The Middle-Class Income Gap in America Just Hit a New Record

You need way more money to be “middle class” in 2025 than you did a year ago—and it depends a lot on where you live.

New census data shows the income squeeze is real. Across the 100 largest U.S. cities, middle-class earners are now pulling in $49,478 to $71,359 annually, up from $47,568 to $142,718 last year. But here’s where it gets wild:

The Geographic Divide

The Expensive Zones: You could earn $280,000 and still be considered middle class in Arlington, Virginia (threshold: $93,470–$280,438). California tech hubs are brutal too—San Jose needs $90,810–$272,458, Irvine $85,317–$255,978.

Massachusetts just dethroned New Jersey as the priciest state overall. Middle-class range: $66,565–$199,716 (up from $62,986–$188,976 the year prior).

The Affordable Reality: Detroit’s a different world—$25,384 to $76,160 gets you there. Cleveland and Toledo stay below the $80k ceiling. Mississippi leads the cheapest states at $36,132–$108,406 median.

What Changed in One Year?

Median incomes jumped across the board:

• Arlington: +$7,839
• San Jose: +$2,394
• Mississippi: +$1,484 (2.8% growth)

The takeaway? Inflation hit everywhere, but coastal tech cities are pricing out the middle class faster. If you’re earning six figures in the Midwest, you’re living large. Do the same in the Bay Area? You’re just making rent.

Data source: U.S. Census Bureau 2023 American Community Survey, analyzed using Pew Research’s middle-income definition (⅔ to 2x median household income).