The American middle class is shrinking. Although , only about 50 percent qualify based on income, according to a 2015 report from Pew Research Center.
For those whose income hits that sweet spot — two-thirds to double the U.S. median household income, as defined by Pew — certain locations prove more advantageous than others for living comfortably and raising a family.
GOBankingRates found the most affordable places for middle class families by looking at three factors: income trends, including the change in median household income of middle class families between 1999 and 2014; higher education trends, including tuition costs and graduation rates; and housing trends, including mortgage and homeownership rates.
Below, check out 12 U.S. states where it's possible to thrive on a middle class salary:
12. Arkansas
Median household income for middle class families: $71,245
In-state tuition and fees: $8,250
Monthly mortgage payment: $754
11. Minnesota
Median household income for middle class families: $76,310
In-state tuition and fees: $10,950
Monthly mortgage payment: $1,097
10. Missouri
Median household income for middle class families: $72,646
In-state tuition and fees: $8,630
Monthly mortgage payment: $794
9. Indiana
Median household income for middle class families: $71,352
In-state tuition and fees: $9,200
Monthly mortgage payment: $755
8. Wyoming
Median household income for middle class families: $75,811
In-state tuition and fees: $5,060
Monthly mortgage payment: $1,087
7. Mississippi
Median household income for middle class families: $71,391
In-state tuition and fees: $7,410
Monthly mortgage payment: $812
6. Oklahoma
Median household income for middle class families: $72,249
In-state tuition and fees: $8,030
Monthly mortgage payment: $825
5. North Dakota
Median household income for middle class families: $75,801
In-state tuition and fees: $7,880
Monthly mortgage payment: $817
4. Nebraska
Median household income for middle class families: $74,432
In-state tuition and fees: $7,880
Monthly mortgage payment: $903
3. West Virginia
Median household income for middle class families: $70,838
In-state tuition and fees: $7,490
Monthly mortgage payment: $718
2. South Dakota
Median household income for middle class families: $77,176
In-state tuition and fees: $8,140
Monthly mortgage payment: $981
1. Iowa
Median household income for middle class families: $75,953
In-state tuition and fees: $8,270
Monthly mortgage payment: $787