Upper-Middle Class Income in Michigan and the Midwest: Understanding Income Thresholds in 2025

When discussing household wealth and economic status in America’s heartland, understanding what constitutes upper-middle class income has become increasingly important for financial planning. In Michigan and across the Midwest, the threshold where families transition from middle class to upper-middle class income brackets varies significantly by state. This variation reflects regional economic differences, cost of living, and employment opportunities that shape financial security in different parts of the country.

Understanding the Upper-Middle Class Income Threshold

To define where the upper-middle class income level begins, GOBankingRates relied on research from the Pew Research Center, which defines middle class earnings as falling between two-thirds and double the median household income of a given state. Using this framework, researchers analyzed data from the US Census American Community Survey collected as of January 2025 to identify the specific income points where families transition from middle class to upper-middle class status.

The methodology reveals that in the Midwest overall, earning approximately $116,000 annually marks the beginning of upper-middle class income territory—though this figure varies considerably from state to state. Understanding these regional benchmarks helps families assess their economic position and plan accordingly.

Michigan’s Upper-Middle Class Income Requirements

In Michigan specifically, the upper-middle class income threshold begins at approximately $110,676 annually. With a median household income of $71,149, the state’s middle-class income range spans from $47,433 to $142,298. This means Michigan families earning above $110,676 have crossed into upper-middle class territory, placing them in a relatively exclusive group within the state’s income distribution.

Michigan’s upper-middle class income level aligns closely with neighboring industrial states, reflecting similar employment patterns across the Great Lakes region where manufacturing, healthcare, and emerging tech sectors create varied earning opportunities.

Midwest Regional Comparison: Income Levels Across States

Across the broader Midwest region, upper-middle class income thresholds reveal interesting patterns. The range stretches from roughly $107,000 to $136,000, with notable variations:

Northern and Eastern Midwest states tend to feature slightly higher thresholds. Minnesota leads the region with an upper-middle class income beginning at $136,198—the highest in the Midwest—reflecting the state’s strong economy and relatively higher median household income of $87,556. Wisconsin follows with a threshold of $117,709.

Southern and Central Midwest states show more modest thresholds. Missouri has the lowest regional threshold at $107,209, while Indiana ($108,968) and Ohio ($108,391) similarly reflect their respective median household income levels of approximately $70,000.

Great Plains states fall in the middle range. Kansas ($112,994), Iowa ($113,784), and Nebraska ($116,643) demonstrate how agricultural and mixed economies support these income thresholds. North Dakota’s upper-middle class income level of $118,143 reflects its strong employment market.

What These Income Figures Mean for Your Financial Planning

Upper-middle class income doesn’t automatically guarantee wealth or financial security—it reflects earning power relative to state-level median incomes. In Michigan, reaching the $110,000+ income level means earning approximately 1.56 times the state’s median household income, positioning families in a stronger economic position but not necessarily placing them among the affluent.

For Michigan households approaching or exceeding upper-middle class income thresholds, financial planning often shifts toward wealth-building strategies beyond basic budgeting. This income level typically allows for investment contributions, retirement savings acceleration, and consideration of real estate investments that may enhance long-term financial security.

Understanding where your household income falls relative to these regional benchmarks provides valuable context for financial decision-making. Whether in Michigan or elsewhere across the Midwest, knowing these thresholds helps families understand their economic standing and plan their financial futures more strategically.

Methodology Note: This analysis uses data sourced from the US Census American Community Survey and applies Pew Research Center’s middle class definition of “two-thirds to double the median income.” All figures reflect data current as of January 2025.