The definition of "middle class" has certainly undergone changes over the decades. In the 50's the standard view of a middle class family would have included a 2 bedroom home (3 BR for upper-middle class), a single car in a detached garage, a single family television, etc. By the mid 80's that view had changed to 3-4 BR home, 2 cars in an attached garage, two or more televisions, etc. Today, a minimum standard for middle class includes a bedroom for each child plus (by previous standards) extra large master bedroom for the adults, 3 or more cars, television in most rooms including the kitchen, more than one personal computers, cell phones for each member of the family, etc. etc. etc. By the standards of the 50s, today's "typical" middle income family would have been considered in the wealthy category. As such, because the standards for the term "middle income" have risen significantly, it would not be inaccurate to describe the middle income of today as better of than 30 years ago, in spite of the economic woes of today.