$100K Is Still Considered Lower-Middle Class in These States
A $100,000 salary in states known for their high cost of living isn’t enough money to catapult Americans into the upper-middle class. New research from MoneyLion indicates $100,000 is still considered lower-middle class in 12 states.
To find the states where $100,000 puts you in the lower-middle class, MoneyLion first referred to the Pew Research Center’s definition of the middle class as two thirds to double the middle-class income. Key factors sourced included each state’s median household income and upper quintile income limits. The entire middle class was calculated using the median household income and after breaking the middle class into thirds, the lower-middle class was calculated for each state. The 12 states were then found using $100,000 where it qualifies within the top 40% of household income.
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Key Findings
Massachusetts is the top state where $100,000 is considered lower-middle class. The maximum income for the lower-middle class is $116,476 while the lower limit of the top 40% of earners is $131,158.
The top seven states have maximum lower-middle class incomes of $110,000 or greater. The states and their incomes are as follows: Massachusetts ($116,476), New Jersey ($115,882), Maryland ($114,339), Hawaii ($111,939), California ($111,277), New Hampshire ($110,869) and Washington ($110,432).
Just five states have median household incomes of $100,000: Massachusetts ($104,828), New Jersey ($104,294), Maryland ($102,905), Hawaii ($100,745) and California ($100,149).
Ranked in order of states where the highest income is needed, here are the 12 states where a $100,000 income is still considered lower-middle class.
1. Massachusetts
Median household income: $104,828
Annual cost of necessities: $73,368
Top income for lower-middle class: $116,476
Lower limit of top 40% of earners: $131,158
2. New Jersey
Median household income: $104,294
Annual cost of necessities: $63,452
Top income for lower-middle class: $115,882
Lower limit of top 40% of earners: $129,581
3. Maryland
Median household income: $102,905
Annual cost of necessities: $54,431
Top income for lower-middle class: $114,339
Lower limit of top 40% of earners: $127,967
4. Hawaii
Median household income: $100,745
Annual cost of necessities: $99,179
Top income for lower-middle class: $111,939
Lower limit of top 40% of earners: $122,967
5. California
Median household income: $100,149
Annual cost of necessities: $81,674
Top income for lower-middle class: $111,277
Lower limit of top 40% of earners: $123,854
6. New Hampshire
Median household income: $99,782
Annual cost of necessities: $59,484
Top income for lower-middle class: $110,869
Lower limit of top 40% of earners: $120,856
7. Washington
Median household income: $99,389
Annual cost of necessities: $66,961
Top income for lower-middle class: $110,432
Lower limit of top 40% of earners: $120,911
8. Colorado
Median household income: $97,113
Annual cost of necessities: $60,157
Top income for lower-middle class: $107,903
Lower limit of top 40% of earners: $117,874
9. Utah
Median household income: $96,658
Annual cost of necessities: $58,737
Top income for lower-middle class: $107,398
Lower limit of top 40% of earners: $114,967
10. Connecticut
Median household income: $96,049
Annual cost of necessities: $56,512
Top income for lower-middle class: $106,721
Lower limit of top 40% of earners: $120,507
11. Alaska
Median household income: $95,665
Annual cost of necessities: $58,004
Top income for lower-middle class: $106,294
Lower limit of top 40% of earners: $113,458
12. Virginia
Median household income: $92,090
Annual cost of necessities: $51,218
Top income for lower-middle class: $102,322
Lower limit of top 40% of earners: $116,476
Methodology: Pew Research Center defines the middle class as two-thirds to double the middle-class income. Using the U.S. Census 2024 ACS, MoneyLion sourced total population, total households, median household income and upper quintile income limits. Using the median household income, the entire middle class was calculated. Breaking the middle class into thirds, the lower-middle class was calculated for each state. The cost-of-living indexes were sourced from Sperling's BestPlaces and the average cost of living was calculated for each state. The average single family home value was sourced from Zillow Home Value Index. Assuming a 10% down payment and using the national average 30-year fixed mortgage rate, as sourced from the Federal Reserve Economic Data, the average mortgage was calculated for each state. Using $100,000, the states where it qualifies within the top 40% of household income were found. The states were sorted to show the highest incomes needed first. All data is up to date as of April 1, 2026.
This article was provided by MoneyLion.com for informational purposes only and should not be construed as financial, legal or tax advice.
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