The American Dream is the belief that anyone, no matter their background, can be successful through self belief, hard work and determination.
The American dream looks different depending on where you live. But the income necessary to achieve that comfortable middle-class lifestyle is quite different depending on the state.
In some states, families need to earn nearly twice as much as others to be of the same status. Geographic location is playing a larger role than ever in shaping financial security and standard of living.
It’s no longer just a matter of cost of living—it’s now about opportunity, industry, and regional economic realities that write very different stories for the middle-class throughout America.
Let’s break down, state by state, what income a family needs to be considered middle class in America. These figures refer to annual household income.
1. Alabama
Alabama middle-class households require between roughly $41,000 and $123,000. Middle-class levels are lower in Southern states like Alabama because of cheap housing, lower median family incomes, and fewer high-priced urbanized areas.
Such states offer lower middle-class thresholds and the ability for families to live comfortably without overspending.
2. Alaska
Middle class in Alaska is $54,000 to $161,000. Far from the mainland and costly to supply, Alaskans’ wages are supported by subsidies, oil, and energy production.
Freight and energy prices push costs higher, but robust regional economies allow families to achieve middle-class status despite harsh frontier conditions.
3. Arizona
Arizona’s middle range is $51,000 to $153,000. Being a Western state with thriving technology industries and a large retiree population, Arizona boasts a diversified economy of industries.
Its housing is lower than California’s, yet fast growth is causing it to rise. Early agricultural roots combined with more recent tech centers make for a rich economic mix.
4. Arkansas
In Arkansas, families are considered middle class if they make between $40,000 and $121,000. Arkansas has one of the lowest thresholds for achieving a middle-class lifestyle in America.
Housing is affordable, and the cost of living is largely lower, and therefore, families enjoy more purchasing power even with modest incomes. It’s an example of how lower regional prices make the American dream affordable.
5. California
It takes $65,000 to $196,000 in California to be middle class. California, the most expensive state, features high living standards, higher housing costs, and high-technology industries that necessitate that families earn almost twice as much income as in most Southern states. The combination of the state’s opportunity and high cost of living explains the stark regional difference.
6. Colorado
Colorado’s middle-class incomes vary from approximately $58,000 to $176,000. Once quite moderate in the past, Colorado’s new tech boom and population migration have increased the cost of living.
The combination of outdoor recreation, high-tech industries, and a booming housing market makes attaining middle-class comfort more difficult than ever.
7. Connecticut
In Connecticut, it takes between $67,000 to $202,000 to join the middle class. Part of the wealthier Northeast corridor, Connecticut is in proximity to New York and Boston, a well-educated workforce and robust financial sector. High taxes and housing prices require better incomes to sustain a decent living.
8. Delaware
Delaware’s middle-class range is around $54,000 to $162,000. Being a small but highly prosperous state with highly business-friendly laws, Delaware merges company wealth with affordable living expenses.
Being close to major metropolitan cities increases living costs but provides easier access to high-paying jobs.
9. Florida
For Florida middle-class households, $49,000 to $146,000 is required. With its large retiree demographic, service-based economy, and tourism sector, Florida has a vast range of incomes.
Though certain communities are affordable, attractive metropolitan areas such as Miami drive living expenses higher, and the convenience costs more.
10. Georgia
Families in Georgia are in the middle class if they make between about $47,000 and $141,000. The healthy tech and entertainment economies of Atlanta pump wages above the Southern median, but rural areas of the state are much more affordable. Home prices vary widely across the state.
11. Hawaii
Hawaii’s middle-class income requirement sits at about $67,000 to $202,000. With some of the nation’s highest housing and living costs, Hawaii matches the Northeast in expense levels.
High energy costs, imported goods, and scarce land all contribute to an expensive middle-class threshold despite the state’s picturesque setting.
12. Idaho
In Idaho, the middle class make between $50,000 to $150,000 per year. Idaho has seen phenomenal growth in recent times with housing costs skyrocketing as new residents move in.
Once more affordable, tech migration and remote working have started redefining its economic profile, making middle-class living more expensive.
13. Illinois
Illinois middle class individuals need to make between $54,000 and $162,000. The Chicago metropolitan area puts pressure on state income requirements, considering the extensive industrial, healthcare, and finance foundations.
However, small-town and rural Illinois is more financially accessible and reflects how local economic differences impact the middle-class experience.
14. Indiana
Indiana’s middle class range is around $47,000 to $140,000. Low cost of living and reasonably priced housing keep the middle-class threshold relatively low.
Manufacturing remains the backbone of Indiana’s economy, keeping wages consistent but relatively lower than those in coastal technology centers.
15. Iowa
For Iowa families to be middle class, they need to make between $48,000 to $143,000 per year. Farming, manufacturing, and a tight-knit community keep general prices stable.
Housing is affordable, and regional economies are more robust, so middle-class living can be supported despite inflation pressures across the country.
16. Kansas
In Kansas, you’re in the $47,000 to $141,000 range for middle-class living. With low housing prices and secure manufacturing and farming jobs, Kansas provides a lower entry level.
Lower housing costs and moderate wage expectations create a more accessible path to the American dream.
17. Kentucky
Middle-class wages in Kentucky vary between around $44,000 and $132,000. The lower cost of housing and living in Kentucky, coupled with manufacturing and agriculture, make up the basis of an affordable middle-class lifestyle.
18. Louisiana
In Louisiana, middle-class families have incomes that fall between $43,000 to $129,000. Like other Southern states, Louisiana has low median household incomes and a below-average cost of living. It enjoys low food, health care, and housing costs, making it easier to move into middle-class standing.
19. Maine
Middle-class families in Maine require between $50,000 and $151,000. Maine is located in the Northeast but has a lower median income than its counterparts.
It has an economy that relies on tourism, fishing, and healthcare, and moderate property values outside of tourist areas.
20. Maryland
In Maryland, it takes between $66,000 and $199,000 to be considered middle class. It consistently ranks among the highest states when it comes to income because it is close to Washington D.C. and there are many government contractors and IT jobs. Both high housing and education costs drive wages up.