Study ranks Yuma as top U.S. city for middle-class families

A recent study highlights the most affordable U.S. cities for middle-class families, primarily located in the Southwest, South, and Midwest. The report indicates that a family of four needs to earn at least $59,828 nationally to be considered middle class. In Brownsville, Texas, a family can qualify as middle class with an income of $52,000, while in San Francisco, the requirement exceeds $70,000 due to higher living costs. The analysis covered 349 cities, revealing that 83 percent had median incomes sufficient for middle-class status. Yuma, Arizona, topped the list as the best city for middle-class families, with a median income $10,000 above the threshold. The report also notes that many cities are becoming less affordable for the middle class.