Middle Class in North Carolina: Struggling with Inflation

Photo byGallup News

It's nearly impossible not to stress about money these days. Prices have skyrocketed on just about everything, and what once was a decent salary may no longer be livable. But how much has the definition of middle class in North Carolina changed?

According to Investopedia.com:

The middle class typically refers to individuals and households between the working class and upper class, usually with college degrees, homeownership, and some disposable income.

But in this economy, who can even be considered middle class?

I recently saw a post on X asking why our generation is so unhappy. One reply hit home: We’re making triple what our parents did at this age, yet it doesn’t go far anymore. Depressing, right?

According to a GoBankingRates study, in 2022, the middle-class income range in North Carolina was $44,124 to $132,372. In 2012, it was $30,967 to $92,900—a 42.49% increase over 10 years. To hit the low end of middle class, you’d need to make at least $44,000 a year—nearly three times the minimum wage.

The most startling stat? That 42.49% increase.

Something has to change. And it has to change soon.