SmartAsset analyzed data to determine the minimum amount needed to qualify in the top one percent of earners in every state and there were some very interesting findings. Unsurprisingly, most of the states with the highest income thresholds were on the coast, while the inland states had a much lower barrier of entry to qualify for to be a one-percenter. What may be even more interesting and insightful is the data that shows how much it takes to be in the top five percent of earners in every state, as the gap narrows quite a bit. For example, the disparity between the one percent in Connecticut (the top state at nearly $900,000) and West Virginia (the bottom state at $350,000) is massive but the difference for what qualifies as being a five-percent earner is much closer ($311,000 vs. $171,000). You can find the full map and the study here.
Five States With Highest Income Thresholds
Five States With Lowest Income Thresholds
The study also brings up the evolving definition of the middle class in the United Statesmore than two-thirds of Americans consider themselves middle class
