United States socioeconomic trends show rising working class identity

Recent analyses highlight shifting socioeconomic identities in the United States. A Pew Research Center study found that 60% of U.S. adults now identify as “working class,” an increase from 54% in 2024. This identity has become increasingly elastic, spanning various income and educational levels. While 66% of adults without a four-year degree embrace the label, 50% of those with bachelor’s degrees and half of upper-income Americans also identify as working class.

Separately, data from the American Enterprise Institute indicates that approximately 31% of U.S. families were considered upper-middle class in 2024. Experts note that defining this class often depends on geographic location and financial flexibility rather than a strict income figure. While household income ranges for this group are often estimated between $117,000 and $150,000, the ability to control one's time and manage unexpected expenses serves as a key differentiator from the middle class.