A single income household is no longer enough. The middle class is shrinking at significant rates — “adults who live in middle-class households fell from 61% in 1971 to 50% in 2021,” according to Pew Research. As the middle-class declines, many individuals are falling into lower-income brackets, with only a small percentage moving into upper-income tiers.
As of Feb. 10, the federal minimum wage is $7.25, while the poverty wage is $7.50. In Utah, a single adult without children needs to earn $23.91 per hour to have a living wage. In many cases, the average cost of daily living exceeds the federal poverty line. This signals a reframing of national priorities.
The impact on the economy is significant. As more families struggle to meet basic needs, financial instability increases, leading to higher stress levels in households. Chronic stress contributes to a rise in preventable diseases, placing further strain on public health systems.
We must increase the minimum wage at the federal, state, and local levels to bring it closer to a true livable wage. Through policy reform and advocacy, we can strengthen the middle class and build a healthier, more stable society.
Hannah Fleming, Sandy
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