What Income Level is Considered Middle Class in Your State?

For much of the last decade in the United States, the rich have been getting richer, and the poor have been getting poorer. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the real median household income climbed to $80,610 in 2023, representing a 4.0% recovery. However, the concentration of wealth remains stark; the average income of households in the highest quintile is approximately $418,100—roughly 19 times that of the lowest quintile, which sits at $22,500. This ongoing disparity is closely connected to the long-term hollowing out of the middle class.

A 2022 study from the Pew Research Center found that the share of American adults in the middle-income tier fell from 61% in 1971 to just 50% in 2021. The declining ranks of middle-income Americans has been precipitated by a number of factors, including globalization and technological advancements. In recent decades, many well-paying factory and white-collar jobs have shifted to lower-cost markets overseas or been taken over by computers and automation.

These indicators of middle class status are not hard and fast rules, however, and lose their utility when analyzing large populations. While perhaps less nuanced and comprehensive, household income offers a more quantifiable gauge of middle-class status.

Using data from the U.S. Census Bureau’s 2022 and 2023 American Community Survey updates, 24/7 Wall St. identified the income it takes to be considered middle class in every state. Middle-income ranges were calculated using a version of the Pew Research Center’s methodology. In each state, the income threshold for middle-class is anywhere between two-thirds and double the state’s median household income. All supplemental data in the story is from the ACS and the Bureau of Economic Analysis.

The estimated minimum household income necessary to be in the middle class ranges from about $35,149 to just over $64,231, depending on the state. Meanwhile, the upper-limit of middle class incomes varies by state from about $105,446 to nearly $192,692. Across the U.S. as a whole, a middle class household can earn anywhere from $53,740 to $161,220. (Here is a look at the salary it takes to be rich in each state.)

While there are some exceptions, states with higher income thresholds also tend to have a higher overall cost of living. Conversely, the cost of living in a given state with a lower-income middle class tends to be below average. (Here is a look at the most expensive states to live in.)

It is important to note that this ranking does not account for household size — and that many members of the middle class, more broadly defined, may have incomes that fall outside of the ranges presented on this list. Still, most households with incomes that fall within these upper and lower thresholds comprise the core of each state’s middle class.

This post was updated on April 16, 2026 to include the latest 2023-2025 financial data and population estimates.

Why It Matters

The middle class has long been the economic backbone of the United States. In addition to being a pillar of stability, a strong middle class is also a key driver of economic growth. Middle class households offer a reliable market for goods and services, their labor is an engine of entrepreneurship and innovation, and their tax dollars help sustain investment in quality public services. Exactly what income level is enough to afford a middle-class lifestyle varies across the country, however, and in some states, the middle class is far wealthier than in others.

Alabama

• Income needed to be considered middle class: $39,783 – $119,348
• Median household income: $59,674 (7th lowest of 50 states)
• Avg. income among poorest 20% of households: $11,401 (5th lowest of 50 states)
• Avg. income among wealthiest 20% of households: $213,012 (8th lowest of 50 states)
• Cost of living in Alabama: 12.2% lower than avg.
• Total population: 5,193,088

Alaska

• Income needed to be considered middle class: $58,747 – $176,242
• Median household income: $88,121 (11th highest of 50 states)
• Avg. income among poorest 20% of households: $20,172 (4th highest of 50 states)
• Avg. income among wealthiest 20% of households: $254,899 (20th highest of 50 states)
• Cost of living in Alaska: 2.0% higher than avg.
• Total population: 737,270

Arizona

• Income needed to be considered middle class: $49,712 – $149,136
• Median household income: $74,568 (19th highest of 50 states)
• Avg. income among poorest 20% of households: $16,732 (19th highest of 50 states)
• Avg. income among wealthiest 20% of households: $254,650 (21st highest of 50 states)
• Cost of living in Arizona: 0.1% lower than avg.
• Total population: 7,623,818

Arkansas

• Income needed to be considered middle class: $36,955 – $110,864
• Median household income: $55,432 (4th lowest of 50 states)
• Avg. income among poorest 20% of households: $11,225 (3rd lowest of 50 states)
• Avg. income among wealthiest 20% of households: $196,563 (3rd lowest of 50 states)
• Cost of living in Arkansas: 13.4% lower than avg.
• Total population: 3,114,791

California

• Income needed to be considered middle class: $61,034 – $183,102
• Median household income: $91,551 (5th highest of 50 states)
• Avg. income among poorest 20% of households: $18,110 (12th highest of 50 states)
• Avg. income among wealthiest 20% of households: $346,847 (2nd highest of 50 states)
• Cost of living in California: 12.5% higher than avg.
• Total population: 39,355,309

Colorado

• Income needed to be considered middle class: $59,535 – $178,604
• Median household income: $89,302 (8th highest of 50 states)
• Avg. income among poorest 20% of households: $20,359 (3rd highest of 50 states)
• Avg. income among wealthiest 20% of households: $293,864 (10th highest of 50 states)
• Cost of living in Colorado: 2.3% higher than avg.
• Total population: 6,012,561

Connecticut

• Income needed to be considered middle class: $58,953 – $176,858
• Median household income: $88,429 (10th highest of 50 states)
• Avg. income among poorest 20% of households: $17,449 (15th highest of 50 states)
• Avg. income among wealthiest 20% of households: $340,731 (4th highest of 50 states)
• Cost of living in Connecticut: 6.4% higher than avg.
• Total population: 3,688,496

Delaware

• Income needed to be considered middle class: $54,783 – $164,348
• Median household income: $82,174 (14th highest of 50 states)
• Avg. income among poorest 20% of households: $19,510 (7th highest of 50 states)
• Avg. income among wealthiest 20% of households: $252,376 (23rd highest of 50 states)
• Cost of living in Delaware: 2.0% lower than avg.
• Total population: 1,059,952

Florida

• Income needed to be considered middle class: $46,202 – $138,606
• Median household income: $69,303 (18th lowest of 50 states)
• Avg. income among poorest 20% of households: $15,293 (17th lowest of 50 states)
• Avg. income among wealthiest 20% of households: $261,209 (17th highest of 50 states)
• Cost of living in Florida: 2.1% higher than avg.
• Total population: 23,462,518

Georgia

• Income needed to be considered middle class: $48,558 – $145,674
• Median household income: $72,837 (21st highest of 50 states)
• Avg. income among poorest 20% of households: $15,412 (21st lowest of 50 states)
• Avg. income among wealthiest 20% of households: $253,577 (22nd highest of 50 states)
• Cost of living in Georgia: 4.2% lower than avg.
• Total population: 11,302,748

Hawaii

• Income needed to be considered middle class: $61,639 – $184,916
• Median household income: $92,458 (4th highest of 50 states)
• Avg. income among poorest 20% of households: $18,975 (10th highest of 50 states)
• Avg. income among wealthiest 20% of households: $297,132 (9th highest of 50 states)
• Cost of living in Hawaii: 10.8% higher than avg.
• Total population: 1,432,820

Idaho

• Income needed to be considered middle class: $48,523 – $145,570
• Median household income: $72,785 (22nd highest of 50 states)
• Avg. income among poorest 20% of households: $18,560 (11th highest of 50 states)
• Avg. income among wealthiest 20% of households: $229,521 (18th lowest of 50 states)
• Cost of living in Idaho: 8.2% lower than avg.
• Total population: 2,029,733

Illinois

• Income needed to be considered middle class: $51,139 – $153,416
• Median household income: $76,708 (17th highest of 50 states)
• Avg. income among poorest 20% of households: $15,343 (19th lowest of 50 states)
• Avg. income among wealthiest 20% of households: $275,167 (12th highest of 50 states)
• Cost of living in Illinois: 1.3% higher than avg.
• Total population: 12,719,141

Indiana

• Income needed to be considered middle class: $44,523 – $133,570
• Median household income: $66,785 (13th lowest of 50 states)
• Avg. income among poorest 20% of households: $15,202 (16th lowest of 50 states)
• Avg. income among wealthiest 20% of households: $218,385 (10th lowest of 50 states)
• Cost of living in Indiana: 8.2% lower than avg.
• Total population: 6,973,333

Iowa

• Income needed to be considered middle class: $46,392 – $139,176
• Median household income: $69,588 (20th lowest of 50 states)
• Avg. income among poorest 20% of households: $16,973 (18th highest of 50 states)
• Avg. income among wealthiest 20% of households: $226,830 (16th lowest of 50 states)
• Cost of living in Iowa: 11.6% lower than avg.
• Total population: 3,238,387

Kansas

• Income needed to be considered middle class: $45,950 – $137,850
• Median household income: $68,925 (17th lowest of 50 states)
• Avg. income among poorest 20% of households: $15,724 (23rd lowest of 50 states)
• Avg. income among wealthiest 20% of households: $232,612 (22nd lowest of 50 states)
• Cost of living in Kansas: 10.0% lower than avg.
• Total population: 2,977,220

Kentucky

• Income needed to be considered middle class: $39,561 – $118,682
• Median household income: $59,341 (5th lowest of 50 states)
• Avg. income among poorest 20% of households: $11,942 (7th lowest of 50 states)
• Avg. income among wealthiest 20% of households: $212,554 (7th lowest of 50 states)
• Cost of living in Kentucky: 10.6% lower than avg.
• Total population: 4,606,864

Louisiana

• Income needed to be considered middle class: $36,944 – $110,832
• Median household income: $55,416 (3rd lowest of 50 states)
• Avg. income among poorest 20% of households: $10,691 (2nd lowest of 50 states)
• Avg. income among wealthiest 20% of households: $205,286 (4th lowest of 50 states)
• Cost of living in Louisiana: 9.4% lower than avg.
• Total population: 4,618,189

Maine

• Income needed to be considered middle class: $46,362 – $139,086
• Median household income: $69,543 (19th lowest of 50 states)
• Avg. income among poorest 20% of households: $15,968 (24th highest of 50 states)
• Avg. income among wealthiest 20% of households: $231,939 (21st lowest of 50 states)
• Cost of living in Maine: 0.8% higher than avg.
• Total population: 1,414,874

Maryland

• Income needed to be considered middle class: $63,327 – $189,982
• Median household income: $94,991 (2nd highest of 50 states)
• Avg. income among poorest 20% of households: $19,444 (8th highest of 50 states)
• Avg. income among wealthiest 20% of households: $308,921 (7th highest of 50 states)
• Cost of living in Maryland: 5.0% higher than avg.
• Total population: 6,265,347

Massachusetts

• Income needed to be considered middle class: $62,992 – $188,976
• Median household income: $94,488 (3rd highest of 50 states)
• Avg. income among poorest 20% of households: $16,996 (17th highest of 50 states)
• Avg. income among wealthiest 20% of households: $351,952 (the highest of 50 states)
• Cost of living in Massachusetts: 9.4% higher than avg.
• Total population: 7,154,084

Michigan

• Income needed to be considered middle class: $44,658 – $133,974
• Median household income: $66,986 (14th lowest of 50 states)
• Avg. income among poorest 20% of households: $14,755 (14th lowest of 50 states)
• Avg. income among wealthiest 20% of households: $232,246 (21st lowest of 50 states)
• Cost of living in Michigan: 6.6% lower than avg.
• Total population: 10,127,884

Minnesota

• Income needed to be considered middle class: $54,892 – $164,676
• Median household income: $82,338 (13th highest of 50 states)
• Avg. income among poorest 20% of households: $18,980 (9th highest of 50 states)
• Avg. income among wealthiest 20% of households: $270,174 (13th highest of 50 states)
• Cost of living in Minnesota: 2.3% lower than avg.
• Total population: 5,830,405

Mississippi

• Income needed to be considered middle class: $35,149 – $105,446
• Median household income: $52,723 (the lowest of 50 states)
• Avg. income among poorest 20% of households: $9,963 (the lowest of 50 states)
• Avg. income among wealthiest 20% of households: $187,052 (the lowest of 50 states)
• Cost of living in Mississippi: 12.7% lower than avg.
• Total population: 2,954,160

Missouri

• Income needed to be considered middle class: $43,207 – $129,622
• Median household income: $64,811 (10th lowest of 50 states)
• Avg. income among poorest 20% of households: $14,324 (12th lowest of 50 states)
• Avg. income among wealthiest 20% of households: $222,783 (12th lowest of 50 states)
• Cost of living in Missouri: 8.9% lower than avg.
• Total population: 6,270,541

Montana

• Income needed to be considered middle class: $45,087 – $135,262
• Median household income: $67,631 (16th lowest of 50 states)
• Avg. income among poorest 20% of households: $15,384 (20th lowest of 50 states)
• Avg. income among wealthiest 20% of households: $228,532 (17th lowest of 50 states)
• Cost of living in Montana: 9.7% lower than avg.
• Total population: 1,144,694

Nebraska

• Income needed to be considered middle class: $46,552 – $139,656
• Median household income: $69,828 (23rd lowest of 50 states)
• Avg. income among poorest 20% of households: $16,846 (19th highest of 50 states)
• Avg. income among wealthiest 20% of households: $229,195 (17th lowest of 50 states)
• Cost of living in Nebraska: 10.2% lower than avg.
• Total population: 2,018,006

Nevada

• Income needed to be considered middle class: $48,222 – $144,666
• Median household income: $72,333 (23rd highest of 50 states)
• Avg. income among poorest 20% of households: $16,162 (22nd highest of 50 states)
• Avg. income among wealthiest 20% of households: $247,917 (24th highest of 50 states)
• Cost of living in Nevada: 3.6% lower than avg.
• Total population: 3,282,188

New Hampshire

• Income needed to be considered middle class: $59,995 – $179,984
• Median household income: $89,992 (7th highest of 50 states)
• Avg. income among poorest 20% of households: $21,841 (2nd highest of 50 states)
• Avg. income among wealthiest 20% of households: $288,945 (11th highest of 50 states)
• Cost of living in New Hampshire: 7.6% higher than avg.
• Total population: 1,415,342

New Jersey

• Income needed to be considered middle class: $64,231 – $192,692
• Median household income: $96,346 (the highest of 50 states)
• Avg. income among poorest 20% of households: $19,682 (6th highest of 50 states)
• Avg. income among wealthiest 20% of households: $344,854 (3rd highest of 50 states)
• Cost of living in New Jersey: 8.8% higher than avg.
• Total population: 9,548,215

New Mexico

• Income needed to be considered middle class: $39,817 – $119,452
• Median household income: $59,726 (8th lowest of 50 states)
• Avg. income among poorest 20% of households: $11,775 (6th lowest of 50 states)
• Avg. income among wealthiest 20% of households: $209,081 (5th lowest of 50 states)
• Cost of living in New Mexico: 9.0% lower than avg.
• Total population: 2,125,498

New York

• Income needed to be considered middle class: $53,038 – $159,114
• Median household income: $79,557 (16th highest of 50 states)
• Avg. income among poorest 20% of households: $13,591 (9th lowest of 50 states)
• Avg. income among wealthiest 20% of households: $326,428 (5th highest of 50 states)
• Cost of living in New York: 7.6% higher than avg.
• Total population: 20,002,427

North Carolina

• Income needed to be considered middle class: $44,987 – $134,962
• Median household income: $67,481 (15th lowest of 50 states)
• Avg. income among poorest 20% of households: $15,096 (15th lowest of 50 states)
• Avg. income among wealthiest 20% of households: $241,821 (25th lowest of 50 states)
• Cost of living in North Carolina: 5.8% lower than avg.
• Total population: 11,197,968

North Dakota

• Income needed to be considered middle class: $47,980 – $143,940
• Median household income: $71,970 (25th highest of 50 states)
• Avg. income among poorest 20% of households: $16,049 (23rd highest of 50 states)
• Avg. income among wealthiest 20% of households: $245,836 (25th highest of 50 states)
• Cost of living in North Dakota: 11.3% lower than avg.
• Total population: 799,358

Ohio

• Income needed to be considered middle class: $43,813 – $131,440
• Median household income: $65,720 (12th lowest of 50 states)
• Avg. income among poorest 20% of households: $14,195 (11th lowest of 50 states)
• Avg. income among wealthiest 20% of households: $226,591 (14th lowest of 50 states)
• Cost of living in Ohio: 8.6% lower than avg.
• Total population: 11,900,510

Oklahoma

• Income needed to be considered middle class: $39,782 – $119,346
• Median household income: $59,673 (6th lowest of 50 states)
• Avg. income among poorest 20% of households: $13,082 (8th lowest of 50 states)
• Avg. income among wealthiest 20% of households: $210,114 (6th lowest of 50 states)
• Cost of living in Oklahoma: 11.2% lower than avg.
• Total population: 4,123,288

Oregon

• Income needed to be considered middle class: $50,438 – $151,314
• Median household income: $75,657 (18th highest of 50 states)
• Avg. income among poorest 20% of households: $16,482 (20th highest of 50 states)
• Avg. income among wealthiest 20% of households: $258,823 (18th highest of 50 states)
• Cost of living in Oregon: 6.6% higher than avg.
• Total population: 4,273,586

Pennsylvania

• Income needed to be considered middle class: $47,865 – $143,596
• Median household income: $71,798 (25th lowest of 50 states)
• Avg. income among poorest 20% of households: $15,303 (18th lowest of 50 states)
• Avg. income among wealthiest 20% of households: $255,764 (19th highest of 50 states)
• Cost of living in Pennsylvania: 3.8% lower than avg.
• Total population: 13,059,432

Rhode Island

• Income needed to be considered middle class: $54,569 – $163,708
• Median household income: $81,854 (15th highest of 50 states)
• Avg. income among poorest 20% of households: $15,526 (22nd lowest of 50 states)
• Avg. income among wealthiest 20% of households: $266,185 (15th highest of 50 states)
• Cost of living in Rhode Island: 4.7% higher than avg.
• Total population: 1,114,521

South Carolina

• Income needed to be considered middle class: $42,743 – $128,230
• Median household income: $64,115 (9th lowest of 50 states)
• Avg. income among poorest 20% of households: $13,906 (10th lowest of 50 states)
• Avg. income among wealthiest 20% of households: $226,183 (13th lowest of 50 states)
• Cost of living in South Carolina: 6.4% lower than avg.
• Total population: 5,570,274

South Dakota

• Income needed to be considered middle class: $46,485 – $139,456
• Median household income: $69,728 (22nd lowest of 50 states)
• Avg. income among poorest 20% of households: $15,826 (25th lowest of 50 states)
• Avg. income among wealthiest 20% of households: $220,281 (11th lowest of 50 states)
• Cost of living in South Dakota: 12.0% lower than avg.
• Total population: 935,094

Tennessee

• Income needed to be considered middle class: $43,503 – $130,508
• Median household income: $65,254 (11th lowest of 50 states)
• Avg. income among poorest 20% of households: $14,667 (13th lowest of 50 states)
• Avg. income among wealthiest 20% of households: $226,707 (15th lowest of 50 states)
• Cost of living in Tennessee: 8.2% lower than avg.
• Total population: 7,315,076

Texas

• Income needed to be considered middle class: $48,189 – $144,568
• Median household income: $72,284 (24th highest of 50 states)
• Avg. income among poorest 20% of households: $15,762 (24th lowest of 50 states)
• Avg. income among wealthiest 20% of households: $261,583 (16th highest of 50 states)
• Cost of living in Texas: 2.5% lower than avg.
• Total population: 31,709,821

Utah

• Income needed to be considered middle class: $59,445 – $178,336
• Median household income: $89,168 (9th highest of 50 states)
• Avg. income among poorest 20% of households: $23,988 (the highest of 50 states)
• Avg. income among wealthiest 20% of households: $267,902 (14th highest of 50 states)
• Cost of living in Utah: 5.5% lower than avg.
• Total population: 3,538,904

Vermont

• Income needed to be considered middle class: $49,327 – $147,982
• Median household income: $73,991 (20th highest of 50 states)
• Avg. income among poorest 20% of households: $17,704 (14th highest of 50 states)
• Avg. income among wealthiest 20% of households: $233,602 (23rd lowest of 50 states)
• Cost of living in Vermont: 1.1% higher than avg.
• Total population: 644,663

Virginia

• Income needed to be considered middle class: $57,249 – $171,746
• Median household income: $85,873 (12th highest of 50 states)
• Avg. income among poorest 20% of households: $17,905 (13th highest of 50 states)
• Avg. income among wealthiest 20% of households: $302,515 (8th highest of 50 states)
• Cost of living in Virginia: 2.1% higher than avg.
• Total population: 8,880,107

Washington

• Income needed to be considered middle class: $60,217 – $180,650
• Median household income: $90,325 (7th highest of 50 states)
• Avg. income among poorest 20% of households: $19,301 (8th highest of 50 states)
• Avg. income among wealthiest 20% of households: $314,635 (7th highest of 50 states)
• Cost of living in Washington: 12.9% higher than avg. [6]
• Total population: 8,001,020

West Virginia

• Income needed to be considered middle class: $36,211 – $108,632
• Median household income: $54,316 (2nd lowest of 50 states)
• Avg. income among poorest 20% of households: $10,470 (2nd lowest of 50 states)
• Avg. income among wealthiest 20% of households: $188,881 (2nd lowest of 50 states)
• Cost of living in West Virginia: 12.0% lower than avg. [6]
• Total population: 1,766,147

Wisconsin

• Income needed to be considered middle class: $47,314 – $141,942
• Median household income: $70,971 (24th lowest of 50 states)
• Avg. income among poorest 20% of households: $16,215 (21st highest of 50 states)
• Avg. income among wealthiest 20% of households: $229,656 (19th lowest of 50 states)
• Cost of living in Wisconsin: 1.5% lower than avg. [6]
• Total population: 5,972,787

Wyoming

• Income needed to be considered middle class: $46,695 – $140,084
• Median household income: $70,042 (23rd lowest of 50 states)
• Avg. income among poorest 20% of households: $15,900 (25th highest of 50 states)
• Avg. income among wealthiest 20% of households: $214,972 (9th lowest of 50 states)
• Cost of living in Wyoming: 5.4% lower than avg. [6]
• Total population: 588,753