Middle-Class Income Thresholds Vary Sharply Across US States in 2025

The definition of middle class in America varies widely depending on location, income, and wealth, with retirement needs differing notably as individuals age. For retirees in their 70s, experts suggest having between $500,000 and $1.5 million in savings to maintain a comfortable middle-class lifestyle, assuming homeownership or low housing costs and Medicare coverage. Median household income is a key indicator of middle-class status, but it fluctuates greatly by state, with Maryland, Washington D.C., and Massachusetts ranking highest, while Southern states like Mississippi and Alabama lag behind due to lower investments in infrastructure and education. Upper-middle-class and upper-class status also depend on factors beyond salary, including overall wealth and cost of living, with Pew Research Center defining upper-income households as earning above $169,800 annually for a three-person household. Regional disparities are significant, as expenses for housing, healthcare, education, and transportation vary dramatically, influencing what income qualifies as middle or upper class in different areas across the U.S. This economic diversity impacts family financial security and retirement readiness nationwide.