The American middle class, a pillar of economic stability, is facing significant challenges today. Data indicates that the middle class has been shrinking over the past five decades, with their share of aggregate income declining from 61% in 1971 to 51% in 2023.
Based on this government data analysis report by the Pew Research Center (PRC), we’ve compiled a list of important points that will accurately explain the actual state of the living American middle class. Factors such as stagnant wages, rising living costs, and job insecurity contribute to this trend.
Decline in Income Gains
Income decline among the American middle class is evident from several key data points from the PRC study. The median income of middle-class households rose by only 60% between 1970 and 2022, adjusting for inflation.
There is a larger gap between the income of an Upper-class household and a middle-class household. The slow growth in middle-class incomes contrasts sharply with the significant income gains seen by higher-income households. In 2022, the median income of these higher-income households increased by 2.4 times the median income of middle-class households.
Stagnant Wages
Stagnant wages have been a persistent issue for the American middle class, significantly affecting their economic stability. According to a report by the Statista Research Department, the hourly median wage for a worker in 2022 was $18.12, compared to $16.75 in 1979. This modest increase highlights the stagnation of wages over the years. Despite productivity increases, wage growth has not kept pace, leaving many middle-class families struggling to keep up with the rising cost of living.
Rising Cost of Living
Rising living costs are a major challenge for the American middle class. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the Consumer Price Index (CPI) for all urban consumers increased by 3.4% in 2023, highlighting the rising cost of everyday expenses. Housing prices have surged, making rent and mortgages harder to afford. Healthcare costs continue to climb, with many struggling to pay for necessary treatments. These rising costs outpace wage growth, putting financial pressure on middle-class families.
Job Insecurity
Many middle-class jobs are less secure due to automation, outsourcing, and economic shifts. Automation and advanced AI technology have replaced many traditional jobs, especially in the manufacturing and administrative sectors. Outsourcing to other countries with cheap labor has led to job losses in the domestic sphere. The rise of gig economy jobs, such as freelance and contract work, offers less stability and fewer benefits compared to full-time positions.
Housing Costs
Housing costs in the US have surged due to several factors. The limited supply of homes, especially in high-demand urban areas, drives prices up as more people compete for fewer properties. Construction costs have also increased due to higher prices for materials and labor. Additionally, low mortgage rates in recent years encouraged more people to buy homes, pushing prices higher. This combination of high demand, limited supply, and increased building costs has made homeownership less affordable for many middle-class families.
Healthcare Expenses
Healthcare expenses are a major burden for the American middle class. These costly expenses have also climbed, with the average family health insurance premium reaching $22,221 in 2021, according to the Kaiser Family Foundation. High medical bills often lead to financial stress, with medical debt contributing to nearly two-thirds of all bankruptcies in the U.S. These rising costs make it harder for middle-class families to save and invest in their future.
Higher Education Costs
Education costs in the U.S. have risen sharply, putting a strain on middle-class families. One reason is the reduced state funding for public universities, leading to higher tuition fees. Administrative costs at colleges have increased, adding to the overall expense. The demand for higher education has also grown, pushing prices up. As a result, more students from middle-class backgrounds rely on loans, resulting in higher debt burdens.
Economic Pressures
Economic pressure faced by the American middle class comes from several sources. First, the cost of living, including housing, healthcare, and education, has increased faster than wages. Many middle-class families spend a large part of their income on rent or mortgage payments, leaving less for other needs. Healthcare costs are also a major burden, with high insurance premiums, deductibles, and out-of-pocket expenses.
Retirement Security
Many middle-class workers are not adequately prepared for retirement due to insufficient savings and unstable pensions. Retirement security is a growing concern for the American middle class. According to the National Institute on Retirement Security, nearly 40 million working-age households have no retirement savings at all. For those who do save, the median retirement account balance is only about $14,500, which is far from sufficient. This lack of sufficient balance leaves many middle-class Americans facing financial insecurity in their retirement years.
Economic Mobility
The ability to move up the economic ladder has become increasingly difficult for the American middle class. One reason is the rising cost of education, which makes it harder for middle-class families to afford college degrees that can lead to better-paying jobs. Furthermore, wealth inequality has grown, with the rich accumulating more assets and opportunities, leaving the middle class with fewer chances to improve their economic standing.
Debt Levels
Debt levels among the American middle class have risen significantly, contributing to financial stress. According to the Federal Reserve Bank of New York, total household debt reached $17.69 trillion as of the 2024 quarterly report, with credit card debt accounting for $1.12 trillion. Mortgage debt also continues to climb, making it the largest component of household debt. These rising debt levels are often a result of stagnant wages and increasing living costs, forcing many middle-class families to rely on credit cards.
Employment Changes
The rise of gig and part-time work has impacted the stability of middle-class jobs. For example, companies like Uber and Lyft offer gig work that often lacks health insurance and retirement plans. Additionally, retail giants like Walmart and Amazon increasingly rely on part-time workers, who frequently do not receive full benefits or job security.