Understanding Upper-Middle Class Income Thresholds Across the East Coast

What defines the upper-middle class varies dramatically across America’s eastern states. According to research based on Pew Research Center’s methodology, the upper-middle class income threshold—typically ranging from two-thirds to double the median household income—tells a revealing story about regional economic disparities.

The East Coast Income Divide

The East Coast presents a striking contrast in what it takes to reach upper-middle class status. In the most affluent states like Maryland and Massachusetts, the threshold climbs above $157,000. Meanwhile, in South Carolina, the bar sits at just over $103,000. This variation reflects deeper differences in cost of living, job markets, and regional wealth distribution.

High-Income Threshold States

Maryland leads the East Coast with a median household income of $101,652. To be considered upper-middle class here, households need to earn at least $158,125. The broader middle-class income range spans from $67,768 to $203,304.

Massachusetts follows closely, with a median household income of $101,341. The upper-middle class income threshold reaches $157,642, while the full middle-class range extends from $67,561 to $202,682.

New Jersey rounds out the top tier with a median household income of $101,050. Upper-middle class income begins at $157,189, with the middle-class band stretching from $67,367 to $202,100.

Connecticut ranks fourth with a median household income of $93,760. Here, upper-middle class status kicks in at $145,849, with middle-class income ranging from $62,507 to $187,520.

Mid-Range Income Thresholds

New Hampshire presents a median household income of $95,628. The upper-middle class threshold stands at $148,755, covering households earning between $63,752 and $191,256 in the middle class.

Virginia shows a median household income of $90,974, with upper-middle class income beginning at $141,515. Middle-class households here earn between $60,649 and $181,948.

Delaware registers a median household income of $82,855, with the upper-middle class starting at $128,886 and middle-class income spanning $55,237 to $165,710.

New York has a median household income of $84,578, placing the upper-middle class threshold at $131,566 and middle-class range at $56,385 to $169,156.

Lower-Threshold East Coast States

Rhode Island shows a median household income of $86,372, with upper-middle class income beginning at $134,356 and middle-class range from $57,581 to $172,744.

Pennsylvania records a median household income of $76,081. The upper-middle class starts at $118,348, while middle-class income ranges from $50,721 to $152,162.

Vermont has a median household income of $78,024, with upper-middle class income thresholds at $121,371 and middle-class earnings between $52,016 and $156,048.

Georgia shows a median household income of $74,664. Upper-middle class status begins at $116,144, with middle-class income ranging from $49,776 to $149,328.

Florida registers a median household income of $71,711. The upper-middle class threshold sits at $111,550, with middle-class income spanning $47,807 to $143,422.

North Carolina has a median household income of $69,904. Upper-middle class income begins at $108,740, covering the middle-class band of $46,603 to $139,808.

South Carolina completes the list with a median household income of $66,818, the lowest among East Coast states. Upper-middle class income begins at $103,939, with middle-class households earning between $44,545 and $133,636.

What This Reveals

The data shows that East Coast upper-middle class income thresholds span from approximately $103,000 in South Carolina to $158,000 in Maryland—a 53% difference. This variation underscores how regional economies, local employment opportunities, and housing costs fundamentally reshape what constitutes economic success and stability across different parts of the country.

Data sourced from US Census American Community Survey, analyzed using Pew Research Center’s middle-class definition. Information current as of January 29, 2025.