What It Takes To Be Middle Class in Every State

Written by Alina Wang on May 27, 2025

Aerial view of downtown Detroit, Michigan at sunset, showing modern skyscrapers, historic buildings, and the Detroit River with a white boat docked along the waterfront.

In this economy, making ends meet feels harder than ever, let alone having enough money to build real wealth. So what defines a middle-class salary in your state? If you’ve ever wondered where the line falls, you’re not alone. From California’s sky-high costs to Mississippi’s lower bar, a 2025 study by SmartAsset crunches the numbers to reveal the sweet spot. Check out where your paycheck stacks up — and whether you’re keeping pace with the middle-class American dream.

Alabama

Aerial view of a cityscape during sunset, with modern skyscrapers and office buildings. The sky shows a gradient from orange to blue, and the streets below are visible with parked cars and trees. — Jacob Boomsma/istockphoto

Jacob Boomsma/istockphoto

Lowest bounds on middle class income: $41,471
Upper bounds on middle class income: $124,424
Median household income: $62,212

Alaska

Aerial view of a cityscape at sunset with a downtown area featuring tall buildings. Residential areas with colorful houses are in the foreground. Snow-capped mountains and a partly cloudy sky are in the background. — Jacob Boomsma/istockphoto

Jacob Boomsma/istockphoto

Lowest bounds on middle class income: $57,748
Upper bounds on middle class income: $173,262
Median household income: $86,631

Arizona

Aerial view of a cityscape with wide streets lined by various buildings. A tram line runs along the center, and mountains are visible in the distant background under a clear blue sky. — Davel5957/istockphoto

Davel5957/istockphoto

Lowest bounds on middle class income: $51,538
Upper bounds of middle class income: $154,630
Median household income: $77,315

Arkansas

A large white arch bridge spans a river, leading into a cityscape with modern skyscrapers and mid-rise buildings. Green trees line the riverbanks. The sky is partly cloudy, creating a bright, bustling urban scene. — halbergman/istockphoto

halbergman/istockphoto

Lowest bounds on middle class income: $39,129
Upper bounds of middle class income: $117,400
Median household income: $58,700

California

Aerial view of a cityscape with a large lake in the center, surrounded by buildings and trees. The skyline features tall skyscrapers under a clear sky with scattered clouds, as roads and structures line the waterfront. — JasonDoiy/istockphoto

JasonDoiy/istockphoto

Lowest bounds on middle class income: $63,674
Upper bounds of middle class income: $191,042
Median household income: $95,521

Colorado

Aerial view of a neighborhood with tree-lined streets and houses displaying vibrant fall foliage in red, yellow, and orange. In the background, a city's skyline with modern high-rise buildings is visible under a clear blue sky. — Davel5957/istockphoto

Davel5957/istockphoto

Lowest bounds on middle class income: $61,934
Upper bounds of middle class income: $185,822
Median household income: $92,911

Connecticut

Quaint waterfront village with white houses and colorful autumn trees reflecting in calm water. Several boats docked at the pier under a clear blue sky. — DenisTangneyJr / istockphoto

DenisTangneyJr / istockphoto

Lowest bounds on middle class income: $61,104
Upper bounds of middle class income: $183,330
Median household income: $91,665

Delaware

A street intersection with red-brick buildings featuring ornate designs and colorful accents. The street is lined with trees and parked cars. Traffic lights hang above the intersection, and a blue sky with clouds forms the backdrop. — Dmitry Vinogradov/istockphoto

Dmitry Vinogradov/istockphoto

Lowest bounds on middle class income: $54,235
Upper bounds of middle class income: $162,722
Median household income: $81,361

Florida

A large white yacht is docked at a waterfront property featuring a luxurious mansion with red-tiled roofs and surrounded by palm trees. The sky is clear, and the waters are calm, reflecting the greenery and buildings. — felixmizioznikov/istockphoto

felixmizioznikov/istockphoto

Lowest bounds on middle class income: $48,869
Upper bounds of middle class income: $146,622
Median household income: $73,311

Georgia

A panoramic view of a city skyline with tall skyscrapers under a bright blue sky filled with fluffy white clouds. A highway with cars runs through the foreground, surrounded by green trees and urban buildings. — Sean Davis / istockphoto

Sean Davis / istockphoto

Lowest bounds on middle class income: $49,750
Upper bounds of middle class income: $149,264
Median household income: $74,632

Hawaii

Scenic view of a beach at dusk with gentle waves and people in the water. The shoreline is lined with tall buildings and palm trees, while the sky transitions from warm sunset hues to deep blue. Soft reflections of city lights shimmer on the water. — marchello74/istockphoto

marchello74/istockphoto

Lowest bounds on middle class income: $63,542
Upper bounds of middle class income: $190,644
Median household income: $95,322

Idaho

A cityscape featuring a busy street lined with cars and trees with autumn foliage. In the background, various buildings and skyscrapers stand against a backdrop of snow-capped mountains under a cloudy sky. — 4kodiak/istockphoto

4kodiak/istockphoto

Lowest bounds on middle class income: $49,956
Upper bounds of middle class income: $149,884
Median household income: $74,942

Illinois

View of downtown Chicago featuring the Chicago River. Several bridges cross the river, with boats passing below. Skyscrapers line the riverbanks under a clear blue sky with scattered clouds. — Jeremy Poland/istockphoto

Jeremy Poland/istockphoto

Lowest bounds on middle class income: $53,532
Upper bounds of middle class income: $160,612
Median household income: $80,306

Indiana

Aerial view of a cityscape featuring a downtown skyline with tall buildings. A river with fountains and a curved bridge runs through a park with trees and pathways, surrounded by residential and commercial buildings under a blue sky. — Nicholas Klein/istockphoto

Nicholas Klein/istockphoto

Lowest bounds on middle class income: $46,313
Upper bounds of middle class income: $138,954
Median household income: $69,477

Iowa

A winding rural road leads through a lush green landscape toward a farm with red barns and scattered buildings under a bright blue sky filled with fluffy clouds. Rolling hills and fields stretch into the distance. — Willard / istockphoto

Willard / istockphoto

Lowest bounds on middle class income: $47,617
Upper bounds of middle class income: $142,866
Median household income: $71,433

Kansas

Aerial view of a suburban neighborhood with tree-lined streets and a grid layout. Houses are surrounded by lawns, and there are a few cars on the roads. Farmland and silos are visible in the background under a clear sky. — Alex Potemkin / istockphoto

Alex Potemkin / istockphoto

Lowest bounds on middle class income: $46,884
Upper bounds of middle class income: $140,666
Median household income: $70,333

Kentucky

littleny/istockphoto

Lowest bounds on middle class income: $40,741
Upper bounds of middle class income: $122,236
Median household income: $61,118

Louisiana

A vibrant street scene in New Orleans' French Quarter at dusk. Colorful buildings and neon signs line the street. People walk along the bustling street, with flags and lights overhead. A blue sky with clouds is visible in the background. — travelview/istockphoto

travelview/istockphoto

Lowest bounds on middle class income: $38,815
Upper bounds of middle class income: $116,458
Median household income: $58,229

Maine

Scenic view of a coastal village with colorful autumn trees in the background. Charming houses and buildings line the shore, reflected in the calm water. The sky is overcast, adding a serene atmosphere to the picturesque landscape. — DenisTangneyJr/istockphoto

DenisTangneyJr/istockphoto

Lowest bounds on middle class income: $49,150
Upper bounds of middle class income: $147,466
Median household income: $73,733

Maryland

Aerial view of an urban harbor at sunset. Skyscrapers and buildings surround the calm water, reflecting vibrant orange and pink skies. Boats are docked at piers, and a small park with pathways is visible in the foreground. — Kruck20/istockphoto

Kruck20/istockphoto

Lowest bounds on middle class income: $65,779
Upper bounds of middle class income: $197,356
Median household income: $98,678

Massachusetts

City skyline at sunset with buildings reflecting on a calm river. The scene includes a prominent glass skyscraper and a dome-shaped structure, set against a clear sky with a horizon of trees and distant buildings. — Sanghwan Kim / istockphoto

Sanghwan Kim / istockphoto

Lowest bounds on middle class income: $66,565
Upper bounds of middle class income: $199,716
Median household income: $99,858

Michigan

Aerial view of a suburban neighborhood with numerous houses surrounded by trees. Streets wind through the area, and the leaves on the trees are a mixture of green and autumn colors, indicating a transition into fall. — halbergman / istockphoto

halbergman / istockphoto

Lowest bounds on middle class income: $46,117
Upper bounds of middle class income: $138,366
Median household income: $69,183

Minnesota

A city skyline at dusk, featuring illuminated skyscrapers and a stone arch bridge. The bridge is glowing with orange lights, and the calm water below reflects the vibrant colors of the sunset and city lights. — Sean Pavone/istockphoto

Sean Pavone/istockphoto

Lowest bounds on middle class income: $56,718
Upper bounds of middle class income: $170,172
Median household income: $85,086

Mississippi

Aerial view of a cityscape featuring a prominent building with a large dome, surrounded by trees and other buildings. Streets intersect amidst greenery and structures with a backdrop of a sprawling city under a clear blue sky. — MattGush/istockphoto

MattGush/istockphoto

Lowest bounds on middle class income: $36,132
Upper bounds of middle class income: $108,406
Median household income: $54,203

Missouri

Aerial view of downtown St. Louis with the Gateway Arch in the foreground, surrounded by modern skyscrapers and autumn-colored trees. The Mississippi River flows beside the city under a partly cloudy sky. — Art Wager/istockphoto

Art Wager/istockphoto

Lowest bounds on middle class income: $45,692
Upper bounds of middle class income: $137,090
Median household income: $68,545

Montana

A panoramic view of a city at dusk with various buildings and a lush landscape. In the background, a range of rolling hills is visible beneath a softly colored sky. — peeterv/istockphoto

peeterv/istockphoto

Lowest bounds on middle class income: $47,198
Upper bounds of middle class income: $141,608
Median household income: $70,804

Nebraska

Panoramic view of a city skyline at dusk, with tall buildings illuminated. The sky displays vibrant hues of pink, orange, and blue. Lush greenery and parking areas are visible in the foreground. — Sean Pavone/istockphoto

Sean Pavone/istockphoto

Lowest bounds on middle class income: $49,722
Upper bounds of middle class income: $149,180
Median household income: $74,590

Nevada

Aerial view of Las Vegas Strip at sunset. The Eiffel Tower replica is visible, surrounded by hotels and bright lights. The Bellagio Fountains are in action, with water jets illuminated. Ferris wheel can be seen in the background. Busy streets and cars. — f11photo/istockphoto

f11photo/istockphoto

Lowest bounds on middle class income: $50,904
Upper bounds of middle class income: $152,728
Median household income: $76,364

New Hampshire

Aerial view of a suburban neighborhood in autumn. Houses are surrounded by vibrant fall foliage in shades of red, orange, and yellow. In the background, a city skyline with several tall buildings is visible under a clear blue sky. — DenisTangneyJr / istockphoto

DenisTangneyJr / istockphoto

Lowest bounds on middle class income: $64,552
Upper bounds of middle class income: $193,676
Median household income: $96,838

New Jersey

Cityscape with a group of diverse, high-rise buildings under a partly cloudy blue sky. The scene features architectural styles from different eras. In the foreground, there are traffic lights, trees, and a street with a few pedestrians. — Leonid Andronov/istockphoto

Leonid Andronov/istockphoto

Lowest bounds on middle class income: $66,514
Upper bounds of middle class income: $199,562
Median household income: $99,781

New Mexico

Sean Pavone/istockphoto

Lowest bounds on middle class income: $41,508
Upper bounds of middle class income: $124,536
Median household income: $62,268

New York

Aerial view of a city skyline featuring numerous skyscrapers under a blue sky with scattered clouds. The tallest building is situated near the center of the image, surrounded by other high-rise structures and a distant body of water. — william87/istockphoto

william87/istockphoto

Lowest bounds on middle class income: $54,725
Upper bounds of middle class income: $164,190
Median household income: $82,095

North Carolina

A city skyline at dusk with tall buildings illuminated. In the foreground, light trails from vehicles create dynamic lines along a highway flanked by trees. A green highway sign is visible on the right. The sky is a soft blue. — traveler1116/istockphoto

traveler1116/istockphoto

Lowest bounds on middle class income: $47,198
Upper bounds of middle class income: $141,608
Median household income: $70,804

North Dakota

Aerial view of a college campus with multiple red-roofed buildings, tree-lined streets, and green spaces. A roundabout is visible in the center with a decorative fountain. The sky is clear and the surrounding area is expansive. — Wirestock/istockphoto

Wirestock/istockphoto

Lowest bounds on middle class income: $51,012
Upper bounds of middle class income: $153,050
Median household income: $76,525

Ohio

Aerial view of a city skyline at sunset, featuring a suspension bridge crossing a river in the foreground. The river reflects the warm hues of the sky. Skyscrapers and urban buildings are silhouetted against a clear blue sky. — Jeremy Poland/istockphoto

Jeremy Poland/istockphoto

Lowest bounds on middle class income: $45,175
Upper bounds of middle class income: $135,538
Median household income: $67,769

Oklahoma

Davel5957/istockphoto

Lowest bounds on middle class income: $41,421
Upper bounds of middle class income: $124,276
Median household income: $62,138

Oregon

Aerial view of a cityscape at dusk with a river in the foreground. Buildings are illuminated, reflecting on the water. A bridge with lights crosses the river, and hills are visible in the background under a cloudy sky. — Jacob Boomsma/istockphoto

Jacob Boomsma/istockphoto

Lowest bounds on middle class income: $53,435
Upper bounds of middle class income: $160,320
Median household income: $80,160

Pennsylvania

A view of a city street lined with autumn trees and illuminated by streetlights, leading to a tall, ornate building with a clock tower. In the foreground stands a statue of a person on horseback, among other smaller statues. — Sean Pavone / istockphoto

Sean Pavone / istockphoto

Lowest bounds on middle class income: $49,211
Upper bounds of middle class income: $147,648
Median household income: $73,824

Rhode Island

DenisTangneyJr / istockphoto

Lowest bounds on middle class income: $56,642
Upper bounds of middle class income: $169,944
Median household income: $84,972

South Carolina

Shutterstock

Lowest bounds on middle class income: $45,198
Upper bounds of middle class income: $135,608
Median household income: $67,804

South Dakota

Aerial view of a small city surrounded by rolling green hills under a partly cloudy blue sky. The city features a mix of older brick buildings and modern structures, with trees scattered throughout. Hills extend into the distance. — DenisTangneyJr/istockphoto

DenisTangneyJr/istockphoto

Lowest bounds on middle class income: $47,869
Upper bounds of middle class income: $143,620
Median household income: $71,810

Tennessee

Skyline of a city with modern and historic buildings under a clear sky at sunset. A river with a lush green shoreline is in the foreground, reflecting the colorful buildings and sky. — Jeremy Poland/istockphoto

Jeremy Poland/istockphoto

Lowest bounds on middle class income: $45,083
Upper bounds of middle class income: $135,262
Median household income: $67,631

Texas

benedek/istockphoto

Lowest bounds on middle class income: $50,515
Upper bounds of middle class income: $151,560
Median household income: $75,780

Utah

Aerial view of a cityscape featuring a prominent white-domed Capitol building surrounded by modern skyscrapers and lush greenery. The backdrop includes distant mountains under a vibrant, colorful sky at sunset. — Sean Pavone/istockphoto

Sean Pavone/istockphoto

Lowest bounds on middle class income: $62,274
Upper bounds of middle class income: $186,842
Median household income: $93,421

Vermont

Aerial view of a quaint town nestled in a valley with surrounding hills. The town features scattered houses, a central church, and winding roads. Autumn foliage in vibrant orange, yellow, and green colors fills the landscape under a partly cloudy sky. — jimfeng / istockphoto

jimfeng / istockphoto

Lowest bounds on middle class income: $54,135
Upper bounds of middle class income: $162,422
Median household income: $81,211

Virginia

A vibrant city skyline at dusk with illuminated buildings and a bridge spanning a river. The river features rapids and rocky islands surrounded by greenery. The sky transitions from deep blue to dark as night approaches. — Davel5957/istockphoto

Davel5957/istockphoto

Lowest bounds on middle class income: $59,948
Upper bounds of middle class income: $179,862
Median household income: $89,931

Washington

Aerial view of a lakeside residential area with tree-lined streets during autumn. Houses are surrounded by colorful foliage, and the lake features several docks. Hills and a forested landscape are visible in the background under a cloudy sky. — MarkHatfield/istockphoto

MarkHatfield/istockphoto

Lowest bounds on middle class income: $63,064
Upper bounds of middle class income: $189,210
Median household income: $94,605

West Virginia

Wirestock/istockphoto

Lowest bounds on middle class income: $37,295
Upper bounds of middle class income: $111,896
Median household income: $55,948

Wisconsin

Lowest bounds on middle class income: $49,749
Upper bounds of middle class income: $149,262
Median household income: $74,631

Wyoming

A cityscape with mountains in the background. The mountains have a dusting of snow, and the sky is pink and blue, suggesting sunrise or sunset. The city is a mix of buildings and trees, creating a diverse urban landscape. — DenisTangneyJr/istockphoto

DenisTangneyJr/istockphoto

Lowest bounds on middle class income: $48,272
Upper bounds of middle class income: $144,830
Median household income: $72,415

Curious about how states differ in other ways?

Check out The 10 Priciest States To Be a Renter Right Now and How Much You Need to Retire in Every U.S. State in 2025. Plus, make sure to read The Average Credit Card Debt in Every U.S. State to see how your state stacks up.