Which City in Your State Has the Poorest Middle Class? Every State Ranked

A recent study revealed that to be considered a middle-class household in America, residents need to earn $50,099 per year, which is up from $35,364 in 2012. According to the study, Maryland had the highest income needed to be middle class ($65,641), while Mississippi ($35,323) had the lowest. 

However, despite the requirement to be considered middle class rising, the real median household income in the U.S. has decreased. This number accounts for the cost of living, and it fell from $78,250 to $74,580 (5%) between 2019 and 2022 (via the U.S. Census Bureau). Today, many formerly comfortable middle-class families struggle to pay for necessities. The U.S. Census Bureau surveyed households earnings between $50,000 and $99,999 and found 72% reported at least some difficulty paying for usual household expenses in the last week, compared to 63% of all U.S. households. 

Traditionally, the American middle class has enough disposable income that they can afford some luxuries like dining out, going on vacation, and having enough left over for savings and retirement. However, across the country, with the changing income spectrum needed to meet the middle-class benchmark, some middle-class families may no longer be able to afford extra luxuries (Here is a look at the poorest city in every state.)

Using area data from the U.S. Census Bureau’s 2022 American Community Survey, 24/7 Wall St. identified the city with the poorest middle class in each state. We reviewed the average income among the middle 20% of households by earnings in each of the 384 U.S. metro areas with available data. In each state, the metro area with the lowest average income among the middle quintile of earners ranks as having the poorest middle class. 

It is important to note that there is only one metro area in four states — Delaware, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, and Vermont. As a result, the city listed for each of these states ranks as having the poorest middle class by default only. 

All but four of the 50 metro areas on this list have a poorer middle class than the state as a whole. In most of these cities, the average middle-class household earns at least $10,000 less per year than the average for the middle class statewide.

Unlike in decades past, the vast majority of well-paying jobs in the U.S. require a college education. In all but six metro areas on this list with available data, the share of adults with at least a bachelor’s degree is below the share of adults with a bachelor’s degree across the state as a whole. (Here is a look at the colleges with the most upward mobility.)

Here is the city with the poorest middle class in every state:

Why We’re Writing About Middle-Class Incomes

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The middle class has long been considered a version of the American dream. With inflation rising, but wages staying the same, middle-class households find themselves less financially secure than even their parent’s generations. Looking at how middle-class incomes differ across the country helps you understand the trends in your state. 

Alabama: Anniston-Oxford

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Anniston-Oxford (one of the 12 metro areas in Alabama) has an average household income range among the middle 20% of earners of $40,807 to $64,348 with an average of $51,947. This is lower than the state as a whole at $46,221 to $75,810 with an average of $60,096. The median income among all households in the city is $52,819 (Alabama: $59,674) and 21.1% of adults hold a bachelor’s degree or higher (Alabama: 28.8%).

Alaska: Fairbanks

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Fairbanks (one of the two metro areas in Alaska) has an average household income range among the middle 20% of earners of $67,387 to $101,414 with an average of $83,132. This is lower than the state as a whole at $70,740 to $106,786 with an average of $88,121. The median income among all households in the city is $83,519 (Alaska: $88,121) and 26.5% of adults hold a bachelor’s degree or higher (Alaska: 30.6%).

Arizona: Yuma

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Yuma (one of the seven metro areas in Arizona) has an average household income range among the middle 20% of earners of $43,894 to $66,198 with an average of $54,680. This is lower than the state as a whole at $59,413 – $92,087 with an average of $74,923. The median income among all households in the city is $53,994 (Arizona: $74,568) and 16.6% of adults hold a bachelor’s degree or higher (Arizona: 33.0%).

Arkansas: Pine Bluff

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Pine Bluff (one of the six metro areas in Arkansas) has an average household income range among the middle 20% of earners of $34,082 – $57,693 with an average of $44,319. This is lower than the state as a whole at $43,623 – $69,297 with an average of $55,886. The median income among all households in the city is $44,263 (Arkansas: $55,432) and 19.1% of adults hold a bachelor’s degree or higher (Arkansas: 25.4%).

California: El Centro

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Colorado: Pueblo

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Pueblo (one of the seven metro areas in Colorado) has an average household income range among the middle 20% of earners of $47,506 – $72,682 with an average of $59,288. This is lower than the state as a whole at $71,401 – $108,616 with an average of $89,472. The median income among all households in the city is $58,723 (Colorado: $89,302) and 23.8% of adults hold a bachelor’s degree or higher (Colorado: 45.9%).

Connecticut: New Haven-Milford

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New Haven-Milford (one of the four metro areas in Connecticut) has an average household income range among the middle 20% of earners of $62,877 – $102,968 with an average of $82,146. This is lower than the state as a whole at $69,974 – $110,671 with an average of $89,379. The median income among all households in the city is $81,998 (Connecticut: $88,429) and 36.8% of adults hold a bachelor’s degree or higher (Connecticut: 41.9%).

Delaware: Dover

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Florida: Homosassa Springs

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Homosassa Springs (one of 22 metro areas in Florida) has an average household income range among the middle 20% of earners of $40,920 – $62,305 with an average of $51,453. This is lower than the state as a whole at $54,733 – $86,103 with an average of $69,655. The median income among all households in the city is $51,532 (Florida: $69,303) and 19.4% of adults hold a bachelor’s degree or higher (Florida: 34.3%).

Georgia: Albany

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Albany (one of 14 metro areas in Georgia) has an average household income range among the middle 20% of earners of $37,119 – $62,632 with an average of $49,188. This is lower than the state as a whole at $57,501 – $90,252 with an average of $73,022. The median income among all households in the city is $48,376 (Georgia: $72,837) and 22.0% of adults hold a bachelor’s degree or higher (Georgia: 34.7%).

Hawaii: Kahului-Wailuku-Lahaina

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Kahului-Wailuku-Lahaina (one of two metro areas in Hawaii) has an average household income range among the middle 20% of earners of $78,443 – $114,903 with an average of $96,161. The state as a whole has a range of $72,639 – $112,336 with an average of $92,546. The median income among all households in the city is $94,760 (Hawaii: $92,458) and 29.0% of adults hold a bachelor’s degree or higher (Hawaii: 35.4%).

Idaho: Pocatello

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Pocatello (one of six metro areas in Idaho) has an average household income range among the middle 20% of earners of $47,845 – $76,305 with an average of $62,525. This is lower than the state as a whole at $57,929 – $87,185 with an average of $72,449. The median income among all households in the city is $61,566 (Idaho: $72,785) and 29.0% of adults hold a bachelor’s degree or higher (Idaho: 32.3%).

Illinois: Danville

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Danville (one of 10 metro areas in Illinois) has an average household income range among the middle 20% of earners of $42,854 – $64,800 with an average of $51,935. This is lower than the state as a whole at $60,436 – $95,801 with an average of $77,144. The median income among all households in the city is $51,515 (Illinois: $76,708) and 15.5% of adults hold a bachelor’s degree or higher (Illinois: 37.7%).

Indiana: Muncie

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Muncie (one of 12 metro areas in Indiana) has an average household income range among the middle 20% of earners of $42,081 – $68,218 with an average of $54,578. This is lower than the state as a whole at $52,940 – $82,716 with an average of $67,195. The median income among all households in the city is $54,087 (Indiana: $66,785) and 26.7% of adults hold a bachelor’s degree or higher (Indiana: 29.6%).

Iowa: Waterloo-Cedar Falls

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Kansas: Manhattan

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Manhattan (one of four metro areas in Kansas) has an average household income range among the middle 20% of earners of $49,024 – $72,604 with an average of $59,963. This is lower than the state as a whole at $54,481 – $85,353 with an average of $69,149. The median income among all households in the city is $58,723 (Kansas: $68,925) and 38.3% of adults hold a bachelor’s degree or higher (Kansas: 35.6%).

Kentucky: Bowling Green

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Bowling Green (one of five metro areas in Kentucky) has an average household income range among the middle 20% of earners of $46,819 – $72,973 with an average of $59,554. This is lower than the state as a whole at $46,152 – $74,488 with an average of $59,612. The median income among all households in the city is $59,629 (Kentucky: $59,341) and 27.5% of adults hold a bachelor’s degree or higher (Kentucky: 27.9%).

Louisiana: Monroe

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Monroe (one of nine metro areas in Louisiana) has an average household income range among the middle 20% of earners of $33,341 – $59,692 with an average of $44,531. This is lower than the state as a whole at $42,829 – $71,364 with an average of $56,007. The median income among all households in the city is $44,507 (Louisiana: $55,416) and 25.3% of adults hold a bachelor’s degree or higher (Louisiana: 27.1%).

Maine: Bangor

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Bangor (one of three metro areas in Maine) has an average household income range among the middle 20% of earners of $47,314 – $76,833 with an average of $61,163. This is lower than the state as a whole at $55,291 – $86,020 with an average of $69,962. The median income among all households in the city is $61,134 (Maine: $69,543) and 27.5% of adults hold a bachelor’s degree or higher (Maine: 36.1%).

Maryland: Cumberland

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Cumberland (one of five metro areas in Maryland) has an average household income range among the middle 20% of earners of $37,630 – $67,152 with an average of $54,045. This is lower than the state as a whole at $75,460 – $117,911 with an average of $95,560. The median income among all households in the city is $54,618 (Maryland: $94,991) and 24.7% of adults hold a bachelor’s degree or higher (Maryland: 43.8%).

Massachusetts: Springfield

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Springfield (one of five metro areas in Massachusetts) has an average household income range among the middle 20% of earners of $51,910 – $85,350 with an average of $68,621. This is lower than the state as a whole at $72,967 – $119,408 with an average of $94,908. The median income among all households in the city is $68,400 (Massachusetts: $94,488) and 36.1% of adults hold a bachelor’s degree or higher (Massachusetts: 46.6%).

Michigan: Saginaw

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Saginaw (one of 14 metro areas in Michigan) has an average household income range among the middle 20% of earners of $44,401 – $67,738 with an average of $54,676. This is lower than the state as a whole at $53,112 – $83,938 with an average of $67,641. The median income among all households in the city is $53,646 (Michigan: $66,986) and 24.6% of adults hold a bachelor’s degree or higher (Michigan: 32.1%).

Minnesota: Duluth

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Duluth (one of five metro areas in Minnesota) has an average household income range among the middle 20% of earners of $51,686 – $82,574 with an average of $66,194. This is lower than the state as a whole at $65,973 – $101,320 with an average of $82,872. The median income among all households in the city is $65,963 (Minnesota: $82,338) and 30.0% of adults hold a bachelor’s degree or higher (Minnesota: 39.1%).

Mississippi: Hattiesburg

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Hattiesburg (one of three metro areas in Mississippi) has an average household income range among the middle 20% of earners of $42,807 – $65,423 with an average of $54,503. The state as a whole has a range of $40,913 – $65,726 with an average of $52,845. The median income among all households in the city is $54,560 (Mississippi: $52,719) and 29.3% of adults hold a bachelor’s degree or higher (Mississippi: 24.8%).

Missouri: Joplin

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Joplin (one of eight metro areas in Missouri) has an average household income range among the middle 20% of earners of $43,656 – $68,251 with an average of $55,085. This is lower than the state as a whole at $51,607 – $80,613 with an average of $65,334. The median income among all households in the city is $54,041 (Missouri: $64,811) and 24,8% of adults hold a bachelor’s degree or higher (Missouri: 32.2%).

Montana: Great Falls

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Great Falls (one of three metro areas in Montana) has an average household income range among the middle 20% of earners of $49,264 – $73,325 with an average of $60,145. This is lower than the state as a whole at $54,044 – $82,048 with an average of $67,919. The median income among all households in the city is $58,698 (Montana: $67,631) and 28.0% of adults hold a bachelor’s degree or higher (Montana: 34.6%).

Nebraska: Grand Island

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Grand Island (one of three metro areas in Nebraska) has an average household income range among the middle 20% of earners of $51,539 – $84,651 with an average of $67,939. This is lower than the state as a whole at $55,405 – $87,098 with an average of $70,317. The median income among all households in the city is $67,646 (Nebraska: $69,597) and 23.3% of adults hold a bachelor’s degree or higher (Nebraska: 34.7%).

Nevada: Carson City

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Carson City (one of three metro areas in Nevada) has an average household income range among the middle 20% of earners of $51,323 – $72,917 with an average of $60,850. This is lower than the state as a whole at $57,914 – $88,971 with an average of $72,629. The median income among all households in the city is $59,042 (Nevada: $72,333) and 24.0% of adults hold a bachelor’s degree or higher (Nevada: 27.0%).

New Hampshire: Manchester-Nashua

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Manchester-Nashua (the only metro area in New Hampshire) has an average household income range among the middle 20% of earners of $77,249 – $120,114 with an average of $97,016. This is compared to the state as a whole at $72,050 – $110,461 with an average of $90,431. The median income among all households in the city is $96,921 (New Hampshire: $89,992) and 40.7% of adults hold a bachelor’s degree or higher (New Hampshire: 41.3%).

New Jersey: Vineland-Bridgeton

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Vineland-Bridgeton (one of four metro areas in New Jersey) has an average household income range among the middle 20% of earners of $50,343 – $73,594 with an average of $60,922. This is lower than the state as a whole at $75,301 – $120,887 with an average of $96,732. The median income among all households in the city is $60,755 (New Jersey: $96,346) and 19.0% of adults hold a bachelor’s degree or higher (New Jersey: 43.5%).

New Mexico: Farmington

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Farmington (one of four metro areas in New Mexico) has an average household income range among the middle 20% of earners of $38,716 – $65,752 with an average of $50,467. This is lower than the state as a whole at $46,035 – $76,206 with an average of $60,150. The median income among all households in the city is $50,264 (New Mexico: $59,726) and 18.1% of adults hold a bachelor’s degree or higher (New Mexico: 30.5%).

New York: Elmira

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Elmira (one of 13 metro areas in New York) has an average household income range among the middle 20% of earners of $45,933 – $67,223 with an average of $56,203. This is lower than the state as a whole at $61,198 – $101,521 with an average of $80,086. The median income among all households in the city is $55,845 (New York: $79,557) and 27.0% of adults hold a bachelor’s degree or higher (New York: 40.0%).

North Carolina: Rocky Mount

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Rocky Mount (one of 15 metro areas in North Carolina) has an average household income range among the middle 20% of earners of $42,564 – $64,311 with an average of $53,578. This is lower than the state as a whole at $53,314 – $83,902 with an average of $67,852. The median income among all households in the city is $53,896 (North Carolina: $67,481) and 21.0% of adults hold a bachelor’s degree or higher (North Carolina: 35.9%).

North Dakota: Grand Forks

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Grand Forks (one of three metro areas in North Dakota) has an average household income range among the middle 20% of earners of $51,523 – $82,042 with an average of $65,347. This is lower than the state as a whole at $57,556 – $88,516 with an average of $72,530. The median income among all households in the city is $65,413 (North Dakota: $71,970) and 35.1% of adults hold a bachelor’s degree or higher (North Dakota: 31.8%).

Ohio: Mansfield

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Mansfield (one of 11 metro areas in Ohio) has an average household income range among the middle 20% of earners of $42,387 – $64,262 with an average of $52,830. This is lower than the state as a whole at $52,303 – $82,246 with an average of $66,381. The median income among all households in the city is $53,047 (Ohio: $65,720) and 17.9% of adults hold a bachelor’s degree or higher (Ohio: 32.0%).

Oklahoma: Enid

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Enid (one of four metro areas in Oklahoma) has an average household income range among the middle 20% of earners of $46,709 – $62,878 with an average of $54,913. This is lower than the state as a whole at $47,234 – $74,521 with an average of $59,995. The median income among all households in the city is $55,131 (Oklahoma: $59,673) and 22.6% of adults hold a bachelor’s degree or higher (Oklahoma: 28.5%).

Oregon: Grants Pass

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Grants Pass (one of eight metro areas in Oregon) has an average household income range among the middle 20% of earners of $40,809 – $72,639 with an average of $54,850. This is lower than the state as a whole at $60,274 – $93,712 with an average of $76,158. The median income among all households in the city is $53,838 (Oregon: $75,657) and 21.3% of adults hold a bachelor’s degree or higher (Oregon: 36.3%).

Pennsylvania: Johnstown

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Johnstown (one of 18 metro areas in Pennsylvania) has an average household income range among the middle 20% of earners of $43,311 – $67,373 with an average of $55,497. This is lower than the state as a whole at $56,650 – $89,845 with an average of $72,280. The median income among all households in the city is $54,905 (Pennsylvania: $71,798) and 23.3% of adults hold a bachelor’s degree or higher (Pennsylvania: 35.1%).

Rhode Island: Providence-Warwick

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Providence-Warwick (the only metro area in Rhode Island) has an average household income range among the middle 20% of earners of $63,719 – $102,920 with an average of $82,213. Statewide, the range is $64,544 – $102,587, with an average of $82,213. The median income among all households in the city is $81,784 (Rhode Island: $81,854) and 36.7% of adults hold a bachelor’s degree or higher (Rhode Island: 39.6%).

South Carolina: Florence

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Florence (one of eight metro areas in South Carolina) has an average household income range among the middle 20% of earners of $39,550 – $66,252 with an average of $50,940. Statewide, the range is $50,604 – $79,729, with an average of $64,544. The median income among all households in the city is $50,219 (South Carolina: $64,115) and 24.3% of adults hold a bachelor’s degree or higher (South Carolina: 32.6%).

South Dakota: Rapid City

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Rapid City (one of two metro areas in South Dakota) has an average household income range among the middle 20% of earners of $52,925 – $79,803 with an average of $66,702. This is lower than the state as a whole at $55,457 – $85,338 with an average of $69,936. The median income among all households in the city is $67,468 (South Dakota: $69,728) and 33.1% of adults hold a bachelor’s degree or higher (South Dakota: 31.6%).

Tennessee: Kingsport-Bristol

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Kingsport-Bristol (one of 10 metro areas in Tennessee) has an average household income range among the middle 20% of earners of $41,707 – $67,224 with an average of $53,261. This is lower than the state as a whole at $51,957 – $80,848 with an average of $65,757. The median income among all households in the city is $52,887 (Tennessee: $65,254) and 21.8% of adults hold a bachelor’s degree or higher (Tennessee: 31.1%).

Texas: Texarkana

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Texarkana (one of 25 metro areas in Texas) has an average household income range among the middle 20% of earners of $37,949 – $60,209 with an average of $48,651. This is lower than the state as a whole at $57,305 – $90,382 with an average of $72,774. The median income among all households in the city is $48,230 (Texas: $72,284) and 20.1% of adults hold a bachelor’s degree or higher (Texas: 33.9%).

Utah: St. George

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St. George (one of five metro areas in Utah) has an average household income range among the middle 20% of earners of $61,246 – $96,638 with an average of $75,769. This is lower than the state as a whole at $72,820 – $107,175 with an average of $89,334. The median income among all households in the city is $74,543 (Utah: $89,168) and 36.6% of adults hold a bachelor’s degree or higher (Utah: 37.9%).

Vermont: Burlington-South Burlington

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Burlington-South Burlington (the only metro area in Vermont) has an average household income range among the middle 20% of earners of $67,799 – $103,920 with an average of $84,848. This is compared to the state as a whole at $58,956 – $92,285 with an average of $74,558. The median income among all households in the city is $83,707 (Vermont: $73,991) and 52.8% of adults hold a bachelor’s degree or higher (Vermont: 44.2%).

Virginia: Lynchburg

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Lynchburg (one of nine metro areas in Virginia) has an average household income range among the middle 20% of earners of $48,918 – $75,526 with an average of $62,170. This is lower than the state as a whole at $67,585 – $108,091 with an average of $86,799. The median income among all households in the city is $62,918 (Virginia: $85,873) and 31.0% of adults hold a bachelor’s degree or higher (Virginia: 42.2%).

Washington: Yakima

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Yakima (one of 11 metro areas in Washington) has an average household income range among the middle 20% of earners of $51,286 – $82,619 with an average of $64,963. This is lower than the state as a whole at $72,798 – $111,855 with an average of $91,550. The median income among all households in the city is $63,865 (Washington: $91,306) and 18.9% of adults hold a bachelor’s degree or higher (Washington: 39.5%).

West Virginia: Beckley

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Beckley (one of seven metro areas in West Virginia) has an average household income range among the middle 20% of earners of $40,222 – $64,458 with an average of $52,468. This is lower than the state as a whole at $42,002 – $68,527 with an average of $54,710. The median income among all households in the city is $52,633 (West Virginia: $54,329) and 21.0% of adults hold a bachelor’s degree or higher (West Virginia: 24.8%).

Wisconsin: Sheboygan

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Sheboygan (one of 12 metro areas in Wisconsin) has an average household income range among the middle 20% of earners of $56,008 – $78,644 with an average of $64,516. This is lower than the state as a whole at $56,865 – $87,406 with an average of $71,197. The median income among all households in the city is $62,978 (Wisconsin: $70,996) and 27.5% of adults hold a bachelor’s degree or higher (Wisconsin: 33.2%).

Wyoming: Casper

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Casper (one of two metro areas in Wyoming) has an average household income range among the middle 20% of earners of $60,420 – $83,595 with an average of $69,931. This is compared to the middle-income range statewide, which is $56,419 – $85,886 with an average of $70,275. The median income among all households in the city is $69,627 (Wyoming: $70,042) and 31.6% of adults hold a bachelor’s degree or higher (Wyoming: 29.6%).

Methodology: 

To identify the city in every state with the lowest-income middle class, 24/7 Wall St. reviewed metro area-level data from the U.S. Census Bureau’s 2022 American Community Survey. For each of the 384 U.S. metro areas with available data, we reviewed the average income among the middle 20% of households by earnings. In each state, the metro area with the lowest average income among the middle quintile of earners ranks as having the poorest middle class. All supplementary data is also from the 2022 ACS. 

In cases where a metro area spans multiple states, the metro area was assigned to its primary state. 

It is important to note that Delaware, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, and Vermont are each home to only one metro area. As a result, the city listed for each of these states ranks as having the poorest middle class by default only.