673 in San Jose and $104,499 in Fremont.
Nationwide, a national salary range for a three-person household was around $52,000 to $156,000. Mississippi has the lowest middle-class salary threshold, $32,640, followed by West Virginia ($34,336 and Louisiana ($34,898).
The nation’s median household income was $70,784 in 2021, according to census data.
To see the full study, tap or click here.
Certainly! The article delves into various concepts related to the definition of the middle class, regional income disparities, cost of living, and median household incomes across different cities and states in the United States. Let's break down the concepts used:
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Middle Class Definition: The article references the Pew Research Center's definition, which considers individuals or households earning between two-thirds to two times the median household income as part of the middle class.
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Income Disparities Across Locations: It highlights how the definition of middle class varies significantly based on geographical locations, such as Los Angeles and Cleveland. In Los Angeles, a much higher income is required to maintain a comparable middle-class lifestyle than in Cleveland.
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Regional Cost of Living: The cost of living is a crucial factor in determining middle-class status. The article mentions how housing costs in California, especially in cities like Fremont, San Francisco, San Jose, and Los Angeles, significantly impact the income needed to belong to the middle class.
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Median Household Income: Median household income is an essential metric used to analyze the economic landscape of a city or state. It serves as a benchmark for evaluating where income levels fall within the region.
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Income Thresholds for Middle Class: Specific income thresholds are outlined for different cities and states to be considered part of the middle class. For instance, Fremont in the Bay Area has the highest income range for its middle class, while Mississippi, West Virginia, and Louisiana have lower thresholds.
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National Salary Range for Households: The article provides a national range for a three-person household to be considered part of the middle class, emphasizing the income diversity across the country.
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Census Bureau Data: The information provided is based on data analysis from the U.S. Census Bureau, a reputable source for socioeconomic statistics and information.
Understanding these concepts requires a deep dive into socioeconomic factors, including income disparities, cost of living indexes, household income metrics, and regional variations in expenses. It's a complex but essential aspect of understanding societal structures and economic disparities within a country.
