It's no secret that the American middle class has been steadily shrinking: in the past 50 years, the share of Americans living in middle-class households dropped from 61% to 52% between 1971 and 2024, according to the Pew Research Center.

And California is losing its middle-income earners, often referred to as "middle class," according to research released earlier this year by California Community Builders, a nonprofit housing research and advocacy organization.

The researchers found that the state lost 7% of residents in this demographic between 2000 and 2019. They defined middle income as those making between 80% and 200% of the area median income, which varies depending on location.

The state also has the 20th-largest racial wealth gap in the country, with white residents making around 36% more than Black residents, according to Wallethub. The same study found Hispanics have the highest poverty and educational achievement gaps in California.

So, what does it take to be considered middle class in California today? To calculate the number, GOBankingRates used recent U.S. Census Bureau data to find the range of middle-class incomes in each state.

Here's what the middle class looks like in California.

The Pew Research Center defines the middle class as households earning two-thirds of to double the U.S. median household income. In 2022, that range was $56,600 to $169,800 nationwide.

Related: Live in California? See how much it costs residents here to secure the American dream

Using the Pew Research definition of middle class, GOBankingRates calculated that households must earn between $61,269 and $183,810 to be considered middle class in California.

The median household income in California is $91,905 and falls squarely within the middle-class range, both nationally and state wide.

Recently updated for 2024, the Pew Research Center's income tool calculates whether you're considered middle class based on your income, household size, and cost of living in your state and metropolitan area. You can also see how you compare to others across the country who have the same education level, age and race as you.

Try out the Pew Research income calculator here.