Who's Considered Middle Class?

Do You Consider Yourself Middle Class, Like Everyone Else?

April 14, 2008

A new report by the Pew Research Center shows that most people believe they're part of the middle class. Three families in Illinois make vastly different incomes but all consider themselves to share a class — a family of five living off of $30,000, a single woman making $60,000, and a couple earning $350,000, all identify their economic state as middle class.

Paul Taylor, the center's project director implied that because of the symbolism, everyone wants to be a part of it: "Being middle class is not only a state of income and assets, it's a state of mind,"It's something to which a lot of Americans have always aspired. It's the emblem of a good life."

Let's see if the findings reflect how you describe the state of your finances.

47 Comments

MelissaIsTheBest 4 years 48 weeks

I hope someday I do not consider myself "Lower Class" :(

italianblonde 4 years 51 weeks

I do think that most of us actually are in the middle class, especially when you think of how some people make millions a year. It makes sense that those 3 families all consider themselves middle but that's where upper and lower middle class come in to play.

sophiegp 5 years 4 days

In the rest of the country we're upper-middle. In New York City, though, where we live, we're definitely middle.

Allyson N Jason 5 years 1 week

I guess I find some people's classification of middle class to be bewildering. For example, the couple earning 350k a year is -not- middle class to me. They are upper-middle class...whether one partner is making that or it's the total of the couple's combined income. As for the family of 5 living off of 30k a year? That's lower income to me. 30k is barely enough these days to take care of -one person- comfortably. Middle class fits more with the single woman who makes 60k a year. We have to remember she pays taxes too. So she really is in the 50k range if that income doesn't include what she makes after taxes. But regardless, she's in the middle class category. She'd still be in that category even if she supported both herself and a partner.

Allyson N Jason 5 years 1 week

I guess I find some people's classification of middle class to be bewildering. For example, the couple earning 350k a year is -not- middle class to me. They are upper-middle class...whether one partner is making that or it's the total of the couple's combined income.As for the family of 5 living off of 30k a year? That's lower income to me. 30k is barely enough these days to take care of -one person- comfortably.Middle class fits more with the single woman who makes 60k a year. We have to remember she pays taxes too. So she really is in the 50k range if that income doesn't include what she makes after taxes. But regardless, she's in the middle class category.She'd still be in that category even if she supported both herself and a partner.

amber_castaldo 5 years 5 weeks

I think of myself as middle class. I grew up in a poor town and paid my way (aka scholarships, 3 jobs and took out loans) through college but am now able to stay at home which makes me oh so wealthy. I love being able to surround myself with my family everyday!

MissMarisol 5 years 6 weeks

I grew up middle class and consider myself to be that way to this day.

jessy777 5 years 6 weeks

Growing up I considered and was considered upper-middle class. My family had money from generations back (restaurant owners) and my mother owned her restaurant and then a hotel. I would consider myself middle class by income standards but I suppose I am working middle class because there sometimes a strain while I continue my education. I guess it is all in how you view your own situation.

insanitypepper 5 years 6 weeks

It's definitely about more than income. I worry about being able to pay all my bills every month. But since I have a master's degree and hold a "professional" job, I feel that I am solidly middle class.

emalove 5 years 6 weeks

Well, my family is upper middle class, but I'd say my husband and I are right in the middle of the middle class.

jedimasterarmi 5 years 6 weeks

i'm def. in the upper middle class section.

JaimeLeah526 5 years 6 weeks

I'm definitely lower than middle class and always have been. Paycheck to paycheck doesn't make you middle class IMO.

bellaressa 5 years 6 weeks

I can't wait to be middle class. One day.

Renees3 5 years 6 weeks

We live paycheck to paycheck currently, but have things we could do without if need be. Like most people, I'd say I'm middle class, and the same for my parents. They own a modest house, in a smallish town, my mom works for the USPS my dad is a musician (=not a lot of income), but we live in CA, so probably average more income then some other areas.

LaurenG22 5 years 6 weeks

We will live on army base and my husband outranks (and thus is paid more) then 96% of the rest of the army. Does that mean we are upper class for the army base or lower middle class for the rest of the world? ;) It's all perspective :)

melizzle 5 years 6 weeks

My family's been through a lot of class transitions... we started out middle class, ended up working class and now my parents are what I would call lower-end wealthy. But since me and hubby are just starting out, we're pretty broke! :o

melizzle 5 years 6 weeks

My family's been through a lot of class transitions... we started out middle class, ended up working class and now my parents are what I would call lower-end wealthy.But since me and hubby are just starting out, we're pretty broke! :o

LadyMaverick 5 years 6 weeks

That's the problem - it's such a wide term, that practically everyone is technically "middle-class". They make a joke about it on The Simpsons, where Marge says something about how they're "Upper-Lower-Middle-Class".

MandyJoBo 5 years 6 weeks

Of course it depends on where you live and how well you manage money, but this is what I consider middle class: having to make decisions. I read a book that stated that middle-class people were the most stressed for this reason.Do you get a new Mercedes or go on first class trip to Rome? (both costing the same) Lower-lower: You're kidding, right?Lower: Neither, I can't afford it.Lower-middle: If I save and pinch pennies, I might be able to do a trip to Hawaii or a new Honda instead.Middle: It's so hard to choose! ARGH!Upper-middle: I'll get the Mercedes and we'll do Rome next year.Lower-upper: Both, but maybe not high-end versions.Upper: Both!Upper-upper: Both! Every month!

MandyJoBo 5 years 6 weeks

Of course it depends on where you live and how well you manage money, but this is what I consider middle class: having to make decisions. I read a book that stated that middle-class people were the most stressed for this reason. Do you get a new Mercedes or go on first class trip to Rome? (both costing the same) Lower-lower: You're kidding, right? Lower: Neither, I can't afford it. Lower-middle: If I save and pinch pennies, I might be able to do a trip to Hawaii or a new Honda instead. Middle: It's so hard to choose! ARGH! Upper-middle: I'll get the Mercedes and we'll do Rome next year. Lower-upper: Both, but maybe not high-end versions. Upper: Both! Upper-upper: Both! Every month!

AnnaLove 5 years 6 weeks

Well my parents are upper-middle, I guess. Myself, I'm a pre-med student and my car, apartment, etc. are paid for by my parents and I have a part time job for my other stuff. So who knows where that puts me? I'd say I still qualify under my parents income cause I don't feel poor but if it depends on my own income I'm below poverty level, lol. Whatevs.

iloveana 5 years 6 weeks

omg my spelling sucks today, please overlook those errors :)!

iloveana 5 years 6 weeks

omg my spelling sucks today, please overlook those errors :)!

iloveana 5 years 6 weeks

oh, and just because you live a humble life as a poor student does not mean that you're a lower class than you're parents, its just a transition period

iloveana 5 years 6 weeks

Class is not just a matter of income or neighborhood, its just as much a state of mind, cultural depth and perspective on life, education and other people. A family can become poor for a period of time and not suddenty belong to a lower class, social mobility doesn't always happen that quickly. Having said that, I do believe in social mobility yet I also think that the "middle class" consists of so many layers that its too broad a definition.

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