Quantitative Method to Determine Sliding Scale Tier

If you prefer to use a quantitative rather than qualitative method to determine your tier on the sliding scale, follow these instructions.

  1. Go to the Pew Research Center income calculator.

  2. Scroll down to the section “Are you in the middle class?”

  3. Select your state and metropolitan area.

  4. Household income before taxes: If you’re single, enter your individual income. If you share finances with a spouse/partner, or you split household expenses unevenly with your spouse/partner (e.g. 60-40, 70-30, etc), enter your total household income.*

  5. People in my household: Enter the total number including you.

  6. Click the “Calculate” button.

  7. The calculator will tell you if you’re in the upper, middle, or lower income tier.

Upper income tier = Tier 1 on the sliding scale
Middle income tier = Tier 2 on the sliding scale
Lower income tier = Tier 3 on the sliding scale

* If you live with a spouse/partner but your finances are independent and you contribute 50-50 to household expenses regardless of each person’s income level, you can enter your income and # household members as if you’re a single person.