Income Qualifications and What Counts as Middle Class

Based on Trump’s comments, the $2,000 dividend would exclude “high income people.”

The middle class is generally defined as households earning up to twice the median income, while high-income households earn ten times that or more. Lower-income households are typically defined as making 150% of the federal poverty level or less.

According to Pew Research and the U.S. Census Bureau, the 2024 median household income was $83,730. Using Pew’s definition:

• Middle-class households: $55,820 to $167,460
• Lower-income households: under $55,820
• Upper-income households: over $167,460

Income classifications vary depending on family size and state cost of living.

States with the highest median household incomes (>$95,000) include Massachusetts, New Jersey, Maryland, New Hampshire, and California. States with the lowest (<$60,000) include Arkansas, Louisiana, West Virginia, and Mississippi.

Among cities, Arlington, VA, and San Jose, CA, have median incomes exceeding $136,000, while Cleveland, OH, and Detroit, MI, are below $40,000.