Upper-Middle Class Income by State

0:00Welcome to Birmingham News Today, two minutes of news that matter to Birmingham. A new study from personal finance site, Geobanking Rates, shows what it takes for a household to hit upper middle-class status, and it changes a lot. Depending on your state, they use 2024 census data to define middle-class as two-thirds to double the median household income, then split that range into three. Equal parts, upper middle-class starts at the top third. In Massachusetts, you need over $163,000 to get there, the highest in the country. Down in Mississippi, that line is just $92,000, the lowest. Researchers pulled in factors like population and ages for all 50 states to make fair comparisons. This set up highlights how local costs push those numbers up or down. For example, high cost spots like the Northeast and West Coast demand bigger paychecks to feel middle-class. People are buzzing about this because it explains why the same salary feels rich in one place and stretched in another.

1:04Families in pricey areas like California might hustle for 156,000 just to enter upper middle while Midwest households breathe. Easier at lower thresholds. It ties right into debates on affordability and moving for better money vibes. Top states include New Jersey at $162,000, Maryland around $160,000, Hawaii at $157,000, and California just under that. These spots boast mediums over $100,000, so the bar stays sky high. Meanwhile, seven states lag behind with West Virginia and Louisiana needing about $95,000, Arkansas at $97,000, and Kentucky around $100,000 to cross into upper middle. The study reminds us location shapes your financial class more than you might think. The Daily News Now is powered by our sponsor, Link in the description. Some travel miles to find peace. I just climb into bed and listen. S-O-L-L-I, solelypillow.com