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How Many Americans Live Paycheck to Paycheck?

By Rachel Catherine Allen
Updated May 17, 2024
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More than half of all Americans live paycheck to paycheck, and it's not just those who have low or average incomes — about 30 percent of those who make $100,000 US Dollars (USD) or more a year still live paycheck to paycheck. States with the highest percentage of people who regularly live paycheck to paycheck include Oklahoma, South Dakota and Vermont.

More facts about Americans' finances:

  • The increasing number of people living paycheck to paycheck has caused saving to go down significantly. Less than 40 percent of Americans have an emergency fund, and less than a third save less than $100 USD a month.

  • Only about 15 percent of Americans report being satisfied with their financial situation.

  • Almost half of Americans have paid only the minimum amount on their credit card bills for a year or longer.
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