When it comes to taxes, not all states treat the middle class the same. In some places, they’re paying a much larger chunk of their earnings to the state and local governments compared to others. Today, we’re looking at the 25 states where the American middle class is paying the most in taxes as a percentage of their income.
Hawaii
This data comes from a report by Wallethub. First up, we have Hawaii, and it seems that living in paradise isn’t cheap. Here, the middle class spends around 13.62% of their income on taxes, which is apparently the price you have to pay for those beautiful beaches and sunny days. But we have a feeling the people don’t think it’s worth it.
New York
In the Empire State, keeping up with a 12.68% percentage of tax is a real challenge, no matter if you’re in the Big Apple or upstate. But even with the high rates, many people are making the most of the perks of city living. After all, they can enjoy Broadway shows along with some beautiful lakeside retreats.
Illinois
Illinois is right up there as well, with 12.57% of middle-class income going to taxes. Living in the Land of Lincoln means having to deal with these high tax rates that help to fund snowy street plowing and public school teaching. Yes, residents are feeling the pinch, but they’re also benefitting from well-funded state services and infrastructure.
Louisiana
Down in Louisiana, people are funding their levee maintenance with around 12.05% of their income. After all, nothing comes for free. Without this funding, it’s unlikely the state would be able to hold such amazing Mardi Gras parades and protect its citizens from floods. The state’s tax dollars support Louisiana’s culture and cuisine.
Washington
Who needs an income tax? Not Washington, but they still manage to take 11.96% of middle-class income in other ways, like sales and property taxes. This helps the Evergreen State’s public services run smoothly while also helping to maintain its uniquely beautiful public places.
Pennsylvania
In Pennsylvania, the state takes 11.81% for taxes and spends it on things like historic preservation projects and modern infrastructure. This way, they can keep the Keystone State functional and beautiful. The state also uses its tax revenue to support the state park system for all its residents from Philadelphia to Pittsburgh.
Kansas
Out in Kansas, people spend about 11.49% on taxes, which the state government uses to maintain the prairie preserves and city parks. The taxes are also important for funding state education programs and public safety measures. These programs help communities stay secure and well-educated.
Arkansas
The Arkansas state government gets around 11.08% from the middle class for taxes. This helps to support the Natural State’s natural wonders and urban development, along with public transportation. And let’s not forget the public health programs, which officials are hoping will solve some of the state’s current healthcare issues.
Mississippi
In Mississippi, residents are forking out around 10.88% of their income to taxes, which helps to improve the state’s schools and highways. Some of the money is also used to support the local economy through agricultural and small business programs. This way, the government can create jobs and help the communities to grow.
Iowa
For Iowans, a 10.86% dedication to taxes is the norm, and each dollar plays an important role. In this state, agriculture is important, and a lot of the tax funding is used to support this industry and educational programs. A portion of taxes also goes to environmental programs, which help maintain the state’s agricultural industry.
Connecticut
Connecticut’s average tax cut is 10.85%. The government uses this to support the state’s stunning natural wonders, like its coastal and wooded areas, through environmental programs. Unfortunately, the state also has the second-highest property taxes across the entire United States.
Oregon
Oregon’s tax rate is around 10.74%, which helps to support state and local operations. A large portion of this funding goes towards maintaining the state’s natural beauty and public services. Unlike other states, Oregon does not have a general sales tax and relies more on income and corporate taxes.
District of Columbia
Residents in the District of Columbia give around 10.71% of their income to taxes. The capital’s budget includes building public transport networks and housing projects to house the state’s growing population. State officials also invest a lot in educational and healthcare services so the people are smart and healthy, too.
New Mexico
New Mexico’s tax rate of 10.60% is pretty important for supporting state and local government. This includes funding for public safety and education, along with measures to protect the state’s rich culture and tourism industry. The state also has one of the lowest overall tax burdens between the highest and lowest earners.
Indiana
Indiana’s public services and infrastructure need a good amount of funding, which is why the state’s average tax rate is at 10.55%. This also includes a big cut for education and public safety for all residents. Bio-health and advanced manufacturing are also big industries here, and the state uses taxes to help support these, too.
Nebraska
Nebraskans pay around 10.47% of their income to taxes, with a large portion of this going towards improving the state’s educational resources. As Nebraska has quite a few farms, the state also uses these funds to help manage water projects and create agricultural programs. This way, Nebraska can continue to be a leader in the agriculture industry.
Alabama
10.41% of Alabaman’s income goes toward taxes to support educational and healthcare improvements. Why? Because the state government is trying to improve Alabama’s educational ranking on the national scale. They are also trying to attract more businesses to the region by improving the state’s infrastructure.
Kentucky
Kentucky’s 10.26% tax cut is mostly used to support its health services and public safety. But some of it is used to support the horse racing industry, which is not just for entertainment. This industry is important to the state’s economy, so the government spends some of the tax money to improve facilities and regulate race tracks.
Maryland and Utah
Maryland and Utah are neck-and-neck with a 10.03% tax rate, which the local government mostly uses to support each state’s natural and cultural resources. Maryland spends a lot of tax money on restoring Chesapeake Bay, while Utah is investing in its parks. Both of these are important in encouraging tourists to the states.
Ohio
Ohio is well-known for its strong technological and industrial industries, which are partially funded by the state’s 9.98% tax rate. Government officials are spending a lot on research and development to help the state to remain competitive. This includes industries such as aerospace and biotechnology.
Texas
Although it doesn’t have a state income tax, Texas is using its 9.97% taxes from other sources to create disaster management systems. After all, there are often hurricanes and floods in the state, which cause huge economic problems. The state is also investing money in renewable energy to support its famous energy industry.
California
Even though most people think of California as having one of the highest tax rates, this isn’t exactly true. Middle-class Californians spend around 9.96% of their income on taxes to support the state’s natural parks. The government is focusing on sustainability programs and technology to help fight climate change, which is a particularly bad problem in this state.
Wisconsin
With a state like Wisconsin, it’s important there’s enough money to support its iconic dairy industry and public universities. So, the local people do this by giving roughly 9.92% of their salary to taxes. A lot of this is used for water conservation and to control pollution, which helps protect Wisconsin’s natural resources.
Tennessee
Tennessee has a bit of a lower tax rate at 9.88%. But even with this, state officials are using these funds to support public services and infrastructure, which in turn expand the state’s famous arts scene. There’s a reason tourists love coming to Tennessee, and the taxes help to fund this.
New Jersey
The New Jersey government is currently trying to improve public transit systems, and to do this, locals contribute 9.85% of their income to taxes. Officials want to reduce the huge amount of traffic and pollution across the state. These issues are pretty serious for people living in urban areas.
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