What Is Middle Class Income in the U.S.?
Discover the income range defining the U.S. middle class, how it varies by city and state, and its impact on taxes and lifestyle.
The concept of middle-class income in the U.S. evokes images of financial stability, homeownership, and comfortable living. But defining it precisely is challenging due to varying costs of living across regions. According to Pew Research Center, middle-class households earn between two-thirds and double the median U.S. household income. For 2024, with a national median of $81,604 from the U.S. Census Bureau, this translates to approximately $53,858 to $163,208 annually.
This range marks the boundary between low-income (below $53,858) and upper-income (above $163,208) households. However, local medians adjust these thresholds significantly, making a $100,000 salary middle-class in Buffalo, New York, but lower-income in Seattle, Washington.
Why Is It Important to Know If You Have a Middle-Class Income?
Understanding your middle-class status provides critical insights into your financial health. It contextualizes spending, saving, and investment decisions, helping set realistic goals like home buying or retirement planning.
- Tax Planning: Middle-class earners typically fall into 22%, 24%, or 32% federal tax brackets, qualifying for credits like the Child Tax Credit or mortgage interest deductions.
- Government Benefits: Eligibility for programs such as housing incentives or education aid often hinges on income brackets.
- Economic Awareness: Tracks how inflation, policy changes, and cost-of-living adjustments impact personal finances.
In an era of rising costs, knowing your bracket empowers proactive financial strategies, potentially maximizing wealth through advisor consultations.
Middle Class Income Tax Brackets
Federal income taxes operate on a progressive system, where rates increase with income. Middle-class households rarely hit the extremes of 10% or 37% brackets; instead, they pay 22%, 24%, or 32% on portions of their income.
Not all income is taxed at the highest bracket rate. For example, the first dollars earned are taxed at 10%, progressively higher up to your bracket. This marginal system ensures fairness.
| Tax Bracket | Approximate Income Range (Single Filer, 2025 est.) | Typical Middle-Class Fit |
|---|---|---|
| 10% | $0 – $11,600 | Lower end |
| 12% | $11,601 – $47,150 | Lower-middle |
| 22% | $47,151 – $100,525 | Core middle class |
| 24% | $100,526 – $191,950 | Upper-middle |
| 32% | $191,951 – $243,725 | Higher middle/upper transition |
| 35%+ | Above $243,725 | Upper class |
State taxes vary: some impose progressive rates, others flat taxes, affecting net middle-class income.
What Income Level Is Considered Middle Class?
Pew’s definition remains the gold standard: 67% to 200% of the local median household income. Nationally, $53,858-$163,208 captures the middle 50% of earners.
Household size, location, and inflation adjust this. Dual-income families often qualify more easily than singles.
Middle Class Income by State
Middle-class thresholds differ vastly by state due to economic disparities. Using 2023 Census data and Pew methodology, here’s a snapshot:
| State | Median Income (2023) | Middle-Class Range (2023) |
|---|---|---|
| Washington | $94,605 | $63,064 – $189,210 |
| New Jersey | $162,336 | $108,213 – $324,672 |
| California (e.g., San Mateo) | $159,275 | $106,173 – $318,550 |
| New York (e.g., Buffalo) | $46,458 | $30,969 – $92,916 |
In high-cost states like New Jersey, middle-class starts over $108,000, while affordable areas like Buffalo begin under $31,000.
Middle Class Income in Big Cities
Urban areas amplify variations. Across 100 largest cities, median income is $74,225 (2023), yielding $49,478-$148,449 middle-class range—up from $47,568-$142,718 in 2022.
- Seattle, WA: $80,397-$241,216 (median $120,608)
- Scottsdale, AZ: $70,698-$212,116 (median $106,058)
- Buffalo, NY: $30,969-$92,916 (median $46,458)
Cities like San Mateo, CA, push upper limits near $319,000 due to tech-driven medians.
How the Middle Class Is Shrinking
The U.S. middle class, once the economy’s backbone, has shrunk over 50 years, dropping more than 10 percentage points. Rising costs in housing, education, and healthcare squeeze households, pushing many into lower or upper tiers.
Post-pandemic inflation exacerbated this, with 2023-2024 data showing upward shifts in required incomes.
Data and Methodology
Analyses draw from U.S. Census Bureau’s American Community Survey (2023 1-year data), applying Pew’s two-thirds to double median formula to 100 cities and 50 states.
This local adjustment accounts for cost-of-living differences, providing precise, locale-specific ranges over national averages.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the average middle-class income in the U.S.?
A: Nationally, $53,858 to $163,208 based on 2024 median of $81,604, per Pew and Census data.
Is $100,000 middle class?
A: Yes in most areas like Buffalo ($92,916 upper limit), but no in Seattle (lower limit $80,397).
How do taxes affect middle-class income?
A: Middle earners pay 22%-32% marginal rates federally, with progressive taxation and state variations.
Why does middle-class income vary by city?
A: Local medians reflect economic factors; high-cost cities like Seattle have higher thresholds.
Is the middle class shrinking?
A: Yes, down over 10 points in 50 years due to cost pressures.
References
- What It Takes to Be Middle Class in America – 2025 Study — SmartAsset. 2025. https://smartasset.com/data-studies/middle-class-2025
- What Is Middle Class Income in the U.S.? — SmartAsset. 2025. https://smartasset.com/personal-finance/what-is-middle-class-income-in-the-u-s
- What It Takes to Be Middle Class in America’s Largest Cities – 2023 — SmartAsset. 2023. https://smartasset.com/data-studies/how-to-be-middle-class-americas-largest-cities-2023
- What It Takes to Be Middle Class in America – 2024 Study — SmartAsset. 2024. https://smartasset.com/data-studies/middle-class-2024
- The Income Needed to be Middle Class in Every U.S. State (2025) — Visual Capitalist. 2025. https://www.visualcapitalist.com/the-income-needed-to-be-middle-class-in-every-u-s-state-2025/
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