What income is considered upper class?
The income considered upper class is not a single, nationwide figure but rather varies significantly depending on the specific location, primarily due to differences in the cost of living. In states and metropolitan areas with higher living expenses, the income threshold required to be considered upper class is substantially higher than in lower-cost regions.
Understanding Upper Class Income Thresholds
While the definition of "upper class" can encompass more than just income, financial resources are a key determinant. An upper-class income typically signifies a household's ability to maintain a high standard of living, afford premium goods and services, accumulate substantial savings, make significant investments, and often possess considerable discretionary income after covering essential expenses.
The specific income required to achieve upper-class status is heavily influenced by local economic conditions. For instance, in states known for their high cost of living, the annual income needed to be considered upper class generally starts well above $170,000.
State-Specific Examples of Upper Class Income Cutoffs
To illustrate the wide range of these thresholds, here are examples from some states with the highest upper-class income cutoffs:
| State | Upper Class Income Cutoff | Share of Population in Upper Class |
|---|---|---|
| California | $183,102 | 19.6% |
| Washington | $182,612 | 18.1% |
| New Hampshire | $179,984 | 17.6% |
| Colorado | $178,604 | 17.2% |
These figures underscore that an income deemed upper class in one state might be considered middle or even upper-middle class in another, emphasizing the critical role of geographical context. The "Share of Population in Upper Class" column indicates the percentage of households within that state that meet or exceed the specified income threshold, providing additional insight into the income distribution within these high-cost areas.
