A new financial analysis is highlighting just how dramatically the definition of “middle class” has shifted across the United States and the findings are landing at a moment when many Americans already feel uneasy about their economic future. In Virginia, the lowest‑income state included in the study, residents can earn roughly $102,000 a year and still be considered lower‑middle class.
The report, released earlier this month, arrives as public sentiment toward the economy continues to sour. A recent Reuters/Ipsos poll found that only 21 percent of Americans approve of President Trump’s handling of inflation, a figure that reflects widespread frustration over rising prices and household strain.
In Massachusetts the highest‑earning state in the analysis individuals making $116,476 can still fall into the lower‑middle‑class category, according to MoneyLion. Colorado, Utah, Connecticut, Alaska and Virginia also ranked among the states where six‑figure earners may still struggle to maintain middle‑class stability.
Overall, the same Reuters/Ipsos poll reported that 34 percent of Americans approve of Trump’s performance, while 64 percent disapprove, marking one of the lowest approval levels of his second term.
Separate research suggests that financial anxiety is deepening nationwide. A Gallup poll released Tuesday found that 55 percent of adults believe their financial situation is getting worse, a higher share than during the fallout of the 2008 Great Recession. Respondents cited inflation and the rising costs of housing, energy, healthcare, childcare, transportation and college as key pressures eroding their sense of security.
As living expenses climb and middle‑class benchmarks rise with them, many Americans are left questioning what financial stability even looks like in 2026.
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