Being considered middle class has gotten more expensive over the years, and Delaware households are no exception.
Rising costs of living, inflation and stagnant wages have reshaped what “middle-class” really means in the First State.
While the definition of "middle-class" can vary with inflation and regional costs, it is most often measured by household income. A new analysis from SmartAsset shows how much you need to earn to qualify as middle class in Delaware and across the country.
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According to SmartAsset’s study of U.S. Census Bureau data, Delaware’s middle-class income range is $54,235 and $162,722. The calculation is based on a variation of Pew Research Center’s definition, which considers households earning between two-thirds and twice the median income as middle class.
Young family with baby worried about family budget and high taxes and bills. Inflation concept.
Middle class in Delaware and nearby states
Delaware’s middle-class income range is in line with neighboring states, falling between Pennsylvania’s lower thresholds and the higher brackets of New Jersey and Maryland. That places Delaware in the middle of the regional pack, relatively affordable yet still maintaining income levels comparable with the region.
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SmartAsset reported the following middle-class income ranges these states:
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Delaware: $54,235 to $162,722
Pennsylvania: $49,211 to $147,648
Maryland : $65,779 to $197,356
New Jersey: $66,514 to $199,562
Just last year, the financial advisor ranked Delaware 14th in the country for the highest household income required to maintain a middle-class lifestyle.
America’s middle class under financial strain
Finding places to trim or eliminate expenses is a great starting point for saving money.
Even with these income levels, many families who qualify as middle class continue to feel squeezed. Delaware families voiced their particular concerns in a Delaware Online/The News Journal report in 2023.
Echoing those sentiments, a recent survey by Pew Research Center found that in the past year about one-fifth of middle-income Americans borrowed money from friends or family, while 17% reported struggling to pay rent or a mortgage.
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Rising expenses appear to be at the heart of that strain. A GoBankingRates analysis identified six bills that are increasingly difficult for middle-class families to keep up with:
Internet services
Health and auto insurances
Eating out
Housing
Childcare
Credit card bills
For many households in Delaware, the numbers suggest that while a middle-class category is still achievable, it's becoming more challenging to afford.
You can contact staff reporter Anitra Johnson at ajohnson@delawareonline.com. To share your community news and activities with our audience, join Delaware Voices Uplifted on Facebook.
This article originally appeared on Delaware News Journal: How much you need to earn to be considered middle class in Delaware
[SRC] https://www.yahoo.com/news/articles/income-middle-class-delaware-range-183002563.html
