Brookings reports that many U.S. cities, despite conventional wisdom to the contrary, still retain a sizable middle class.  Memphis was near the top of the list of cities where the middle class hollowed out as the 20th century ended and 21st century began.  Today, among the 72 cities with more than 100,000 households, Memphis ranks #53 for presence of the middle class.

San Francisco ranked first and Detroit was last.  Other rankings were Charlotte at #14, Austin at #17, Raleigh at #22, New Orleans at #27, Louisville at #36, Nashville at #39, Baltimore at #43, Indianapolis #53 (tied with Memphis), and #62 St. Louis.

Memphis

29.5%  — Less than $21,433
25.1%  — $21,433 to $41,109
19.7%  — $41,109 to $65,952
14.9%  — $65,952 to $106,100
8.0%  — $106,100 to $200,000
2.8%  — More than $200,000

Percentage of Households Earning more than $41,110:

45.4%  — Memphis
57.1%  — Nashville
56.4%  — Large Cities
56.3%  — Southern Cities

Nashville

19.9%  — Less than $21,433
23.1%  — $21,433 to $41,109
22.8%  — $41,109 to $65,952
19.7%  — $65,952 to $106,100
11.1%  — $106,100 to $200,000
3.5%  — More than $200,000

Large U.S. Cities

23.5%  — Less than $21,433
20.3%  — $21,433 to $41,109
19.4%  — $41,109 to $65,952
17.8%  — $65,952 to $106,100
13.7%  — $106,100 to $200,000
5.5%  — More than $200,000

Southern Cities

22.4%  — Less than $21,433
21.2%  — $21,433 to $41,109
20.3%  — $41,109 to $65,952
17.9%  — $65,952 to $106,100
13.2%  — $106,100 to $200,000
4.9%  — More than $200,000

Source: Brookings – How big (or small) is your city’s middle class?