Earning $700,000 a year would put your household in the top 1% nationwide — and well above the middle class — and in any state in the South or Midwest. But that still won't cut it in seven states. The Northeast dominates the rankings, with five of the 10 states with the highest 1% thresholds lying in this region.

Based on that figure, an annual income of $500,000 or more would make you rich. The Economic Policy Institute uses a different baseline to determine who constitutes the top 1% and the top 5%. For 2021, you're in the top 1% if you earn $819,324 or more each year. The top 5% of income earners make $335,891 per year.

The Constitution State is one of two states where households must earn more than $900,000 per year to reach the top 1%. In 2023, the ultra-wealthy group of households make $952,902 – $300,000 more than the national average. Meanwhile, the top 1% pays the highest effective tax rate across our study (28.4%).