Many Americans say ‘working class’ describes them well, but some are more likely than others to adopt the term
% of U.S. adults who say ‘working class’ describes them …
* Estimates for Asian adults are representative of English speakers only.
Note: White, Black and Asian adults include those who report being only one race and are not Hispanic; Hispanics are of any race. Family income tiers are based on adjusted 2024 earnings.
Note: White, Black and Asian adults include those who report being only one race and are not Hispanic; Hispanics are of any race. Family income tiers are based on adjusted 2024 earnings.
Source: Survey of U.S. adults conducted Jan. 20-26, 2026.
PEW RESEARCH CENTER
Many Americans say ‘working class’ describes them well, but some are more likely than others to adopt the term
% of U.S. adults who say ‘working class’ describes them …
| Group | Extremely well | Very well | NET Extremely/very well | grouping |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Total | 28 | 32 | 60 | total |
| White | 29 | 32 | 62 | race |
| Hispanic | 28 | 32 | 59 | race |
| Black | 28 | 26 | 54 | race |
| Asian* | 19 | 33 | 52 | race |
| Ages 18-49 | 29 | 31 | 59 | age |
| 50+ | 28 | 33 | 61 | age |
| College grad+ | 20 | 30 | 50 | edu |
| No college degree | 33 | 33 | 66 | edu |
| income | ||||
| Upper income | 22 | 27 | 50 | income |
| Middle income | 33 | 35 | 67 | income |
| Lower income | 26 | 31 | 57 | income |
| Rep/Lean Rep | 33 | 33 | 67 | party |
| Dem/Lean Dem | 25 | 30 | 55 | party |
* Estimates for Asian adults are representative of English speakers only.
Note: White, Black and Asian adults include those who report being only one race and are not Hispanic; Hispanics are of any race. Family income tiers are based on adjusted 2024 earnings.
Note: White, Black and Asian adults include those who report being only one race and are not Hispanic; Hispanics are of any race. Family income tiers are based on adjusted 2024 earnings.
Source: Survey of U.S. adults conducted Jan. 20-26, 2026.
PEW RESEARCH CENTER
