Are you middle class? Here’s how much you have to make to be middle class in Colorado
SmartAsset, an online platform for financial advice and information, calculated the middle-class income ranges for 100 major U.S. cities — including three in Colorado — and all 50 states.
Colorado isn’t the priciest — Massachusetts takes the crown — but it is solidly in the top 10.
The calculations are based on Pew Research Center’s definition of middle income, which is two-thirds to double the median household income, as well as the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau,
Here’s a look at how Colorado stacks up compared to the rest of the country and how much you need to make to be considered middle class.
The study found that Colorado is the ninth most expensive state for middle-class living.
A household is considered middle class in the Centennial State if it makes between $61,934 and $185,822. This is an increase from $59,529 to $178,604 in 2024.
The median income in Colorado is $92,911, up from $89,302 a year earlier.
Denver is ranked the 16th most expensive city to be considered middle class, with a household needing to make between $62,765 to $188,314. The median income in Denver is $94,157.
Aurora is ranked the 22nd priciest city to be middle class, with households needing to make between $59,527 to $178,600. The median income in Aurora is $89,300.
Colorado Springs is ranked the 31st most expensive city to be considered middle class, with households needing to make between $55,471 to $166,430. The median income is $83,215.
Massachusetts overtook New Jersey this year as the priciest state to be middle class.
New Jersey holds the second spot, with a range of $66,514 to $199,562. Maryland is a close third ($65,779 to $197,356).
New Hampshire took the fourth spot with a range of $64,552 to $193,676.
Utah is eighth in the country and the most expensive state in the Rockies, with a range of $62,274 to $186,842.
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In Arlington, Virginia, a household could be making $280,000 and still be considered middle class. Arlington is the priciest city for middle-class living, with a range of $93,470 to $280,438.
California cities take up the next three spots: San Jose ($90,810 to $272,458); Irvine ($85,317 to $255,978); and San Francisco ($84,478 to $253,460).
This article originally appeared on Fort Collins Coloradoan: Are you middle class in Colorado? Cost of living climbs in 2025
