How much money does it take for a household to be considered middle-class? A new study shows that the bar is pretty high if you live in Maryland. 

GOBankingRates found that Marylanders required the most money – a median household income of $98,461 – to be considered middle class. 

The personal finance site analyzed data from the 2022 American Community Survey as conducted by the U.S. Census Bureau, then found the middle-class income for every state.

The company followed the Pew Research Center’s definition of middle-class income — “two-thirds to double the U.S. median household income.”

According to the data, the middle-class household income averages across the U.S. ranged between $52,000 and $98,500 in 2024.

Four kayakers who got stranded in the Potomac River’s rough waters Sunday were rescued by a Maryland State Police chopper.

Footage posted to social media shows Maryland State Police Aviation Command Trooper 3 — which is based out of Frederick — conduct the hoist during the missions.

Montgomery County swift water rescue personnel assisted on the ground.

#NewsAlert: @MDSP Aviation Command rescued four kayakers who became stranded in rough waters in the Potomac River on Sunday. FULL RELEASE: https://t.co/Bh4UP8yiUf pic.twitter.com/hAuUaEBvwt

— MD State Police (@MDSP) October 7, 2024

First responders had requested an aerial rescue because rescue boats couldn’t get to where the kayakers were stranded.

Pilots hovered the AW-139 helicopter above the Potomac River through three separate hoists, rescuing four victims via the rescue basket.

They were taken to Loudoun County, Virginia.

No injuries were reported.

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According to Melissa Nash, Garrett and Allegany Project Manager for the Maryland Forest Service, “We are now seeing mostly yellow tones of maples and hickories mixed with still green oaks, but there are still some vibrant colors to be found. It seems we may now see more of a rolling peak this year, with waves of color rather than one sharper peak.”

In Allegany County, the far western region is experiencing color changes, while central and eastern parts of the county remain predominantly green. Yellow is the most common color emerging, with some trees already turning brown due to the dry conditions.

The Maryland Forest Service invites the public to submit their fall foliage photos for inclusion in their weekly reports. Photos may be featured in future reports, with credit given to the photographer.

This article was written with the assistance of AI and reviewed by a human editor.

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