Don't Assume You Know Your Income Class — Here's What Makes You Upper-Middle Class in Your State

You might think you’re solidly middle class, but the numbers could tell a different story. Depending on where you live, your paycheck might already qualify you as upper-middle class without you even realizing it.

The income threshold that separates the middle class from the upper-middle class varies dramatically across America. In some states, you need to earn nearly $200,000 annually to break into that upper echelon, while in others, $85,000 might already get you there.

Understanding the Middle Class Definition

GOBankingRates calculated these income brackets using PewResearch’s widely-accepted definition: the middle class spans from two-thirds to double the median household income in each state. Using US Census American Community Survey data (current as of January 29, 2025), the analysis identifies exactly where your income places you on the wealth spectrum.

The Geographic Divide: Where Upper-Middle Class Income Starts

The gap between regions is striking. High-income states like Maryland, Massachusetts, and New Jersey push the upper-middle class threshold well above $150,000. Meanwhile, states with lower median incomes see upper-middle class status kick in at much lower levels—Mississippi at $85,423 and Louisiana at $93,369.

New Jersey’s Upper-Middle Class Income Benchmark: In New Jersey, upper-middle class income begins at $157,189, with the overall middle-class range spanning from $67,367 to $202,100. The state’s median household income of $101,050 reflects one of the nation’s highest living costs.

State-by-State Reality Check

High-Threshold States (where upper-middle class income exceeds $150,000):

• Maryland: Upper-middle class begins at $158,125 (median: $101,652)
• Hawaii: Upper-middle class begins at $152,938 (median: $98,317)
• Connecticut: Upper-middle class begins at $145,849 (median: $93,760)
• New Hampshire: Upper-middle class begins at $148,755 (median: $95,628)

Moderate-Threshold States (upper-middle class between $110,000–$130,000):

• New York: $131,566 (median: $84,578)
• Illinois: $127,092 (median: $81,702)
• Oregon: $125,107 (median: $80,426)

Lower-Threshold States (upper-middle class below $110,000):

• Mississippi: $85,423 (median: $54,915)
• Louisiana: $93,369 (median: $60,023)
• West Virginia: $90,093 (median: $57,917)

The Full State Breakdown

Northeast Region: Massachusetts ($157,642), Maryland ($158,125), Connecticut ($145,849), New Jersey ($157,189), New York ($131,566), Pennsylvania ($118,348), Rhode Island ($134,356), Vermont ($121,371)

Southeast Region: Virginia ($141,515), North Carolina ($108,740), South Carolina ($103,939), Georgia ($116,144), Florida ($111,550), Tennessee ($104,373), Kentucky ($97,093), Arkansas ($91,425), Louisiana ($93,369), Mississippi ($85,423), West Virginia ($90,093)

Midwest Region: Ohio ($108,391), Indiana ($108,968), Illinois ($127,092), Michigan ($110,676), Wisconsin ($117,709), Minnesota ($136,198), Iowa ($113,784), Missouri ($107,209), Kansas ($112,994), Nebraska ($116,643), North Dakota ($118,143), South Dakota ($112,655)

Southwest Region: Texas ($118,676), Oklahoma ($98,938), Arkansas ($91,425), New Mexico ($96,639)

Mountain Region: Colorado ($143,842), Utah ($142,722), Montana ($108,768), Idaho ($116,100), Wyoming ($116,379)

West Region: California ($149,853), Washington ($147,703), Oregon ($125,107), Nevada ($117,539), Arizona ($119,579), Alaska ($138,967), Hawaii ($152,938)

What This Means for Your Financial Position

The data reveals a critical insight: your income level doesn’t exist in a vacuum. A $120,000 salary might place you squarely in the upper-middle class in Louisiana or Arkansas, but it would barely touch the upper-middle class threshold in New Jersey or Massachusetts.

Understanding where you actually stand helps with financial planning, particularly for retirement, home purchases, and investment strategies. If you’re earning in the upper-middle class range, you likely have different wealth-building opportunities and tax considerations than those in the lower or middle segments of the middle class.

Methodology Note: This analysis sourced median household income, population, and household data from the US Census American Community Survey. The middle-class income ranges were calculated using the two-thirds to double median income standard, with data current as of January 29, 2025.