Rhode Island

Think you’re middle class in Rhode Island? Here’s the income range

Published

3 months ago

March 28, 2026

Think you’re middle class in Rhode Island? Here’s the income range

Your household can earn more than $160,000 a year and still be considered part of the “middle class” in Rhode Island, according to a recent study by SmartAsset.

Rhode Island is the state with the 17th-highest income range for households to be considered middle class, based on SmartAsset’s analysis using 2024 income data from the U.S. Census Bureau. The Pew Research Center defines the middle class as households earning roughly two-thirds to twice the national median household income.

According to a 2022 Gallup survey, about half of U.S. adults consider themselves middle class, with 38% identifying as “middle class” and 14% as “upper-middle class.” Higher-income Americans and college graduates were most likely to identify with the “middle class” or “upper-middle class,” while lower-income Americans and those without a college education generally identified as “working class” or “lower class.”

Here’s how much money your household would need to bring in annually to be considered middle class in Rhode Island.

How much money would you need to make to be considered middle class in RI?

In Rhode Island, households would need to earn between $55,669 and $167,008 annually to be considered middle class, according to SmartAsset. The Ocean State has the 17th-highest income range in the country for middle-class households.

The state’s median household income is $83,504.

How do other New England states compare?

Rhode Island has the fourth-highest income range for middle-class households in New England. Here’s what households would have to earn in neighboring states:

Massachusetts (#1 nationally) – $69,885 to $209,656 annually; median household income of $104,828
New Hampshire (#6 nationally) – $66,521 to $199,564 annually; median household income of $99,782
Connecticut (#10 nationally) – $64,033 to $192,098 annually; median household income of $96,049
Rhode Island (#17 nationally) – $55,669 to $167,008 annually; median household income of $83,504
Vermont (#19 nationally) – $55,153 to $165,460 annually; median household income of $82,730
Maine (#30 nationally) – $50,961 to $152,884 annually; median household income of $76,442

Which state has the highest middle-class income range?

Massachusetts ranks as the state with the highest income range to be considered middle class, according to SmartAsset. Households there would need to earn between $69,900 and $209,656 annually. The state’s median household income is $104,828.

Which state has the lowest middle-class income range?

Mississippi ranks last for the income range needed to be considered middle class, according to SmartAsset. Households there would need to earn between $39,418 and $118,254 annually. The state’s median household income is $59,127.

Source link

Click to comment

Rhode Island

Throwback: USS Rhode Island commissioned in Newport

Published

6 hours ago

July 9, 2026

Press Room

Throwback: USS Rhode Island commissioned in Newport

(WJAR) — Thirty-two years ago was the commissioning of a Navy submarine named after the Ocean State.

Maria Stephanos was on board the USS Rhode Island on July 9, 1994.

Rhode Island was the Navy’s 15th Trident class ballistic submarine.

It was commissioned in Newport and was the first to be christened in its namesake state.

Source link

Rhode Island

Handshake Initiative instills confidence, motivation in students

Published

16 hours ago

July 8, 2026

Press Room

Handshake Initiative instills confidence, motivation in students

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WJAR) — They come from all walks of life, including many professionals in the community, taking time out of their busy days to welcome students to school with enthusiasm and handshakes.

“We learn a lot of new handshakes, too,” Kobi Dennis said. “High-fives. Pounds with an explosion. We get a little bit of everything.”

It’s the Handshake Initiative, the brainchild of now Central Falls Police Chief Anthony Roberson.

Everybody can use some encouragement, and students in Rhode Island get that the minute they head toward the school building.

Initially, the students and parents didn’t know what to think.

“I was confused because I thought it was going to be a normal day,” said one student.

“Their parents were getting out of their cars trying to see what’s going on,” Reservoir Avenue School Principal Cynthia Torres said.

But now, they crave it.

“It makes me feel motivated,” another student said.

Dennis adds in an etiquette component.

“Teaching the kids how to shake hands, look one another in the eyes with a firm grip — girl or guy — firm grip and say ‘hello’ and introduce yourself, that’s part of the initiative as well,” Dennis said.

Providence school superintendent Dr. Javier Montañez said it sends a strong message.

“We hear you, we see you, and we’re here for you,” Montañez said.

Torres strategically uses them on standardized test days.

“They say, ‘I’m going to do really good today,’” she said.

“It makes me feel encouraged to do better in school,” a student said.

They’ve connected with thousands of students across Rhode Island.

“It’s about shaking hands and building relationships, but it’s also about letting young people know that there are professionals in the community cheering for them every single day,” Dennis said.

Do you know of a nonprofit organization or volunteers doing great work in your community? Fill out a short nomination form for “Community Treasures.”

Source link