The Pew Research Middle Class Calculator is a useful online tool that helps individuals and families determine whether their income level qualifies them as lower-income, middle-class, or upper-income according to Pew Research standards. The classification is based on factors like household income, household size, and location.
Pew Research Middle Class Calculator
Middle class: 2/3 to 2x median income, adjusted for household size.
Source: Pew Research
How the Pew Research Middle Class Calculator Works
The Pew Research Center defines middle class income as being between two-thirds and double the median household income for a given area, adjusted for household size. The calculator uses median income data for your region to determine your income category.
Key factors considered:
- Household Income – The total income earned by all members of your household before taxes.
- Household Size – More people in a household require higher income to maintain the same standard of living.
- Location – Regional differences in median incomes and cost of living affect classification.
Formula for Determining Middle-Class Status
The core calculation follows this formula:
Lower Bound of Middle Class = (Median Household Income × 2/3) × Adjustment Factor for Household Size
Upper Bound of Middle Class = (Median Household Income × 2) × Adjustment Factor for Household Size
If:
- Income < Lower Bound → Lower-income category
- Lower Bound ≤ Income ≤ Upper Bound → Middle-class category
- Income > Upper Bound → Upper-income category
Adjustment Factor for Household Size is often calculated using the square root scale method:
Adjustment Factor = √(Household Size / Reference Size)
Reference Size is usually 3 persons.
Step-by-Step Guide to Using the Calculator
- Enter Your Location – Input your state or metropolitan area to get accurate median income data.
- Provide Household Income – Use your total gross household income (before taxes).
- Select Household Size – Indicate the number of people in your household.
- Click Calculate – The calculator will display whether you fall into the lower-income, middle-class, or upper-income range.
- Review Results – Understand your income standing compared to your region’s population.
Example Calculation
Example 1:
- Location: U.S. National Median (assume $74,580 for a household of 3)
- Household Income: $85,000
- Household Size: 4
Step 1: Adjust median for household size:
Adjustment Factor = √(4 / 3) = 1.1547
Adjusted Median = $74,580 × 1.1547 ≈ $86,075
Step 2: Find lower and upper bounds:
Lower Bound = $86,075 × 2/3 ≈ $57,383
Upper Bound = $86,075 × 2 ≈ $172,150
Step 3: Compare income:
$85,000 falls between $57,383 and $172,150 → Middle Class.
Why This Matters
Determining your middle-class status has practical benefits:
- Financial Planning – Helps you compare your income to regional standards.
- Budgeting Goals – Guides you in setting realistic savings and spending targets.
- Economic Perspective – Understands your position in the broader economy.
Additional Insights
- Inflation and Median Income – The calculator uses current median income figures, which can shift yearly.
- Household Composition – Even with the same income, a household of two may be upper-income while a family of six could be lower-income.
- Geographic Differences – Middle-class income in San Francisco is much higher than in rural areas due to cost of living.
20 Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the Pew Research Middle Class Calculator?
It’s a tool to determine whether your household income classifies as lower, middle, or upper-income for your area.
2. How does it define middle class?
Middle-class income is between two-thirds and double the median income for your location, adjusted for household size.
3. Does location matter?
Yes, median income varies widely by region, so location is a key factor.
4. Is the calculator updated yearly?
Most versions use the latest available income data from Pew Research or census reports.
5. Does it include taxes?
It uses pre-tax (gross) income for calculations.
6. Can I use it for any country?
This calculator is designed for U.S. incomes, but similar tools exist for other countries.
7. How is household size factored?
An adjustment factor increases or decreases the median income threshold based on the number of people in the household.
8. What is the adjustment factor formula?
√(Household Size / Reference Size), where reference size is usually 3.
9. Is the result absolute?
It’s an estimate based on available data—other measures of economic class may differ.
10. Can two households with the same income be in different classes?
Yes, due to differences in household size and cost of living.
11. What is the median household income in the U.S.?
It changes yearly; the 2023 estimate is around $74,580 for a 3-person household.
12. Why does Pew use two-thirds to double the median?
This range is a widely accepted definition of middle-income households in economics.
13. How can I improve my class standing?
By increasing income, reducing expenses, or relocating to a lower-cost area.
14. Does it consider debt?
No, it focuses only on income.
15. Can students use it?
Yes, but the income entered should be from the entire household, not just one person.
16. Is cost of living directly calculated?
Indirectly, through location-based median incomes.
17. Are the results confidential?
Yes, most online tools don’t store entered data.
18. Can inflation affect my classification?
Yes, as inflation changes median incomes over time.
19. Is it only for U.S. citizens?
It’s for anyone living in the U.S., regardless of citizenship.
20. Does it give advice based on the result?
Some calculators provide financial tips after classification.