How Rich Are You? Find Out Whether You Rank As Upper, Middle Or Lower Class Based On Income And Other Factors

Wondering where you land on the economic spectrum? It can be tricky to pin down whether you consider yourself middle class, lower class or something else entirely. 

Using income alone to define "class" doesn't always tell the whole story, but it's a helpful starting point. According to Pew Research, income levels and household size play a big role in determining where you might fit.

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Here's a breakdown and some real-world numbers to help you figure it out.

Lower Class

The lower class is usually defined as households earning less than two-thirds of the median income. For many, this means struggling to cover essential expenses like housing, food and health care.

What the Numbers Say:

Income range: Generally under $50,000 annually for most households.

Specific thresholds for a three-person household: 

• Nationally: Less than $56,600 annually.
• By state: As low as $35,142 in Mississippi.

Signs You Might Be Here:

• You're living paycheck to paycheck.
• It's hard to save for emergencies or retirement.
• Things like medical care, transportation or rent stretch your budget to the limit.

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Middle Class

The middle class is broad and often described as the financial "sweet spot." This group covers a huge range of incomes, but the key is a sense of stability – though it might not always feel secure.

What the Numbers Say:

Income range: Between two-thirds and double the median income or roughly $50,000 to $150,000 annually.

Specific thresholds for a three-person household:

• Nationally: $56,600 to $169,800.
• By state: In New Jersey, $64,224 to $192,692. In Mississippi, $35,142 to $105,438.

Signs You're Middle Class:

• You're paying bills comfortably and affording occasional extras, like vacations or dining out.
• Big expenses like college or buying a home are stressful but achievable.
• You're saving for the future, but not as much as you'd like.

Upper Class

The upper class isn't just about a big paycheck – it's often tied to assets like investments, real estate or business income. According to Motley Fool, the upper class has an average net worth of $793,120 to $2.65 million.

These households usually earn more than double the median income and experience greater financial flexibility.

What the Numbers Say:

Income range: Generally over $150,000 annually.

Specific thresholds for a three-person household: 

• Nationally: More than $169,800.
• Metropolitan differences: In high-cost areas like San Jose, California, only 42% of adults are middle class, while 41% are upper class. In more affordable areas like Olympia, Washington, 66% of adults fall into the middle class.

Signs You Might Be Here:

• You're investing and watching your money grow rather than just saving.
• Debt feels manageable and strategic, not like a burden.
• Luxuries – travel, dining or a second home – don't require financial trade-offs.

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Other Factors That Matter

Income is a big puzzle, but it's not everything. Here are a few other factors that can influence where you land:

Location: Cost of living differences mean $80,000 goes much further in rural areas than in big cities.

Household Size: A family of five needs more to maintain the same standard of living as a single person.

Net Worth: Beyond your paycheck, assets like savings, real estate and investments make a difference.

Social Mobility: Access to education, health care and financial resources is huge in long-term wealth.

Labels like "middle class" or "upper class" are just labels. What matters most is how secure you feel and whether your financial goals are within reach.

If you aim to climb the economic ladder or solidify your financial standing, it might be time to bring in expert advice. A financial advisor can help you create a strategy tailored to your goals, whether building wealth, managing debt or making smart investments.

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