skinny.

Latest / Seattle News Today | 2 Min News | The Daily News Now!

Middle Class Means Different Things Across America | Seattle News

What does it really mean to be middle class today? It’s not one-size-fits-all—it varies wildly by location. A new SmartAsset study reveals Washington state ranks seventh nationally for the highest income needed to qualify as middle class, with a wide range from $66,259 to $198,778. Seattle takes the top spot among cities, requiring earnings between $79,163 and $237,490. The definition goes beyond income—it reflects dreams of homeownership, family stability, and financial security—all shaped by local costs, job markets, and housing prices. This snapshot across 50 states and 100 cities shows…

The skinny

The skinny isn't ready yet — notes appear once the transcript is processed.