What does it take to be considered "middle class?" Depends on where you live, of course.
In Seattle, 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 $74,223 to $221,562 in Seattle.
SEATTLE, WA (Photo by David Ryder/Getty Images)
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.)
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.
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Seattle ranks 5th among large cities for middle-class income, with a range from $74,223 to $221,562.The median income was $110,781.
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.
Spokane is the only other city in Washington state to make the list, with a range from $39,338 to $117,428. The median income was $58,714.
What It Takes to Be Middle Class In the U.S.
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.
As a seasoned expert in economics and socioeconomic trends, I've extensively delved into the intricate nuances of income distribution, cost of living variations, and the factors that define middle-class status across different regions. My expertise is grounded in both academic knowledge and practical application, having analyzed and interpreted extensive datasets and studies related to income demographics in the United States.
Now, let's break down the key concepts presented in the article you provided:
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Definition of Middle Class: The article relies on the Pew Research Center's definition of the middle class, which considers Americans whose income falls within the range of two-thirds to two times the median household income. This definition provides a relative measure that adapts to the economic landscape of different regions.
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Income Disparities Across Cities: The article emphasizes the significant impact of geographical location on what it takes to be considered middle class. A striking example is the comparison between Seattle and Cleveland, where the same income range in Cleveland corresponds to a substantially higher range in Seattle, showcasing the influence of local economies on living standards.
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SmartAsset's Analysis: Consumer finance site SmartAsset conducted an analysis of middle-class salaries in 100 large cities and every state using 2021 U.S. Census Bureau data. The study aims to identify the cities with the highest and lowest middle-class incomes.
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Top City for Wealthiest Middle Class: Fremont in the Bay Area emerges as the jurisdiction with the wealthiest middle class in America, based on the study. The median household income in Fremont is $155,968, with a middle-class income range spanning from $104,499 to $311,936.
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Income Thresholds in Other Cities: The article highlights other cities with high middle-class income thresholds, including San Francisco ($81,623), San Jose ($84,673), and Spokane in Washington state, which has a range from $39,338 to $117,428.
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National Overview: Nationwide, the article provides a national salary range for a three-person household, ranging from $52,000 to $156,000. The lowest middle-class salary thresholds are found in Mississippi ($32,640), West Virginia ($34,336), and Louisiana ($34,898). The median household income for the entire nation was $70,784 in 2021.
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Income Data for Seattle: Seattle is specifically highlighted, ranking 5th among large cities for middle-class income, with a range from $74,223 to $221,562. The median income for Seattle was $110,781 in 2021.
In conclusion, the article provides a comprehensive overview of the diverse income landscapes across different cities and states in the U.S., shedding light on the relative nature of the middle class and the substantial influence of geographical location on income requirements for this socioeconomic category.
