We hear a lot about the middle class, but many of us are still unsure what it is. Sometimes the middle-class income stage jobs and salaries are the best they have ever been, but at the same time, you hear it’s totally on the verge of disappearance, putting everyone in poverty or super rich.
In fact, in most cases, the “expert” is not even sure of its exactness, often relying on broad definitions such as “social groups between the upper and working classes…”
Fortunately, if you are looking for clearer answers about whether you are part of the middle class, Pew Research recently shared a handy calculator that can help you.
About the data in the middle class calculator
According to the Pew Research Center, more than half of all adults live in middle-income households in 2022. This accounts for 29% of low-income households and 19% at high-income levels.
So if you guess logically that the middle class is in the middle, you will be right. However, it becomes more complicated.
The data also allows you to find out which groups you are in and compare them with others in your region and all U.S. adults. This is based on your education, age, race or race and marital status. Because of all these other factors, you may be middle class, but you are not entirely in the middle.
How to use a calculator
To find out where your family is in your area, you just need to go to the state you live in, the nearest metropolitan area, the family income before taxes, and the number of people in the family. The calculator will show you the layer you are in based on the calculations and percentages of people who are also on the same level in your area.
Next, you can enter education, age, race or race, and marital status to find out the percentage of people in your area who share these characteristics and the lower, middle and high income tiers.
Try the middle class calculator here.
Current Middle Class Income Analysis
According to the new analysis, the middle class varies according to the metropolitan area you live in. For example, in San Jose, California, 42% and in Tacoma, Washington, 66%. Among lower-income homes, 16% of Bismark, North Dakota to 46% of Laredo, Texas.
And, as you might guess, the largest share of living in high-income homes is the highest in places like Santa Clara, California. (The lowest number of high-income homes is located in Muskegon-Norton, Michigan.)
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the median U.S. household income was $77,719 in 2023. 60.6% of people work full-time throughout the year, and only 29% have a bachelor’s degree or higher (US Census Bureau).
If you are curious, try the calculator. Please note that Pew Research does not store or share any information you enter.
Do the numbers surprise you? Let us know what you think in the comments below.
