Income Percentile

Income percentile shows where you stand compared to everyone else. It's a reality check on whether you're "rich," "middle class," or struggling.

U.S. Household Income Percentiles (2024):

• 10th percentile: $15,000
• 25th percentile: $32,000
• 50th percentile (median): $75,000
• 75th percentile: $130,000
• 90th percentile: $200,000
• 95th percentile: $280,000
• 99th percentile: $600,000+

What It Means:

• Below 25th: Lower income, likely struggling
• 25th-50th: Working class, paycheck-to-paycheck common
• 50th-75th: Middle class, comfortable but not wealthy
• 75th-90th: Upper-middle class, financially secure
• 90th+: High earners, accumulating wealth
• 99th+: Very wealthy, generational wealth possible

Age Matters:

• Age 25: $75,000 = 90th percentile (amazing for age)
• Age 55: $75,000 = 40th percentile (below average for peak earning years)

Global Perspective:

• U.S. median ($75,000) is 95th percentile globally
• Anyone making $35,000+ is in the global top 10%

The Bottom Line: Percentiles provide context. If you're in the 80th percentile but feel broke, you might have a spending problem—not an income problem. If you're in the 20th percentile and struggling, you genuinely need more income or support.