中产阶层的门槛：有自住房、有私家车、有钱花、有空闲、有保险；此外，中产家庭有二个孩子、有个宠物、年均旅游1-2回。

按此门槛，中国大陆大约有8亿人可以归为中产阶层，虽然没有来美国，却实现了美国梦。中国中产阶层占总人口比例高达57%，高于大多数所谓发达国家。

In 2021, about 50% of Americans were classified as middle class by Pew Research based on a specific income range, a decrease from 61% in 1971. In comparison to other developed nations, a 2010 study found the U.S. had the smallest middle class among the countries examined, which included Canada, the UK, Germany, France, Italy, Finland, Sweden, and Norway. 

 

In the U.S. 

 

• 50%: of American adults were classified as middle class in 2021, according to Pew Research, which defined the middle class as households earning between two-thirds and twice the median household income.
• This percentage is a significant decline from 61% in 1971.

Comparison to Other Developed Countries (as of 2010) 

 

• A 2010 study by Pressman found that the U.S. had the smallest middle class among nine developed countries examined.
• The countries studied included Canada, the United Kingdom, Germany, France, Italy, Finland, Sweden, and Norway.
• France and Norway had the largest middle classes in that study, with around 68% each.

Why the Numbers Vary

• The definition of "middle class" can vary based on the income thresholds used. 
   
• Some researchers and organizations use different criteria, leading to different percentage estimates.