ECONOMY & WORK
MONEY 101
NEWS
PERSONAL FINANCE
NET WORTH
About Us Contact Us Privacy Policy Terms of Use DMCA Opt-out of personalized ads
© Copyright 2023 Market Realist. Market Realist is a registered trademark. All Rights Reserved. People may receive compensation for some links to products and services on this website. Offers may be subject to change without notice.
MARKETREALIST.COM / ECONOMY & WORK

Social Media User Declares Middle-Class Dead; Says $500,000 a Year Needed for Prosperity

Fast forward to 2024, and the median household income has risen to $74,000. However, the cost of a new home and car now averages $434,000, equivalent to 5.8 times the median annual household income
PUBLISHED FEB 10, 2024
Cover Image Source: TikTok | christopherclaflin
Cover Image Source: TikTok | christopherclaflin

In a recent viral TikTok video, Christopher Claflin, a social media influencer, declared that the middle class in the United States isn't dying; but it is in fact already dead. His argument revolves around a comparative analysis of living costs between 1950 and the present day, shedding light on the significant impact of inflation on the purchasing power of the average American.

Claflin begins his video by highlighting the economic landscape of 1950, where the median household income was $3,300. During that time, purchasing a new home for $7,354 or a new car for $1,500 required roughly two and a half times one's annual income. Fast forward to 2024, and the median household income has risen to $74,000. However, the cost of a new home and car now averages $434,000, equivalent to 5.8 times the median annual household income.

The stark contrast prompts Claflin to assert that the middle class is facing a dire situation, exacerbated by the growing disparity between income and the cost of living. His analysis struck a chord with netizens, and has accumulated more than 1.2 million views and 111,000 likes since its mid-January posting.

Image Source: TikTok | christopherclaflin
Image Source: TikTok | christopherclaflin

What Claflin finds particularly concerning is the evolving definition of middle-class status. In 1950, an annual income of $3,300 granted middle-class Americans the ability to purchase a home and a car, with these expenses representing 2.5 times their annual income. Today, to maintain a similar purchasing power, an individual would need an annual income of $173,000 – a figure that already places them within the top 20% of earners according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

Image Source: TikTok | Americas Nurse
Image Source: TikTok | Americas Nurse

However, Claflin argues that earning $173,000 annually doesn't equate to "doing well" in 2024; it merely signifies middle-class status. To truly thrive in today's economic landscape, he contends that an income ranging from half a million to a million dollars annually is necessary. This is a significant jump, considering that even the top 5% of households in the country, with incomes of $295,001 or more, might fall short of Claflin's proposed threshold.

Image Source: TikTok | 
Leeanna Brown
Image Source: TikTok | Leeanna Brown

The implications of Claflin's perspective are profound, highlighting the challenges faced by the middle class in achieving financial stability and prosperity in the current economic climate. As inflation continues to impact the cost of living, the gap between income levels and the ability to maintain a comfortable lifestyle widens, leaving many grappling with the harsh realities of economic inequality.

While Claflin's call for annual incomes ranging from $500,000 to $1 million may seem ambitious, it underscores the urgency of addressing the economic disparities that have left the middle class feeling financially squeezed. As discussions surrounding economic policies and reforms take center stage, the need for solutions that ensure widespread prosperity becomes increasingly evident.

The juxtaposition of historical data with contemporary economic realities by the social media user highlights the pressing need for a reevaluation of policies to bridge the gap between income levels and the rising cost of living, ultimately aiming for a more inclusive and prosperous society.

MORE ON MARKET REALIST
Students supported him to get on a flight to Los Angeles for an audition that changed his life.
3 hours ago
She shared a video that demonstrated how she got fed up with the slow-moving line at Walmart and decided to take action.
15 hours ago
Celebrity Week on "The Price is Right" allows celebrities to play games that the show is known for.
1 day ago
She saw that the woman taking instructions from someone on the phone and noticed something was wrong.
1 day ago
The moment became unforgettable for audiences, and the presenter was appreciated for his recovery.
1 day ago
Even without the raise, Oliver remains one of the top-paid faces on American television.
2 days ago
The story resonated with thousands of fans who made sure to set things right for the hardworking man .
2 days ago
After O'Leary and Rodriguez made offers, Cuban also joined Greiner to make an offer.
3 days ago
The Home Depot staffer requests the individual's tax-exempt number, which the individual declines.
3 days ago
She also called out Walmart after describing how she was feeling about wearing unwashed clothes.
4 days ago
Like any struggling young actor in the 80s, White was looking for any opportunity to appear on TV.
4 days ago
The man bought three tickets but left the last one at the counter and the man on the counter just checked it out of curiosity.
5 days ago
Perry's comments about splitting bills and the women being the breadwinner did not go down well with many.
5 days ago
The woman finally asked for help from a worker at Walmart and found out more alarming details.
6 days ago
Walmart worker confronts the return scammer, sparking a viral debate on ethical consumer behavior.
6 days ago
She was only offered $6,600 as a “goodwill gesture” for being the winner. 
7 days ago
The man from New Jersey bagged the reward when he was in the studio just as a member of the audience.
7 days ago
Viewers were left scrambling for an explanation until the glitch was fixed during a re-run later that year.
Dec 5, 2024
The person who originally listed the property later explained the logic behind the design.
Dec 5, 2024
Later, she finally found a way to get rid of the Tahoe after three years of paying $1,400 a month.
Dec 5, 2024