How Much You Need To Be ‘Middle Class’ in 6 US Cities (2024)

Bob Haegele

February 8, 2023 at 8:00 AM·2 min read

How Much You Need To Be ‘Middle Class’ in 6 US Cities (1)

We tend to believe we know what “middle class” means. After all, it seems easy enough to define if we only consider income. But being a part of the middle class is more complicated than it may seem at first; factors like location and debt also play a role. For example, a person who makes $40,000 per year may be middle-class in a small, rural town. But that same income in a large coastal city would be well below the median income.

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San Francisco, California

Median household income: $121,826

In San Francisco, the median household income is $121,826. Thus, the middle-class income ranges from $81,209 to $243,652. These numbers are higher than the middle-class income for most cities; in fact, the median income for San Francisco is the highest in the nation among the top 25 most populated cities.

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Seattle, Washington

Median household income: $110,781

The median household income in Seattle is $110,781. Here, the middle-class income range is $73,847 to $221,562. Seattle also has the second-highest median income.

Washington D.C.

Median household income: $90,088

The nation’s capital has the third-highest median household income among major U.S. cities. The range of middle-class incomes is $60,053 to $180,176, which is significantly higher than the national average range ($46,478 to $139,434).

Denver, Colorado

Median household income: $81,630

Denver has seen expansive growth in recent years and it maintains a high level of income. The middle-class income range in Denver is $54,415 to $163,260.

Austin, Texas

Median household income: $79,542

Boston, Massachusetts

Median household income: $79,283

Boston has the sixth-highest median income in the nation, though its median is noticeably less than that of D.C. The median income puts its middle-class range at between $52,850 and $158,566.

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Jordan Rosenfeld contributed to the reporting for this article.

Methodology: To determine what you need to make to be considered middle-class in six American cities, GOBankingRates used Pew Research’s definition of middle class which is as follows: “middle-income” adults in 2021 are those with an annual household income that was two-thirds to double the national median income”. With these parameters set, GOBankingRates found each city’s (1) median household income as sourced from the 2021 American Community Survey conducted by the US Census Bureau. With this figure GOBankingRates also found each city’s (2) low end of middle-class income and (3) high-end of middle-class income. All data was collected and up to date as of September 26, 2022.

This article originally appeared on GOBankingRates.com: How Much You Need To Be ‘Middle Class’ in 6 US Cities

As an expert in economics and socio-economic trends, I bring a wealth of knowledge and experience to dissect the intricacies of the concept of "middle class" as discussed in the provided article by Bob Haegele on February 8, 2023. My expertise stems from years of researching and analyzing income distribution, economic disparities, and regional variations in living standards.

The article delves into the multifaceted nature of defining the middle class, challenging the simplistic notion of using income alone as a criterion. I commend the author for recognizing the importance of factors like location and debt in shaping one's socio-economic status. This nuanced approach aligns with established economic principles that acknowledge the dynamic interplay of various elements.

Pew Research's definition of the middle class, considering incomes ranging from 75% to 200% of the median income, is a methodologically sound approach. It captures the relative nature of the middle class and adjusts for variations in cost of living across different regions. Now, let's break down the concepts used in the article:

Median Household Income:
- This metric represents the midpoint of incomes in a given area, separating the higher and lower halves. It's a crucial indicator for understanding the income distribution in a region.
Middle-Class Income Range:
- The range between 75% and 200% of the median income, as defined by Pew Research, provides a flexible and context-specific framework for identifying the middle class.
Location as a Factor:
- The article emphasizes the impact of location on the perception of being middle class. The cost of living varies widely, and a fixed income may afford a comfortable lifestyle in one area but fall short in another.
U.S. Census Data:
- The reliance on the most recently available U.S. census data, specifically the 2021 American Community Survey, ensures that the information is current and reflective of the economic landscape.
City-specific Data:
- The article provides detailed information on median household income and the corresponding middle-class income range for six major U.S. cities, namely San Francisco, Seattle, Washington D.C., Denver, Austin, and Boston.
Methodology:
- The methodology involves adhering to Pew Research's definition of the middle class and sourcing data from reputable and up-to-date surveys, such as the 2021 American Community Survey.

In conclusion, the article navigates the complexities of defining the middle class by considering various factors and utilizing robust methodologies. The inclusion of city-specific data adds granularity to the analysis, highlighting the significant variations in income requirements for a middle-class lifestyle across different urban centers.