That is the fundamental question that makes a definition of the "middle class" an illusive goal. The Government loves to refer to the "middle class" so they reach the maximum number of people. Like, "These tax adjustments will help the middle class." Rather than say, "These tax adjustments will help those making between $25,000 and
$75,000." To put a "number" on it excludes folks below or above, so you shroud it in mystery by calling it "middle class". Again, 80 to 90% of the population believes THEY are middle class! Like you said Ron, that math confuses me.
It is noteworthy that for the most part the Government carefully avoids a definition of middle class. MY DEFINITION, based on MY research sets that mark at or below those folks earning $20 an hour. Those actually making $20 an hour are a SHRINKING group, by the way. Less than $20 is rapidly becoming the norm.