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Middle-Class Stability Shifts Amid Economic Uncertainty

3/5/2026

50 7 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

A SmartAsset study shows middle-class stability in the United States is shifting, with thresholds from under $40,000 to nearly $70,000 and San Jose at $98,800.
Cleveland has the lowest threshold at just under $29,000.
The report notes the lowest benchmarks are similar across states.
U.S. President Donald Trump claims a booming economy, but consumer sentiment remains recessionary and inflation concerns rise amid the Iran conflict.

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Story summary

A SmartAsset study shows middle-class stability in the United States is shifting, with thresholds from under $40,000 to nearly $70,000 and San Jose at $98,800.
Cleveland has the lowest threshold at just under $29,000.
The report notes the lowest benchmarks are similar across states.
U.S. President Donald Trump claims a booming economy, but consumer sentiment remains recessionary and inflation concerns rise amid the Iran conflict.