How much income is considered middle class in America?

Based on data updated through February 2025, SmartAsset defines the middle class as households with incomes between two-thirds and twice the national median income.

Currently, the median household income in the US is around $75,000, with half the population earning less than this.

States with strong, urban economies, like California or New York, have higher income thresholds to be considered middle class, while rural states with low costs of living, like West Virginia or Arkansas, set lower requirements.

In Massachusetts, a household needs to earn between $67,000 and $200,000 to be middle class. The cost of living is high here due to high housing prices, high taxes and strong consumer demand. The state’s economy relies on the technology, health care and education industries, attracting many high-income workers and pushing up real estate prices, especially in Boston.

Meanwhile, Mississippi has the lowest median income, starting at just $36,132. The state has the lowest cost of living in the country, with low home prices, low median wages, and relatively low taxes. Essential items like food, health care, and transportation are also cheaper than the national average.

Ngoc Anh (according to Visual Capitalist, CNBC, Newsweek)

Source: https://www.congluan.vn/thu-nhap-bao-nhieu-moi-duoc-coi-la-tang-lop-trung-luu-o-my-post340594.html