Some sources define upper middle class as anyone who's making a lot of money but hasn't quite crossed the threshold to become truly wealthy yet. These individuals often have a net worth of at least $500,000 to $2 million.
The upper middle class is often defined as the top 15% to 20% of earners. According to the Social Security Administration's 2022 wage data, the average upper-middle-class income was roughly between $80,000 and $100,000.
According to Schwab's 2023 Modern Wealth Survey, Americans perceive an average net worth of $2.2 million as wealthy. Knight Frank's research indicates that a net worth of $4.4 million is required to be in the top 1% in America, a figure much higher than in countries like Japan, the U.K. and Australia.
Wealth In America: The Numbers
Top 5% wealth: The next tier, the top 5%, has a net worth of around $1.03 million. Top 10% wealth: The top 10% of the population has a net worth of approximately $854,900.
For 2023, the upper middle class in the U.S. generally includes households with incomes ranging from $150,000 to $250,000. However, this range can vary based on location, family size, and economic conditions.
$2.2 million
That's how much net worth an American needs to be considered wealthy in 2023, according to the Charles Schwab Modern Wealth Survey.
Middle class: Those in the 40th to 60th percentile of household income, ranging from $55,001 to $89,744. Upper middle class: Households in the 60th to 80th percentile, with incomes between $89,745 and $149,131. Upper class: The top 20% of earners, with household incomes of $149,132 or more.
According to EBRI estimates based on the latest Federal Reserve Survey of Consumer Finances, 3.2% of retirees have over $1 million in their retirement accounts, while just 0.1% have $5 million or more. However, there's a surprising amount of information to unpack.
$1 million, $5 million, $10 million
However, if you have $1m, are retired and are living an expensive lifestyle, you might go from wealthy to poor in a relatively short period of time. The Schwab survey found that overall, Americans say they need: $1.9 million to be wealthy in 2021 (down from $2.6 million in 2020)
At its most basic, net worth is everything you own minus everything you owe. To calculate your net worth, tally the value of all or your assets, including bank accounts, investments, and perhaps the value of your home or vacation home.
To feel wealthy, Americans say you need a net worth of at least $2.2 million on average, according to financial services company Charles Schwab's annual Modern Wealth Survey.
Someone who has $1 million in liquid assets, for instance, is usually considered to be a high net worth (HNW) individual. You might need $5 million to $10 million to qualify as having a very high net worth while it may take $30 million or more to be considered ultra-high net worth.
The upper middle class is often made up of highly educated business and professional people with high incomes, such as doctors, lawyers, stockbrokers, and CEOs.
Income Thresholds for the Upper Class
In the U.S., for example, the median household income stands at around $75,000, according to the Census Bureau. Households greatly surpassing this amount, typically around $250,000 or more, are often considered upper class.
It's fair to say that $1 million is a lot of money. But is it enough to be considered upper class? Many wealthy Americans say no. Recent data from Ameriprise finds that 60% of people with $1 million or more classify themselves as upper middle class, while 31% of folks in that boat simply say they're middle class.
When it comes to net worth, the top 1% of Americans have a minimum net worth of around $11.1 million. Of course, these numbers vary by state and differ somewhat from study to study. For that reason, it's necessary to understand income and net worth stats in your area to get the full picture.
Between 35 to 44, the average net worth is $436,200, while between 45 to 54 that number increases to $833,200. Average net worth cracks the $1 million mark between 55 to 64, reaching $1,175,900. Average net worth again rises for those ages 65 to 74, to $1,217,700, before falling to $977,600 for someone over age 75.
The Federal Reserve issues its Survey of Consumer Finances every three years. The most recent report includes data collected mainly in 2022. Between 2019 and 2022, the median net worth of U.S. households surged 37% to $192,900, according to the report. The mean, or average, net worth increased 23% to $1,063,700.
As mentioned above, $3 million can easily carry you through 40 years of retirement, making leaving the workforce at 50 a plausible option. Many dream of early retirement, but if you're lucky enough to already have $3 million set aside for this phase of your life, you could do more than dream.
1,821,745 Households in the United States Have Investment Portfolios Worth $3,000,000 or More.
Charles Schwab's annual Modern Wealth Survey shares its insights for 2022. In the U.S. overall, the survey says it takes a net worth of $2.2 million to be considered wealthy, up from $1.9 million in 2021.
In 2018, the national middle-income range was about $48,500 to $145,500 annually for a household of three. Lower-income households had incomes less than $48,500 and upper-income households had incomes greater than $145,500 (incomes in 2018 dollars).
While there are no set standards to declare someone to be middle class, those who own their own home, have started contributing money into a retirement account, have quality healthcare coverage, file a tax return each year, have started saving for their child's college education, own their car and can take family ...
The term upper class refers to a group of individuals who occupy the highest place and status in society. These people are considered the wealthiest, lying above the working and middle class in the social hierarchy.