lowermiddleclass

Lower middle class is a sociological and economic category used to describe a segment of the population that sits between the working class and the middle class. It typically includes households with incomes above the poverty line and sufficient to cover basics, but below the earnings and wealth associated with the core middle class or upper-middle strata. Definitions vary by country, survey, and year, making precise boundaries context-dependent.

People in this group typically have stable employment and regular earnings, but with limited disposable income and modest savings. They are more vulnerable to economic shocks such as job loss, medical costs, or rising housing and child-care expenses than higher-income groups.

Occupations often include clerical and administrative work, sales, skilled trades, technicians, early- to mid-career professionals, and teachers or healthcare aides. Educational attainment commonly ranges from high school completion to some college or vocational training, with bachelor’s degrees less common than in higher middle-income brackets.

Home ownership is common but not universal; assets and net worth tend to be lower than those of the upper middle class, and debt levels can be higher relative to income. Financial security frequently depends on steady employment, family support, and access to affordable credit and public services.

The category is fluid; individuals may move up or down over time due to changes in income, education, or circumstances. In policy discussions, the lower middle class is often cited in debates about wages, cost of living, taxation, education access, and social mobility.