What is the Difference Between Middle Class and Upper Class?
🆚 Go to Comparative Table 🆚The main difference between middle class and upper class lies in their income, wealth, and status. Here are the key distinctions between the two:
- Income: The middle class is generally defined as those with incomes between the 20th and 80th percentiles, while the upper class consists of the top 20% of earners. In 2021, the middle class had incomes between $28,008 and $149,131, while the upper class had incomes of $149,132 or higher.
- Wealth: The upper class holds a disproportionately large amount of the overall wealth, with the top 1% of households in the United States controlling about 32% of the nation's wealth. The middle class, on the other hand, has less wealth and is more focused on economic security and affordability.
- Education and Occupation: The upper middle class is often made up of highly educated business and professional people with high incomes, such as doctors, lawyers, stockbrokers, and CEOs. The middle class, in contrast, is composed of white-collar workers with varying levels of education and income, such as managers, small business owners, teachers, and secretaries.
- Lifestyle and Social Status: The upper class tends to live in exclusive neighborhoods, belong to expensive social clubs, and send their children to the finest schools. The middle class, while still enjoying economic stability, may not have the same level of access to exclusive resources and social connections.
It is essential to note that the parameters of the middle and upper classes are fluid and can vary based on location, education, and other factors.
On this pageWhat is the Difference Between Middle Class and Upper Class? Comparative Table: Middle Class vs Upper Class
Comparative Table: Middle Class vs Upper Class
Here is a table comparing the differences between middle class and upper class:
| Middle Class | Upper Class |
|---|---|
| Households with income between the working class and upper class | Households with income above both the working class and middle class |
| Median income of $78,442 in 2016 | Median income of $187,872 in 2016 |
| Income range for upper-middle-class households is $126,000 or more in 2019 | Income range for upper-income households is higher than middle-income households |
| 52% of American adults lived in middle-class households in 2016 | 19% of American adults lived in upper-income households in 2016 |
| Financial gains for middle-income Americans during 2011-2016 were modest compared to upper-income households | Upper-income households experienced larger financial gains during 2011-2016 |
| Many people in the middle class work as professionals and civil servants, and own property | Upper-class individuals often have significant control over economic and political developments |
In summary, the main differences between the middle class and upper class are income, financial gains, and the level of control over economic and political developments. The upper class generally has higher income and greater control over these aspects compared to the middle class.
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