LAS VEGAS (KLAS/Nexstar) – As housing, transportation, and everyday expenses continue to fluctuate, the definition of middle-class stability is evolving, and for some families, it may feel like the goalpost keeps moving. A new data study shows that this may be the case in some communities.
Personal finance site SmartAsset recently examined what income ranges qualify as middle class across the United States, using a common benchmark: households earning between two-thirds and double the median income in their area, based on U.S. Census Bureau data and Pew Research’s definition of middle income.
Nationally, SmartAsset found that the income necessary to be considered middle class varies from less than $40,000 to nearly $70,000. In 13 major U.S. metros, the lower bound of the middle class is even higher.
Gas prices jumped 10 cents (or more) overnight in these states, data shows
In Southern Nevada, for example, rapid population growth, rising home prices, and increasing everyday expenses continue to shape what “comfortable” middle-class living looks like. One city in the region, Enterprise, ranked among the 10 major U.S. cities with the highest minimum threshold to be considered middle class…