Where Upper-Middle Class Income Starts in the South: A State-by-State Breakdown

Wondering what salary puts you in the upper-middle class? The answer varies significantly across the South. Based on Pew Research Center’s definition of middle class (two-thirds to double the median income), upper-middle class income in the South typically kicks in around $108,000 on average—but this figure shifts considerably depending on which Southern state you call home.

Understanding the Upper-Middle Class Threshold

The boundaries between income brackets aren’t fixed across America. What qualifies as upper-middle class in wealthy Maryland looks entirely different from Mississippi. GOBankingRates analyzed median household income data from the US Census American Community Survey to map out exactly where these income lines fall in each Southern state as of January 2025.

Southern States: Income Tiers Compared

The South shows striking income diversity. Tennessee’s upper-middle class income begins at $104,373, placing it slightly below the regional average. Meanwhile, wealthier states like Maryland ($158,125) and Virginia ($141,515) set much higher thresholds, while states like Mississippi ($85,423) and West Virginia ($90,093) have notably lower cutoffs.

Lower-Income Southern States

Mississippi leads with the lowest upper-middle class threshold at $85,423. West Virginia follows closely at $90,093, with Louisiana at $93,369. These states have median household incomes ranging from $54,915 to $60,023, reflecting more modest economic conditions overall.

Mid-Range Southern States

The bulk of Southern states cluster in the $96,000-$118,000 range for upper-middle class income. Tennessee’s upper-middle class income of $104,373 sits comfortably in this middle tier, alongside North Carolina ($108,740), South Carolina ($103,939), and Georgia ($116,144). Texas, the region’s largest state by population, has an upper-middle class threshold of $118,676.

Higher-Income Outliers

Maryland stands apart as an economic outlier, with an upper-middle class income requirement of $158,125—nearly 50% higher than the regional average. Virginia comes in second at $141,515, reflecting these states’ proximity to Washington, D.C. and their stronger economic bases.

What This Means for Your Financial Goals

For those earning $104,373 in Tennessee—or similar amounts across the South—you’re entering upper-middle class territory. But achieving and maintaining this status requires understanding local cost of living, tax implications, and wealth-building opportunities specific to your state.

The methodology behind these figures matters: researchers calculated middle-class ranges using two-thirds and double the median household income, then segmented that range to identify where upper-middle class begins. This approach captures regional economic realities more accurately than national averages ever could.

Whether you’re earning $85,000 in Mississippi or $160,000 in Maryland, the key takeaway is this: your income class status is deeply contextual. Compare your earnings against your state’s specific thresholds, not national figures, to get a true picture of where you stand financially.

Data collected as of January 29, 2025, from the US Census American Community Survey.