Which Cities Are Seeing the Largest Declines in Middle Class Households?

Name: Which Cities Are Seeing the Largest Declines in Middle Class Households?
Item: Which Cities Are Seeing the Largest Declines in Middle Class Households?
Author: Anja Solum, CEPF

Updated: September 4, 2024

Advertising & Editorial Disclosure

Being middle class in America is often associated with financial stability and security, social identity, consumer power and economic fairness. Until the early 2000s, middle-income households represented the largest share of Americans. However, that share of the middle class has steadily declined over time.

To better understand this shift, MoneyGeek analyzed the American middle-class landscape of 597 cities over five years, focusing on income. Our analysis uncovered that 61% of all cities considered experienced declines in the percentage of middle-income households between 2017 and 2022. Below we focus on the 367 cities where the middle class shrank in that timeframe.

MIDDLE CLASS IN THE US: KEY FINDINGS

Middle-income households comprise roughly 41% of all households studywide, with the highest percentage found in West Jordan, Utah (53%), and the lowest in Champaign, Illinois (34%).
Middle-class income is shrinking most in the Southern and Western regions, with the biggest losses for each found in Springdale, Arkansas (-12%), and Yorba Linda, California (-9%).
No Northeastern cities rank among the 25 cities with the biggest five-year decreases in the percentage of middle-income households.
Among large cities, Henderson, Nevada, is where the middle class shrank the most (-4%). However, 66 small and midsize cities saw bigger losses than Henderson.

Middle-Income Households Shrinking Most in Small and Midsize Cities

The middle class is shrinking in most of the over 500 small and midsize cities (those with a population below 250,000) we analyzed. At a 12% decline, Springdale, Arkansas, (population 86,000), had the most significant loss of middle-income groups between 2017 and 2022. Carmel, Indiana, and Rockville, Maryland, followed with an 11% and 10% decrease, respectively. Four California cities (Yorba Linda, Union City, Bellflower and Castro Valley) all had decreases exceeding 8%.

In cities of this size, the median middle-class income is between $22,024 (in Flint, Michigan) and $384,582 (in San Ramon, California).

SMALL AND MIDSIZE CITIES WHERE THE MIDDLE CLASS IS SHRINKING

Rank	City	Difference in Middle-Income Households (2017–22)	Population (2022)	Middle-Income Households (2022)	Middle Income Floor (2022)	Middle Income Ceiling (2022)
1	Springdale, AR	-12.0%	85.8K	43.2%	$39,351	$118,054
2	Carmel, IN	-10.7%	101.3K	41.0%	$86,888	$260,664
3	Rockville, MD	-9.7%	66.9K	37.2%	$70,892	$212,676
4	Yorba Linda, CA	-9.3%	67.1K	42.0%	$101,023	$303,068
5	The Woodlands, TX	-9.2%	118.0K	35.0%	$91,557	$274,670
6	Union City, CA	-8.8%	67.0K	38.4%	$98,973	$296,920
7	Bellflower, CA	-8.6%	76.4K	37.5%	$49,421	$148,262
8	Castro Valley, CA	-8.2%	66.5K	38.0%	$88,857	$266,570
9	O'Fallon, MO	-8.1%	93.6K	45.7%	$70,160	$210,480
10	Sandy Springs, GA	-8.1%	107.8K	39.1%	$69,596	$208,788

Note: Some percentages in the table above may appear tied due to rounding; however, the actual values differ slightly.

Large City Trends for the Middle Class

Large cities often offer greater amenities and resources for residents but can come with high living costs that usually offset larger incomes. In these higher-population areas, middle-class income ranges between $24,302 (in Detroit) and $273,384 (in San Francisco). In all of the large cities analyzed, however, none had declines above 5% in the percentage of middle-income households.

With over 330,000 residents, Henderson, Nevada, had the highest rate of households that fell out of the middle class (4%). Other Western cities — like Anchorage, Alaska, and Santa Ana, California — and one Southern city — Virginia Beach, Virginia — follow, all of which fell just below a 4% decrease.

LARGE CITIES WHERE THE MIDDLE CLASS IS SHRINKING

Rank	City	Difference in Middle-Income Households (2017–22)	Population (2022)	Middle-Income Households (2022)	Middle Income Floor (2022)	Middle Income Ceiling (2022)
1	Henderson, NV	-4.1%	331.4K	41.1%	$54,463	$163,390
2	Virginia Beach, VA	-3.8%	455.6K	43.0%	$55,497	$166,490
3	Anchorage, AK	-3.6%	287.1K	42.5%	$67,167	$201,502
4	Santa Ana, CA	-3.5%	308.2K	45.1%	$52,901	$158,702
5	Chesapeake, VA	-3.4%	252.5K	41.6%	$58,499	$175,498
6	Bakersfield, CA	-3.3%	410.7K	40.7%	$48,011	$144,034
7	Raleigh, NC	-3.2%	477.1K	43.1%	$50,283	$150,848
8	North Las Vegas, NV	-3.1%	280.5K	43.4%	$50,306	$150,918
9	St. Petersburg, FL	-2.9%	261.2K	39.3%	$46,627	$139,882
10	Irving, TX	-2.6%	254.7K	46.0%	$52,217	$156,652

America's 10 Largest Cities Remain Accessible for Middle-Income Earners

With populations reaching as high as 8.3 million, the 10 largest cities are often known for their glamor and high cost of living. Surprisingly, the middle class's share of income has not shifted much in these big cities.

The largest decline in middle-income households was in San Diego (2%). The two most populous U.S. cities (New York and Los Angeles) saw just under a 2% drop between 2017 and 2022. In others, the percentage of middle-income households actually increased — Philadelphia and San Antonio grew by 3% and 1%, respectively.

Tips for Stretching Your Income

A budget that worked last year may not be effective today due to inflation or changing expenses. - Review and adjust your budget often to reflect current prices, such as groceries or gas, and reallocate funds as needed.

Be intentional about meal planning. Cooking and eating more meals at home is usually more economical than dining out.

Small, recurring expenses can add up. Audit your subscriptions and memberships (e.g., streaming services, gym) and cancel those you don’t use frequently. Consider free or lower-cost alternatives.

Use credit card rewards, cash back programs and loyalty points strategically for essentials like groceries and gas to reduce out-of-pocket expenses.

Prioritize emergency savings. Aim to save three to six months’ worth of expenses in an easily accessible account. Increase your contributions when times are good to prepare for downturns.

Diversify your income streams. Explore freelance work, part-time jobs or investment opportunities that provide additional income. This can buffer against job loss or reduced work hours.

Methodology

MoneyGeek analyzed income data from the U.S. Census one-year American Community Survey (ACS) for nearly 600 cities to uncover where the middle class is shrinking the most. Of those, 367 showed declines in the percentage of middle-income households between 2017 and 2022.

We calculated the middle-class income range in each location using the Pew Research Center criteria, which defines ‘middle class’ as two-thirds to double the median household income. We then used the lognormal distribution and the cumulative distribution function to estimate the proportion of households in the local middle-income range. Since we didn't have an upper limit for the bin for the “$200,000 or more” income range, we used the lower limit ($200,000) as the bin center.

We did this process for both 2017 and 2022 income data. Our final ranking is based on the percentage point difference between the percentage of middle-income households in 2022 and 2017. The top city had the largest decrease in the proportion of middle-income households.

In this analysis of the middle class's share of income in U.S. cities, we use the phrase "middle class" alongside "middle income." However, it is important to note that middle class and middle income are not entirely interchangeable, and there are other factors that contribute to the perception of "being middle class.”

Full Dataset

Below is the data that informed our analysis. We used income as our key indicator to determine the middle-income range in each city and calculate the number of households within these parameters. Note: Cities with 0% for a five-year percentage point difference appear so due to rounding but did have minor decreases overall.

Rank	City	Difference in Middle-Income Households (2017–22)	Middle-Income Households (2022)	Middle Income Floor (2022)	Middle Income Ceiling (2022)	Population (2022)
1	Springdale, AR	-12.0%	43.2%	$39,351	$118,054	85844
2	Carmel, IN	-10.7%	41.0%	$86,888	$260,664	101286
3	Rockville, MD	-9.7%	37.2%	$70,892	$212,676	66915
4	Yorba Linda, CA	-9.3%	42.0%	$101,023	$303,068	67077
5	The Woodlands, TX	-9.2%	35.0%	$91,557	$274,670	117970
6	Union City, CA	-8.8%	38.4%	$98,973	$296,920	67049
7	Bellflower, CA	-8.6%	37.5%	$49,421	$148,262	76405
8	Castro Valley, CA	-8.2%	38.0%	$88,857	$266,570	66506
9	O'Fallon, MO	-8.1%	45.7%	$70,160	$210,480	93648
10	Sandy Springs, GA	-8.1%	39.1%	$69,596	$208,788	107767
11	Layton, UT	-8.0%	47.6%	$66,790	$200,370	82600
12	Melbourne, FL	-7.6%	37.3%	$42,887	$128,662	86439
13	Daly City, CA	-7.6%	40.1%	$72,818	$218,454	99990
14	Dale City, VA	-7.6%	44.0%	$64,809	$194,428	66140
15	Arlington Heights, IL	-7.5%	36.8%	$75,980	$227,940	74207
16	Bowling Green, KY	-7.3%	37.6%	$30,541	$91,624	74929
17	North Port, FL	-7.2%	47.7%	$52,391	$157,174	85102
18	Newport Beach, CA	-7.1%	35.0%	$84,902	$254,706	83981
19	Citrus Heights, CA	-6.9%	43.7%	$49,282	$147,846	86440
20	Renton, WA	-6.8%	40.1%	$62,259	$186,776	104060
21	Santa Clara, CA	-6.7%	35.9%	$105,743	$317,228	126920
22	League City, TX	-6.7%	44.8%	$69,911	$209,734	118550
23	Lewisville, TX	-6.6%	44.3%	$52,637	$157,910	130933
24	Brooklyn Park, MN	-6.5%	42.2%	$53,517	$160,550	83319
25	Ontario, CA	-6.4%	41.6%	$52,753	$158,258	179062
26	Kissimmee, FL	-6.4%	42.5%	$29,630	$88,890	80009
27	Midland, TX	-6.4%	36.7%	$53,490	$160,470	134398
28	Norwalk, CA	-6.3%	43.5%	$63,234	$189,702	98537
29	Naperville, IL	-6.2%	43.2%	$93,887	$281,662	148508
30	Largo, FL	-6.1%	40.9%	$37,605	$112,816	82474
31	Missouri City, TX	-6.1%	48.1%	$67,850	$203,550	74815
32	Flower Mound, TX	-6.0%	46.9%	$96,601	$289,802	77947
33	Westland, MI	-5.9%	41.4%	$37,753	$113,260	84023
34	Newton, MA	-5.9%	37.9%	$108,716	$326,148	87382
35	Waldorf, MD	-5.7%	42.6%	$71,641	$214,924	84642
36	Rialto, CA	-5.7%	43.1%	$57,057	$171,170	103564
37	Costa Mesa, CA	-5.6%	38.9%	$69,261	$207,782	109527
38	Kalamazoo, MI	-5.6%	38.3%	$29,006	$87,018	72883
39	Fishers, IN	-5.5%	49.5%	$83,439	$250,318	102152
40	Upland, CA	-5.4%	42.3%	$65,225	$195,676	78851
41	Topeka, KS	-5.4%	38.6%	$33,806	$101,418	125464
42	Rancho Cucamonga, CA	-5.4%	42.2%	$72,230	$216,690	176359
43	Spring Hill, FL	-5.3%	44.4%	$41,780	$125,340	125603
44	Livermore, CA	-5.2%	41.8%	$97,279	$291,838	84722
45	Round Rock, TX	-5.2%	45.6%	$54,536	$163,608	124790
46	Alameda, CA	-5.1%	38.1%	$87,411	$262,232	76039
47	Modesto, CA	-5.1%	39.9%	$48,850	$146,550	218071
48	Mount Pleasant, SC	-5.0%	43.6%	$76,158	$228,474	94550
49	South Gate, CA	-4.9%	41.2%	$47,293	$141,878	90935
50	Riverview, FL	-4.9%	41.8%	$65,647	$196,940	114454
51	Frederick, MD	-4.9%	42.2%	$63,178	$189,534	82169
52	Mount Vernon, NY	-4.9%	39.2%	$45,383	$136,150	71717
53	Spring Valley, NV	-4.7%	41.3%	$44,639	$133,918	220707
54	Carrollton, TX	-4.7%	45.0%	$61,823	$185,468	133240
55	Perris, CA	-4.6%	44.3%	$53,489	$160,468	80258
56	Enterprise, NV	-4.6%	44.8%	$60,003	$180,010	231446
57	Gary, IN	-4.4%	35.9%	$24,102	$72,306	67742
58	Killeen, TX	-4.4%	42.1%	$36,353	$109,058	159170
59	Tamarac, FL	-4.4%	45.5%	$36,383	$109,148	71915
60	Thousand Oaks, CA	-4.4%	40.4%	$83,207	$249,622	124257
61	Oxnard, CA	-4.2%	44.5%	$56,627	$169,882	200437
62	Lehigh Acres, FL	-4.2%	43.2%	$43,877	$131,632	136910
63	Escondido, CA	-4.2%	43.0%	$58,443	$175,328	150258
64	Brockton, MA	-4.2%	39.3%	$49,866	$149,598	104833
65	Odessa, TX	-4.2%	39.7%	$42,257	$126,770	116669
66	Fremont, CA	-4.2%	41.7%	$108,224	$324,672	223859
67	Henderson, NV	-4.1%	41.1%	$54,463	$163,390	331408
68	Fullerton, CA	-4.1%	38.2%	$64,669	$194,008	140552
69	Fall River, MA	-4.1%	39.3%	$31,193	$93,578	93689
70	Asheville, NC	-4.0%	40.5%	$43,032	$129,096	93782
71	Pawtucket, RI	-4.0%	38.8%	$42,115	$126,346	75057
72	Pleasanton, CA	-4.0%	40.0%	$122,646	$367,938	76689
73	Albany, NY	-4.0%	34.1%	$34,257	$102,772	100832
74	Portsmouth, VA	-4.0%	40.4%	$36,407	$109,222	97029
75	Salinas, CA	-3.9%	43.1%	$53,707	$161,120	161019
76	Sparks, NV	-3.9%	43.3%	$54,341	$163,024	109227
77	Cary, NC	-3.9%	44.6%	$83,609	$250,828	179256
78	Camarillo, CA	-3.9%	39.0%	$67,063	$201,188	70287
79	Virginia Beach, VA	-3.8%	43.0%	$55,497	$166,490	455618
80	Napa, CA	-3.8%	42.3%	$62,832	$188,496	78308
81	Sterling Heights, MI	-3.8%	42.5%	$52,033	$156,098	132554
82	Troy, MI	-3.8%	40.2%	$72,963	$218,888	87182
83	Southfield, MI	-3.8%	41.7%	$43,544	$130,632	75454
84	Carson, CA	-3.7%	43.2%	$65,908	$197,724	92391
85	East Los Angeles, CA	-3.7%	41.9%	$42,771	$128,312	112965
86	Conway, AR	-3.6%	38.4%	$41,265	$123,796	67616
87	Silver Spring, MD	-3.6%	44.4%	$54,371	$163,114	75313
88	Homestead, FL	-3.6%	39.4%	$40,353	$121,060	81559
89	Anchorage, AK	-3.6%	42.5%	$67,167	$201,502	287145
90	Clearwater, FL	-3.5%	40.3%	$37,649	$112,948	117010
91	Santa Ana, CA	-3.5%	45.1%	$52,901	$158,702	308203
92	Cedar Rapids, IA	-3.5%	44.0%	$42,957	$128,870	136438
93	West Valley City, UT	-3.5%	47.9%	$54,919	$164,756	136639
94	Danbury, CT	-3.5%	39.7%	$58,755	$176,264	86971
95	New Britain, CT	-3.5%	39.3%	$33,473	$100,418	74408
96	Menifee, CA	-3.5%	40.3%	$57,471	$172,412	109399
97	Bridgeport, CT	-3.5%	36.7%	$33,541	$100,622	148365
98	Cedar Park, TX	-3.5%	44.0%	$76,490	$229,470	80212
99	Duluth, MN	-3.5%	39.5%	$39,722	$119,166	86615
100	Hayward, CA	-3.4%	42.5%	$67,466	$202,398	156773
101	Santa Fe, NM	-3.4%	40.6%	$45,862	$137,586	89001
102	Columbia, MO	-3.4%	38.6%	$38,711	$116,134	128545
103	Chesapeake, VA	-3.4%	41.6%	$58,499	$175,498	252488
104	Bakersfield, CA	-3.3%	40.7%	$48,011	$144,034	410654
105	Berkeley, CA	-3.3%	33.7%	$63,231	$189,692	118942
106	Centennial, CO	-3.3%	45.9%	$84,149	$252,448	105860
107	Delray Beach, FL	-3.3%	39.8%	$53,333	$160,000	67035
108	Raleigh, NC	-3.2%	43.1%	$50,283	$150,848	477084
109	Corona, CA	-3.2%	41.3%	$66,635	$199,906	159534
110	Yakima, WA	-3.2%	43.9%	$37,881	$113,642	97017
111	Allen, TX	-3.2%	45.2%	$80,751	$242,254	111548
112	Green Bay, WI	-3.2%	41.7%	$36,785	$110,354	106096
113	Baldwin Park, CA	-3.2%	44.5%	$46,945	$140,836	69450
114	Elizabeth, NJ	-3.2%	42.7%	$42,742	$128,226	134274
115	Lake Forest, CA	-3.2%	42.9%	$85,355	$256,066	85635
116	Fort Myers, FL	-3.2%	39.9%	$41,987	$125,962	95935
117	North Las Vegas, NV	-3.1%	43.4%	$50,306	$150,918	280539
118	Mission Viejo, CA	-2.9%	42.6%	$84,313	$252,938	91775
119	St. Petersburg, FL	-2.9%	39.3%	$46,627	$139,882	261245
120	Ann Arbor, MI	-2.9%	35.7%	$52,493	$157,480	119871
121	Lake Charles, LA	-2.9%	40.1%	$37,777	$113,332	79106
122	Norman, OK	-2.8%	40.1%	$40,687	$122,060	129624
123	Yonkers, NY	-2.8%	36.6%	$44,971	$134,912	208112
124	St. Joseph, MO	-2.8%	41.7%	$35,341	$106,024	70682
125	Oceanside, CA	-2.8%	42.1%	$55,514	$166,542	172190
126	Fort Collins, CO	-2.8%	38.8%	$53,485	$160,454	169248
127	Lodi, CA	-2.8%	42.2%	$58,960	$176,880	67273
128	Vallejo, CA	-2.8%	40.1%	$58,709	$176,126	123583
129	Las Cruces, NM	-2.8%	36.9%	$33,581	$100,744	113881
130	Independence, MO	-2.8%	43.5%	$35,388	$106,164	121211
131	Concord, CA	-2.7%	39.7%	$69,682	$209,046	122616
132	Fairfield, CA	-2.7%	41.3%	$64,978	$194,934	119333
133	Palmdale, CA	-2.7%	41.2%	$60,220	$180,660	163455
134	Lee's Summit, MO	-2.7%	45.9%	$59,427	$178,280	104336
135	Irving, TX	-2.6%	46.0%	$52,217	$156,652	254712
136	Provo, UT	-2.6%	41.1%	$39,527	$118,580	113516
137	Jonesboro, AR	-2.6%	39.1%	$40,705	$122,114	79884
138	Vista, CA	-2.6%	44.4%	$59,226	$177,678	97766
139	Tallahassee, FL	-2.6%	37.9%	$35,911	$107,734	201728
140	Simi Valley, CA	-2.6%	44.1%	$75,995	$227,984	124395
141	Palm Coast, FL	-2.5%	47.9%	$45,623	$136,868	98411
142	Highlands Ranch, CO	-2.5%	47.5%	$101,359	$304,076	103830
143	Parma, OH	-2.5%	46.3%	$43,403	$130,210	79356
144	Lincoln, NE	-2.5%	42.6%	$41,594	$124,782	292623
145	San Mateo, CA	-2.5%	39.7%	$106,183	$318,550	100996
146	Jurupa Valley, CA	-2.5%	44.1%	$61,922	$185,766	107603
147	Livonia, MI	-2.5%	47.1%	$61,417	$184,250	93786
148	Moreno Valley, CA	-2.4%	46.3%	$57,939	$173,818	211915
149	Inglewood, CA	-2.4%	41.7%	$41,734	$125,202	103628
150	Carlsbad, CA	-2.4%	40.9%	$97,731	$293,192	114161
151	Fresno, CA	-2.4%	39.0%	$42,797	$128,392	545564
152	Oakland, CA	-2.4%	36.7%	$62,097	$186,292	430531
153	Johns Creek, GA	-2.3%	44.7%	$99,430	$298,290	82458
154	Aurora, CO	-2.3%	44.8%	$54,263	$162,790	393319
155	Richardson, TX	-2.3%	40.5%	$57,450	$172,350	118830
156	Yuba City, CA	-2.3%	43.3%	$39,725	$119,176	69004
157	Sunnyvale, CA	-2.3%	38.2%	$113,187	$339,562	153076
158	East Orange, NJ	-2.2%	37.9%	$29,018	$87,054	68445
159	Schenectady, NY	-2.2%	38.0%	$36,977	$110,930	68810
160	Hawthorne, CA	-2.2%	41.1%	$49,010	$147,030	84564
161	Victoria, TX	-2.2%	41.0%	$44,040	$132,120	65372
162	Rancho Cordova, CA	-2.2%	44.3%	$54,785	$164,356	80594
163	Cincinnati, OH	-2.1%	36.0%	$32,087	$96,260	309536
164	Marysville, WA	-2.1%	43.0%	$69,622	$208,866	72280
165	Santa Monica, CA	-2.1%	34.8%	$73,353	$220,060	89951
166	Compton, CA	-2.1%	41.6%	$45,570	$136,710	91979
167	Bryan, TX	-2.1%	37.7%	$39,847	$119,542	87793
168	Jackson, MS	-2.1%	39.8%	$27,087	$81,262	146019
169	Orlando, FL	-2.1%	40.4%	$43,569	$130,708	316086
170	Chino Hills, CA	-2.1%	43.5%	$70,652	$211,956	77923
171	Pasadena, CA	-2.1%	35.9%	$63,423	$190,268	134214
172	West Jordan, UT	-2.1%	52.8%	$63,623	$190,868	116662
173	Poinciana, FL	-2.1%	42.4%	$39,578	$118,734	75778
174	Lawrence, MA	-2.0%	40.6%	$40,421	$121,264	87952
175	Buckeye, AZ	-2.0%	46.9%	$63,490	$190,470	105567
176	Providence, RI	-2.0%	36.6%	$42,789	$128,368	189575
177	Pittsburg, CA	-2.0%	43.8%	$59,228	$177,684	77585
178	Cheektowaga, NY	-2.0%	42.0%	$39,445	$118,334	75261
179	Dayton, OH	-2.0%	39.1%	$29,187	$87,560	135938
180	Abilene, TX	-2.0%	41.2%	$41,129	$123,388	128149
181	Augusta, GA	-2.0%	40.0%	$33,225	$99,676	202596
182	Greensboro, NC	-2.0%	40.8%	$36,747	$110,240	301118
183	Madera, CA	-2.0%	39.9%	$44,969	$134,908	68042
184	San Diego, CA	-2.0%	40.2%	$66,673	$200,020	1381182
185	Warren, MI	-1.9%	42.3%	$40,190	$120,570	137111
186	Garden Grove, CA	-1.9%	41.4%	$57,983	$173,950	169265
187	San Jose, CA	-1.9%	40.1%	$89,223	$267,670	971265
188	Stamford, CT	-1.9%	41.0%	$59,865	$179,594	136197
189	Johnson City, TN	-1.9%	41.2%	$36,819	$110,456	71444
190	New Rochelle, NY	-1.9%	40.0%	$68,455	$205,364	82292
191	Port St. Lucie, FL	-1.9%	46.6%	$47,075	$141,226	231804
192	Bolingbrook, IL	-1.9%	44.2%	$61,285	$183,856	75444
193	Seattle, WA	-1.8%	38.1%	$76,939	$230,818	749267
194	Surprise, AZ	-1.8%	46.6%	$64,608	$193,824	154194
195	Scottsdale, AZ	-1.8%	39.9%	$67,091	$201,272	243027
196	Syracuse, NY	-1.8%	38.1%	$30,119	$90,358	144459
197	Arlington, VA	-1.8%	40.4%	$88,253	$264,760	234000
198	El Cajon, CA	-1.8%	40.1%	$44,030	$132,090	104417
199	Beaumont, TX	-1.8%	39.0%	$38,629	$115,888	112090
200	Brandon, FL	-1.8%	43.7%	$50,196	$150,588	126628
201	Bloomington, IN	-1.7%	34.5%	$31,573	$94,720	77358
202	Hartford, CT	-1.7%	38.8%	$27,686	$83,058	120682
203	Phoenix, AZ	-1.7%	41.9%	$50,646	$151,938	1644403
204	Stockton, CA	-1.7%	39.7%	$50,821	$152,462	321796
205	Reno, NV	-1.7%	42.3%	$48,069	$144,206	273447
206	Trenton, NJ	-1.7%	35.9%	$35,005	$105,016	89658
207	Santa Barbara, CA	-1.7%	38.3%	$69,334	$208,002	87519
208	Grand Rapids, MI	-1.6%	42.7%	$43,773	$131,320	196904
209	Kansas City, MO	-1.6%	40.3%	$41,450	$124,350	509247
210	Miami Gardens, FL	-1.6%	40.9%	$40,997	$122,992	110491
211	Alpharetta, GA	-1.6%	42.1%	$86,631	$259,892	67276
212	Lorain, OH	-1.6%	39.3%	$31,061	$93,184	65366
213	Palm Bay, FL	-1.6%	51.1%	$47,763	$143,290	129246
214	Long Beach, CA	-1.6%	40.2%	$53,662	$160,986	451319
215	Longview, TX	-1.6%	41.0%	$43,931	$131,794	83119
216	Joliet, IL	-1.6%	41.4%	$57,952	$173,856	147696
217	Davenport, IA	-1.5%	41.3%	$36,420	$109,260	100491
218	El Paso, TX	-1.5%	40.6%	$35,097	$105,290	677469
219	Centreville, VA	-1.5%	44.6%	$87,629	$262,888	69345
220	Nashville, TN	-1.5%	41.8%	$47,845	$143,534	683639
221	Redondo Beach, CA	-1.5%	40.4%	$93,857	$281,572	68908
222	Sioux City, IA	-1.5%	41.7%	$41,224	$123,672	83215
223	Santa Maria, CA	-1.5%	46.6%	$54,298	$162,894	110124
224	Waco, TX	-1.5%	37.6%	$36,165	$108,496	143987
225	Overland Park, KS	-1.4%	45.4%	$64,463	$193,388	197747
226	Victorville, CA	-1.4%	42.6%	$46,379	$139,138	137224
227	Plantation, FL	-1.4%	40.5%	$55,220	$165,660	96046
228	Aurora, IL	-1.4%	44.3%	$56,385	$169,156	182336
229	Birmingham, AL	-1.4%	39.8%	$26,217	$78,652	196353
230	Richmond, VA	-1.4%	37.3%	$39,325	$117,976	229395
231	Denver, CO	-1.4%	39.8%	$58,809	$176,426	713252
232	San Ramon, CA	-1.4%	39.8%	$128,194	$384,582	85959
233	Bloomington, MN	-1.4%	44.8%	$58,188	$174,564	87799
234	Gresham, OR	-1.4%	42.3%	$47,337	$142,012	111634
235	Jersey City, NJ	-1.4%	36.7%	$62,720	$188,160	286661
236	Camden, NJ	-1.4%	37.8%	$24,717	$74,150	70998
237	Dallas, TX	-1.4%	39.4%	$43,600	$130,800	1299553
238	Gulfport, MS	-1.4%	39.5%	$28,698	$86,094	72228
239	Hollywood, FL	-1.4%	42.4%	$39,945	$119,834	152662
240	Conroe, TX	-1.3%	43.7%	$43,819	$131,456	101414
241	San Bernardino, CA	-1.3%	43.8%	$41,867	$125,602	220314
242	Fort Smith, AR	-1.3%	43.9%	$31,779	$95,338	89981
243	Mansfield, TX	-1.3%	47.7%	$79,672	$239,016	76586
244	Cleveland, OH	-1.3%	38.6%	$24,901	$74,702	361654
245	Hialeah, FL	-1.2%	41.1%	$35,116	$105,348	220274
246	Los Angeles, CA	-1.2%	38.6%	$50,757	$152,270	3822224
247	Santa Rosa, CA	-1.2%	42.2%	$63,602	$190,806	177185
248	Norwalk, CT	-1.2%	39.8%	$71,427	$214,280	91381
249	Edmond, OK	-1.2%	42.0%	$68,597	$205,792	96304
250	Woodbury, MN	-1.2%	50.6%	$78,134	$234,402	78560
251	Grand Prairie, TX	-1.2%	46.9%	$48,181	$144,542	201791
252	Omaha, NE	-1.2%	42.1%	$44,967	$134,900	485146
253	Lauderhill, FL	-1.2%	42.3%	$29,837	$89,510	73637
254	Broken Arrow, OK	-1.2%	47.4%	$52,717	$158,150	120448
255	Oklahoma City, OK	-1.2%	41.1%	$42,475	$127,426	694768
256	Vancouver, WA	-1.2%	43.0%	$51,199	$153,598	194509
257	Everett, WA	-1.2%	40.1%	$53,149	$159,446	111348
258	Muncie, IN	-1.1%	39.5%	$27,312	$81,936	65160
259	Chino, CA	-1.1%	43.5%	$63,814	$191,442	93149
260	Concord, NC	-1.1%	45.4%	$51,715	$155,146	109898
261	Cranston, RI	-1.1%	42.1%	$51,261	$153,784	82432
262	San Francisco, CA	-1.1%	35.8%	$91,128	$273,384	808437
263	Bismarck, ND	-1.1%	40.1%	$49,498	$148,494	74444
264	Springfield, MA	-1.1%	39.0%	$29,524	$88,572	154058
265	Arden-Arcade, CA	-1.1%	40.3%	$47,638	$142,914	95936
266	Alafaya, FL	-1.0%	43.8%	$59,154	$177,462	91249
267	Skokie, IL	-1.0%	39.1%	$64,706	$194,118	65503
268	Louisville, KY	-1.0%	40.1%	$42,033	$126,098	624450
269	Atlanta, GA	-1.0%	36.4%	$55,501	$166,502	499121
270	Deerfield Beach, FL	-1.0%	41.6%	$43,643	$130,930	86781
271	Evansville, IN	-1.0%	41.8%	$32,085	$96,254	118521
272	Pompano Beach, FL	-1.0%	41.2%	$40,691	$122,074	112308
273	Greenville, SC	-1.0%	39.8%	$44,893	$134,680	72310
274	Champaign, IL	-1.0%	33.7%	$37,432	$112,296	89245
275	Anaheim, CA	-1.0%	42.0%	$56,755	$170,266	344462
276	Chula Vista, CA	-0.9%	41.1%	$67,460	$202,380	279158
277	Schaumburg, IL	-0.9%	44.6%	$61,777	$185,332	78285
278	San Marcos, CA	-0.9%	41.9%	$69,063	$207,190	94855
279	Farmington Hills, MI	-0.9%	43.7%	$69,729	$209,186	82738
280	Richmond, CA	-0.9%	40.4%	$59,063	$177,188	114287
281	Miami, FL	-0.9%	37.4%	$40,659	$121,978	449484
282	Temple, TX	-0.9%	41.4%	$42,146	$126,438	89455
283	Chicago, IL	-0.9%	37.1%	$46,924	$140,772	2665064
284	Salem, OR	-0.9%	43.2%	$46,813	$140,440	177490
285	High Point, NC	-0.8%	42.3%	$42,620	$127,860	114339
286	Minneapolis, MN	-0.8%	38.6%	$49,649	$148,946	425104
287	Waukesha, WI	-0.8%	45.3%	$49,783	$149,350	70465
288	Pearland, TX	-0.8%	48.1%	$68,997	$206,992	127170
289	Walnut Creek, CA	-0.8%	39.9%	$70,761	$212,282	68969
290	Rochester, MN	-0.8%	43.0%	$54,132	$162,396	121894
291	Buffalo, NY	-0.8%	38.7%	$32,603	$97,808	276491
292	Bend, OR	-0.8%	47.7%	$59,011	$177,032	103263
293	Pharr, TX	-0.7%	41.0%	$32,421	$97,262	80170
294	Folsom, CA	-0.7%	45.8%	$86,030	$258,090	83273
295	Toledo, OH	-0.7%	39.8%	$31,577	$94,730	266289
296	Hemet, CA	-0.7%	42.2%	$36,104	$108,312	90688
297	Reading, PA	-0.7%	41.4%	$28,997	$86,992	94860
298	Kendall, FL	-0.7%	41.9%	$59,627	$178,882	80912
299	Honolulu, HI	-0.7%	39.4%	$54,671	$164,012	343437
300	Boulder, CO	-0.7%	36.9%	$54,405	$163,216	105482
301	New York, NY	-0.7%	36.1%	$49,796	$149,388	8335897
302	Little Rock, AR	-0.7%	39.9%	$36,710	$110,130	202851
303	Indianapolis, IN	-0.7%	40.3%	$41,001	$123,002	876564
304	Wichita, KS	-0.7%	41.6%	$39,518	$118,554	396205
305	San Buenaventura (Ventura), CA	-0.7%	39.6%	$66,715	$200,146	109528
306	Norfolk, VA	-0.6%	39.7%	$40,727	$122,180	232995
307	Rock Hill, SC	-0.6%	43.0%	$41,726	$125,178	75361
308	Spokane Valley, WA	-0.6%	42.7%	$44,323	$132,968	107325
309	Austin, TX	-0.6%	41.6%	$59,610	$178,830	975335
310	Lexington, KY	-0.6%	40.7%	$41,939	$125,816	320347
311	Greenville, NC	-0.6%	37.8%	$33,413	$100,240	89222
312	Evanston, IL	-0.6%	36.3%	$64,763	$194,288	75538
313	Broomfield, CO	-0.6%	42.4%	$77,222	$231,666	76121
314	Beaverton, OR	-0.5%	43.3%	$55,277	$165,832	97064
315	Burbank, CA	-0.5%	37.8%	$61,721	$185,162	103919
316	Baltimore, MD	-0.5%	37.1%	$36,799	$110,396	569931
317	Columbia, SC	-0.5%	37.7%	$37,450	$112,350	139343
318	Garland, TX	-0.5%	46.3%	$47,461	$142,382	240667
319	Sacramento, CA	-0.5%	41.0%	$53,503	$160,508	528026
320	Jacksonville, FL	-0.4%	42.1%	$46,206	$138,618	971315
321	Dothan, AL	-0.4%	41.0%	$35,953	$107,858	70524
322	Fort Wayne, IN	-0.4%	44.0%	$38,959	$116,878	267436
323	Kansas City, KS	-0.4%	42.0%	$38,822	$116,466	152561
324	Charlotte, NC	-0.4%	42.9%	$49,601	$148,802	897720
325	Gastonia, NC	-0.4%	39.4%	$39,163	$117,490	82666
326	Pittsburgh, PA	-0.4%	38.4%	$42,253	$126,760	302905
327	Flint, MI	-0.4%	41.3%	$22,024	$66,072	79865
328	Lynchburg, VA	-0.4%	43.2%	$32,717	$98,152	79287
329	Rochester, NY	-0.4%	38.8%	$29,087	$87,262	209325
330	Bethesda, MD	-0.4%	43.1%	$105,813	$317,440	68522
331	Boston, MA	-0.4%	34.6%	$57,554	$172,662	649768
332	Charleston, SC	-0.3%	40.5%	$55,402	$166,206	153743
333	Hillsboro, OR	-0.3%	49.6%	$68,780	$206,340	107319
334	Gainesville, FL	-0.3%	37.3%	$28,302	$84,906	145212
335	Avondale, AZ	-0.3%	44.8%	$44,534	$133,602	91618
336	Amarillo, TX	-0.3%	43.4%	$41,507	$124,520	203477
337	Davis, CA	-0.3%	34.7%	$44,915	$134,746	67057
338	West Palm Beach, FL	-0.3%	41.8%	$47,425	$142,276	120922
339	Decatur, IL	-0.3%	39.4%	$33,143	$99,428	70396
340	Sunrise Manor, NV	-0.3%	42.9%	$38,753	$116,260	204985
341	Chandler, AZ	-0.3%	46.0%	$65,776	$197,328	280684
342	Detroit, MI	-0.3%	38.6%	$24,302	$72,906	620410
343	Tucson, AZ	-0.3%	40.9%	$34,187	$102,562	546598
344	Worcester, MA	-0.3%	38.3%	$41,290	$123,870	205317
345	Albuquerque, NM	-0.2%	41.2%	$43,171	$129,514	561006
346	West Covina, CA	-0.2%	41.8%	$56,442	$169,326	105032
347	Elgin, IL	-0.2%	44.2%	$56,778	$170,334	109634
348	Columbus, OH	-0.2%	42.1%	$41,151	$123,454	908372
349	Scranton, PA	-0.2%	41.0%	$32,186	$96,558	75838
350	Cambridge, MA	-0.2%	35.6%	$72,905	$218,716	118489
351	Pueblo, CO	-0.2%	41.5%	$34,465	$103,394	111449
352	Tampa, FL	-0.2%	38.5%	$47,393	$142,178	398160
353	Des Moines, IA	-0.1%	44.5%	$38,679	$116,036	210936
354	Kennewick, WA	-0.1%	44.4%	$49,200	$147,600	84757
355	Santa Clarita, CA	-0.1%	45.5%	$74,157	$222,472	221362
356	Olathe, KS	-0.1%	49.0%	$67,315	$201,944	145597
357	Palo Alto, CA	-0.1%	38.0%	$119,805	$359,414	66021
358	Chico, CA	-0.1%	39.7%	$43,347	$130,042	101304
359	Medford, OR	-0.1%	42.2%	$44,869	$134,606	85556
360	Racine, WI	-0.1%	45.1%	$39,666	$118,998	76455
361	Eugene, OR	-0.1%	39.2%	$40,859	$122,576	177930
362	Madison, WI	-0.1%	39.2%	$49,098	$147,294	272907
363	Redding, CA	0.0%	42.1%	$45,701	$137,102	92896
364	Warner Robins, GA	0.0%	43.3%	$38,645	$115,934	81833
365	Rochester Hills, MI	0.0%	45.3%	$71,425	$214,274	75947
366	Lansing, MI	0.0%	42.8%	$32,641	$97,924	112963
367	El Monte, CA	0.0%	44.3%	$39,579	$118,736	105307

About Anja Solum, CEPF

Anja Solum is a certified educator in personal finance and the Data Journalism Manager at MoneyGeek. For over six years, she has produced data analyses and studies for agency and in-house teams across multiple verticals.

Solum holds a bachelor's degree in communication arts from Florida International University. She's passionate about using data to tell compelling, informed stories that empower readers.

sources

The Brookings Institution. "Defining the Middle Class: Cash, Credentials or Culture?." Accessed September 2, 2024.
OECD. "OECD Economic Surveys: United States 2022." Accessed September 2, 2024.
Pew Research Center. "How the American Middle Class Has Changed in the Past Five Decades." Accessed September 2, 2024.
Pew Research Center. "The State of the American Middle Class." Accessed September 2, 2024.
United States Census. "American Community Survey (ACS)." Accessed September 2, 2024.
Yahoo! Finance. "6 Reasons ‘Middle Class’ Feels So Different Across the US." Accessed September 2, 2024.
Yahoo! Finance. "How Americans Define a Middle-Class Lifestyle — And Why They Can’t Reach It." Accessed September 2, 2024.

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