Rising Costs: The New Middle-Class Income in Texas & Arkansas

The past few years have been tough on working families in Arkansas and Texas. Inflation has squeezed budgets, raising the cost of everything from groceries to gas. Salaries certainly have not kept up with the cost of living. Even those earning more are feeling the pinch, some just show it more than others.

But what does it really take to be considered "middle class" these days?

Not long ago, breaking into six-figure territory felt like a ticket to stability, maybe not luxury, but at least a comfortable home with a two-car garage. Now, according to Yahoo, that milestone has shifted dramatically. In Arkansas, you need to earn at least $117,000 to be considered middle class. In Texas, that number jumps to $151,560.

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It could be worse, Californians need $191,000, while Massachusetts tops the list at $199,716. The lowest threshold? Mississippi, where middle-class status starts at $108,406.

To see every state, click here.

While the economy is slowly showing signs of improvement, recovery won’t happen overnight. But history tells us that downturns don’t last forever. Wages are beginning to catch up, job markets are stabilizing, and relief could be on the horizon.

While the economy is slowly showing signs of improvement, recovery won’t happen overnight. But history tells us that downturns don’t last forever. Wages are beginning to catch up, job markets are stabilizing, and relief could be on the horizon.

Through it all, remember we still live in one of the most prosperous nations in the world. Even with our challenges, opportunities remain for those who keep pushing forward.

• Be Positive.
• Be Kind.
• Be Forgiving.
• Be Grateful.
• Be a Good Human.

We'll get through this, together.