Tennessee remains one of the least expensive states in the nation to attain middle-class status.
A newGoBankingRates study found the state's middle-class income range increased to $47,998 to $143,994 in 2026, yet still ranks among the lowest thresholds in the country. For Tennesseans, this means reaching middle-class is more achievable than in most other states, as Tennessee had the 11th-lowest middle-class income range in the country.
Here is how much is needed to be middle class in Tennessee.
What income is middle class in Tennessee?
In its 2026 report, which used 2024 U.S. Census Bureau data, GoBankingRates found Tennessee's middle-class income range was $47,998 to $143,994.
The previous year's report, which used 2023 U.S. Census Bureau data, found that Tennessee's middle-class income
range was between $44,731 and $134,194.
A 2025 analysis found that the state's middle-class income range grew 45.07% from 2012 to 2022. In 2012, the range was between $29,427 and $88,280. The range grew to $42,690 to $128,070 in 2022.
How does Tennessee's middle class compare to other Southern states?
Tennessee has one of the lowest requirements to be middle class in the South. The state's income range is between $47,998 and $143,994, making it the eighth-lowest range in the region.
- Alabama: $44,439 to $133,318
- Arkansas: $41,404 to $124,212
- Delaware: $58,356 to $175,068
- Florida: $51,823 to $155,470
- Georgia: $53,327 to $159,982
- Kentucky: $43,017 to $129,052
- Louisiana: $40,657 to $121,972
- Maryland: $68,603 to $205,810
- Mississippi: $39,418 to $118,254
- North Carolina: $49,305 to $147,916
- Oklahoma: $44,099 to $132,296
- South Carolina: $48,233 to $144,700
- Tennessee: $47,998 to $143,994
- Texas: $53,147 to $159,442
- Virginia: $61,393 to $184,180
- West Virginia: $40,532 to $121,596
Which states have the highest middle-class income?
Massachusetts had the highest middle-class income range, with incomes between $69,885 and $209,656. The state also has a median income of $104,828.
- Massachusetts: $69,885 to $209,656
- New Jersey: $69,529 to $208,588
- Maryland: $68,603 to $205,810
- Hawaii: $67,163 to $201,490
- California: $66,766 to $200,298
- New Hampshire: $66,521 to $199,564
- Washington: $66,259 to $198,778
- Colorado: $64,742 to $194,226
- Utah: $64,439 to $193,316
- Connecticut: $64,033 to $192,098
Which states have the lowest middle-class income?
Mississippi had the lowest income range needed to be considered middle class. In the Magnolia State, residents need to make between $39,418 and $118,254 to achieve middle-class status.
- Mississippi: $39,418 to $118,254
- West Virginia: $40,532 to $121,596
- Louisiana: $40,657 to $121,972
- Arkansas: $41,404 to $124,212
- Kentucky: $43,017 to $129,052
- Oklahoma: $44,099 to $132,296
- Alabama: $44,439 to $133,318
- New Mexico: $45,210 to $135,632
- Missouri: $47,726 to $143,178
- Indiana: $47,973 to $143,918
Jordan Green covers trending news for The Commercial Appeal and Tennessee. She can be reached at jordan.green@commercialappeal.com.
This article originally appeared on Memphis Commercial Appeal: How much you need to earn to be middle class in Tennessee in 2026
