See how much money you need to make to be considered middle-class in every US state

You've been hearing about the K-shaped economy and the shrinking middle class, but what does it actually mean to be in the middle class at all in the US today?For many, the label can describe a suburban, non-excessive way of life, but the actual income it implies can span a wide range.A recent SmartAsset study calculated the income needed to be considered middle class in every US state.The study used the US Census Bureau's 2024 one-year American Community Survey median household income estimates for all 50 states. It applied a variation of the Pew Research Center's definition of middle class — households that earn between two-thirds and double the median income — to identify a middle-class salary range.Rankings were then determined by comparing the upper limit of middle-class income among states and ranking those earnings from highest to lowest.In five states, households earning over $200,000 can still be considered middle class, while in seven, you can be counted in the category even with household incomes of under $45,000.In Massachusetts, the highest-ranked state, a household can earn up to $209,656 and still be considered middle class, while in Mississippi, the lowest-ranked, earning more than $118,254 puts you above the threshold.Meanwhile, in West Virginia, the second-lowest, a household earning $40,532 can be considered middle class, while in New Jersey, the second-highest, it takes an annual income of $69,529 to do so.See how much money you really need to earn to be in the middle class in every US state.