While we all wish we were rich so we wouldn’t have to worry about money, a lot of folks in America fall into the middle class, meaning they probably get by, but things can sometimes be tight. And there’s no doubt where you live can affect just how comfortable it is to live on that middle class income.
Well, GoBankingRates has just come out with their list of the best and worst states for middle class earners, which Pew Research defines as households with incomes two-thirds to double the median household income. The site made their determinations by looking at things like income, higher education and housing trends in each state.
So, where is the best place to live if you’re one of the middle class? Welllllll, the answer is Iowa, where the median household income for middle class families is $75,953. The state also boasts a lot of affordable housing, with the average home costing $169,900. It also has high college graduation rates, with low in-state tuition and fees.
Top Ten Best States For Middle Class Earners
IowaSouth DakotaWest VirginiaNebraskaNorth DakotaOklahomaMississippiWyomingIndianaMissouri
On the flipside, Hawaii is the worst state for middle class earners, which isn’t surprising since it’s actually one of the most expensive states in the U.S. to live in overall. High costs of home ownership is to blame for making it a tough place for the middle class to live, with the state having the highest median home costs of any other state at $600,000.
Ten Worst States for Middle Class Earners
HawaiiMassachusettsCaliforniaNew YorkNew JerseyColoradoRhode IslandConnecticutLouisianaVirginia