Wondering how much you need to earn to be considered middle class in your state? This comprehensive state-by-state guide on Middle Class Status Income Requirements reveals the annual income thresholds that define middle-class life across all 50 U.S. states.
From Arkansas’s modest $40,928 to Hawaii’s staggering $122,695, discover how housing costs, student loans, and car payments shape what it takes to join the middle class where you live.
Whether you’re planning a move, comparing your current income, or exploring cost-of-living differences, this resource breaks down exactly what it means to achieve middle-class status in every state.
1: Arkansas
Arkansas has the lowest threshold for middle-class status, requiring a household income of only $40,928 per year. The average monthly mortgage for a home is $722, and average student loans are $201 each month.
These lower costs enable residents of the Natural State to achieve a middle-class lifestyle with less annual income.
2: West Virginia
In West Virginia, $41,649 is the income needed to be considered middle class. Low average monthly student loans of only $199 help residents avoid needing significantly more income.
The mortgage for an average house in the Mountain State is $730 monthly. This positions West Virginia favorably among states.
3: Mississippi
Mississippians need to earn $41,839 annually, just $190 more than West Virginians, to be considered middle class.
Monthly mortgages for an average home are $734, and car payments average $323 in the Magnolia State. These figures reflect the relatively low income threshold for middle-class status here.
4: Indiana
Indiana residents making at least $43,310 can call themselves part of the middle class, according to Zippia’s study.
Despite a relatively higher average monthly mortgage of $773, average monthly student loan payments of $199 help lower overall living costs in the Hoosier State.
5: Kentucky
Kentucky ranks in the top five for the lowest household incomes needed to be considered middle class, requiring $43,747 annually.
This allows the average Kentuckian to cover a $324 monthly car payment, $199 student loans, and a $789 mortgage. The Bluegrass State offers a manageable income requirement.
6: Ohio
Ohioans who bring home $43,949 or more annually fall within the middle class. The Buckeye State features average monthly mortgage payments slightly below Kentucky’s, and monthly car and student loan payments just above it. This income level allows residents to manage typical household expenses effectively.
7: Iowa
A minimal $48 income increase from Ohio lands Iowans in middle-class territory, requiring $43,997 in annual income.
Average monthly student loan payments in the Hawkeye State are $205, the highest among the states listed so far. This income supports managing typical living costs.
8: Oklahoma
Oklahomans earning $44,008 in annual household income fall into the middle class, based on Zippia’s data.
Although average monthly car payments are a substantial $365, the monthly mortgage payment for an average home is a comparatively low $760. This balance contributes to the state’s threshold.
9: Alabama
Middle-class life in Alabama requires making over $1,500 more ($45,559) than in Oklahoma. The Yellowhammer State has average monthly mortgages of $796 and student loan payments averaging $204. These figures outline the financial commitment needed for a middle-class life here.
10: Kansas
Zippia determined that $46,485 is the income needed to be middle class in Kansas. While average monthly car and student loan payments are comparable to other states discussed, the average monthly mortgage in the Sunflower State is significantly higher at $850.
11: Missouri
Missouri households banking $46,649 or more per year fall into the middle class. Average monthly student loan payments in the Show Me State are $208, and car payments are $338. The mortgage on an average home is $853. These factors define the income requirement.
12: Nebraska
It doesn’t take much of an income bump to be middle class in Nebraska, at $46,906 in annual income. An average monthly student loan payment of $199 helps.
However, $886 in average monthly mortgage payments stands out as higher than average compared to previous states.
13: Michigan
The “magic number” for an average middle-class life in Michigan is $47,044. The average monthly car payment in the Wolverine State is $332, student loans are $206, and mortgages average $873. These combined expenses determine the income necessary for residents.
14: South Dakota
An average middle-class income jumps up to $48,258 in South Dakota. Despite a relatively high mortgage of $946, its average monthly student loan costs of $192 and car payment costs of $310 help keep South Dakota well below the national average for middle-class income.
15: New Mexico
New Mexicans must earn $48,602 annually to be considered part of the middle class. An average monthly mortgage payment of $928 and car payments of $316 prevent it from ranking better among states with lower income thresholds. These costs significantly influence the required income.
16: South Carolina
Middle-class South Carolinians make at least $49,110 per year. The average monthly mortgage in the Palmetto State is $963, and residents pay an average of $201 towards monthly student loans. These figures define the financial baseline for middle-class status.
17: Louisiana
Louisiana is the last state where residents can earn in the $40,000s to be middle class, specifically $49,587.
Monthly average mortgages are relatively low at $901. However, average monthly car payments are the highest in the nation at $394, impacting the overall income requirement.
18: Wisconsin
The Badger State is the first to exceed $50,000, with Wisconsinites needing at least $50,062 annually to be part of the middle class.
A $970 monthly mortgage and $205 in monthly student loan payments are significant driving factors for this income level.
19: Tennessee
Households with an income of $50,629 or more fall within the middle class in Tennessee. Average monthly car payments are $331, and average mortgages are $986.
These expenses contribute to the overall income requirement for residents of the Volunteer State to achieve middle-class status.
20: North Carolina
North Carolina requires $51,144 to be middle class. The Tar Heel State is the first to surpass $1,000 in average monthly mortgage payments ($1,015). North Carolinians pay an average of $199 in student loans and $320 in monthly car payments.
21: Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania dances with North Carolina’s numbers, being slightly above or below in expense categories.
Overall, it takes an average of $51,346 to live a middle-class life in the Keystone State. This income helps manage typical household expenses efficiently and effectively.
22: Maine
Mainers with an income of at least $51,608 annually fall within the middle class. The average monthly mortgage payment in Maine is $1,016, and the average student loan payment is $210. These costs define the financial threshold for a middle-class lifestyle in the state.
23: North Dakota
With $52,935 in income, the average North Dakotan can identify as part of the middle class. North Dakota ties with Alaska for the lowest average monthly car payment ($300). However, it has the highest average monthly mortgage on this list so far at $1,075.
24: Illinois
An income of $53,961 lands the average Illinoisan in the middle class. Illinois residents pay one of the highest average student loan monthly payments in the nation ($217). Average monthly mortgages are also substantial at $1,059, influencing the income needed.
25: Georgia
Georgia households need to make $54,213 to classify as middle class, per Zippia’s study. Georgians fork over high average monthly car payments of $374, and average mortgages are $1,052 per month. These significant expenses contribute to the income threshold for middle-class status.
26: Wyoming
Wyomingites need to earn a minimum average of $54,849 to be in the middle class. Although their average monthly student loan payment of $176 is the lowest in the nation, a monthly mortgage of $1,152 prevents them from ranking more favorably on this list.
27: Vermont
The Green Mountain State provides a middle-class lifestyle to its residents who make an average of $55,371 or more.
While Vermont’s average monthly mortgage is $1,145, Vermonters have significantly higher average student loan payments at $201, defining the income needed.
28: Texas
Texas requires an annual income of $55,605 to be part of the middle class. Average monthly car payments are larger than average, at $375.
The mortgage for an average home is $1,089 per month, contributing to the overall income requirement.
29: Florida
It takes over $3,000 more income to be part of the middle class in Florida than in Texas, totaling $58,833.
The primary reason is the $1,236 monthly mortgage payment for an average home. Florida ranks cheaper than Texas for student loans ($196) and car payments ($333).
30: Idaho
Idaho ranks closely with Florida, with $58,866 being the income required to be part of the middle class. The Gem State has an average monthly mortgage higher than Florida’s ($1,262) and lower monthly car ($327) and student loan payments ($177).
31: Minnesota
Minnesota $58,903 is what it takes to be in the middle class in Minnesota. Residents in the North Star State have relatively high average monthly student loan payments of $215. The average mortgage is slightly lower than the two preceding states, at $1,220.
32: Montana
Montana is the last state where a household can be middle class with income in the $50,000s, requiring $59,496.
This covers an average monthly $1,295 mortgage, $201 student loans, and $289 car payments. Montanans pay the lowest average monthly car payment in the US.
33: Delaware
Delaware residents must earn $60,015 to be part of the average middle class in their state. Average monthly mortgages in the First State are $1,268, and average monthly student loans are $212. These figures determine the income needed to live a middle-class life.
34: Arizona
It takes nearly $1,700 more in income to be middle class in Arizona compared to Delaware, totaling $61,699.
Residents in the Grand Canyon State pay an average of $1,297 in monthly mortgage but a relatively low $200 in monthly student loan payments.
35: Rhode Island
An average of $62,691 provides a middle-class lifestyle for Rhode Islanders. Residents pay $1,330 in average monthly mortgage payments, the highest up to this point. Monthly average car payments are also high, at $333, contributing to the income threshold.
36: New Hampshire
New Hampshire residents need to earn $62,890 to gain middle-class status. The Granite State’s average monthly mortgage is $1,373, and residents pay an average of $301 in monthly car payments. These costs contribute to the higher income requirement for residents.
37: Connecticut
On average, households with an income of at least $63,375 are middle class in Connecticut. Student loan payments are high in the Nutmeg State, averaging $225 per month. The mortgage for an average home is $1,347, influencing the overall income needed.
38: Alaska
Based on Zippia’s findings, Alaskans need to make $63,873 per year to be middle-class. Residents in The Last Frontier pay the highest average monthly mortgage up to this point ($1,409). However, their $300 average monthly car loan payment is one of the lowest nationally.
39: Virginia
Virginians must make over $3,000 more than Alaskans to be considered middle-class, requiring $67,197.
Average monthly mortgages are $1,480, and monthly student loans average $216. These significant costs contribute to the higher income requirement in the state.
40: Nevada
Residents in the Silver State need an annual income of $70,752 to be part of Nevada’s middle class. Average monthly car payments are the second-highest in the US ($387), and the mortgage for an average home is $1,545 per month.
41: Utah
An income of $71,034 classifies Utahans as middle-class. Utah residents pay $1,595 in monthly mortgage for an average home and a relatively low $202 in average monthly student loans. These figures indicate the financial requirements for residents.
42: Maryland
It takes an annual income of $71,844 to be middle class in Maryland. The mortgage on an average home is $1,609 in the Free State, and residents pay an average of $330 in monthly car payments. These significant costs contribute to the income threshold.
43: New Jersey
On average, New Jersey residents making at least $74,485 are classified as middle class. Residents face a substantial average monthly mortgage of $1,679 for an average home. They also pay back $226 per month on average in student loans, the second-highest in the US.
44: Oregon
Residents in the Beaver State with a household income averaging $74,865 are considered middle class. The monthly mortgage for an average home in Oregon is $1,726.
In contrast, the average monthly car payment is only $305, influencing the overall financial picture.
45: New York
New York State residents must make an average of $75,403 to be part of the middle class. Mortgages for an average home run $1,706 per month.
Average monthly car and student loan payments are higher than in Oregon, at $333 and $223 respectively.
46: Washington
Washington residents need to make more than $5,000 in household income than New York to be in the middle class, specifically $81,203.
A mortgage on an average home in the Evergreen State is $1,888, and average monthly car payments are $336.
47: Colorado
Colorado has similar statistics to Washington for middle-class status, requiring an annual household income of $81,602.
Coloradans pay $16 more in mortgage for an average home than Washington, and $208 in average monthly student loans. These costs define the financial requirements.
48: Massachusetts
The Bay State is not a cheap place to live, requiring $85,567 for residents to have a middle-class income.
The mortgage for an average home runs $2,010. Massachusetts residents also pay the highest average in monthly student loans, at $229.
49: California
The Golden State significantly surpasses Massachusetts, with Californians needing to make $111,206 to claim middle-class status.
Residents pay an average of $2,757 per month for a mortgage on an average home. Average monthly car payments are $358, contributing to the high income threshold.
50: Hawaii
Hawaii is the state with the highest income requirement for middle-class status, at $122,695 in annual income.
The mortgage for an average home in the Aloha State is a substantial $3,171. On the bright side, residents pay an average of $200 in monthly student loans.
Alicia Richards