What is the income threshold for the upper middle class in the United States in 2026? According to the latest data, it is around $117,000 to $150,000 to be part of the upper middle class in the U.S. (approximately the top 20%). However, this number varies by location - living in Mississippi might only require $85,000 to $110,000, while in Maryland you would need to earn $158,000. There's also a trend to note: inflation is expected to be 2.6%-2.8% in 2026, and the cost of living continues to rise, so to maintain the standard of living of the upper middle class, your income might need to rise as well. In other words, the income definition line for the middle class is likely to move upwards next year. Location, housing prices, and family size are all influencing factors, with the job market and price levels in your city being the most critical.