The Harris Insights and Analytics Income Paradox Survey, published in November 2025, explores why many high earners across the United States feel financially insecure. The report focuses on individuals earning above 100000 U.S. dollars who increasingly describe rising costs, shrinking safety nets, and growing pressures on daily budgets.
Polling was conducted online between 31 July and 2 August 2025 with a nationally representative sample of 2109 U.S. adults. Within this group, 728 respondents reported incomes above 100000 U.S. dollars, including 280 individuals earning at least 200000 U.S. dollars. Self-assessments of spending, debt use, confidence, and financial well-being were collected.
Survey results show that many six-figure earners face financial pressures similar to lower-income households despite historically strong earnings. Respondents widely described rising essential expenses, limited savings buffers, and frequent reliance on credit tools. These conditions shape the survey theme that high income no longer guarantees stability.
• Perceived Instability
Six-figure earners frequently described their financial condition as stretched or struggling. Approximately 64 percent agreed that a six-figure income represents survival mode rather than wealth, while 52 percent stated that the traditional American Dream no longer feels achievable even with incomes above 100000 U.S. dollars.
• Expense Drivers
Essential costs create the greatest pressure. About 36 percent identified groceries and household necessities as their primary burden, while about 32 percent reported rent or mortgage payments. Health care costs, transportation expenses, and emergencies ranked close behind as major contributors to financial strain.
• Debt Reliance Patterns
Credit dependence is widespread. About 75 percent of six-figure earners used credit cards due to insufficient cash during recent months, and about 39 percent relied on BNPL schemes or buy-now-pay-later services regularly. Many used such tools even for purchases below 100 U.S. dollars, thus indicating persistent budgeting challenges.
• Psychological Stress Indicators
Financial anxiety affects a sizeable portion of high earners. About 46 percent reported persistent stress linked to budget or money management. Nearly 44 percent felt one unexpected bill away from instability, and close to 40 percent avoided checking balances as a coping mechanism for mounting financial pressure.
• Revised Income Benchmarks
Expectations for comfort have shifted. 50 percent of six-figure earners believe a minimum of 200000 U.S. dollars is required to feel comfortable and part of the middle class in their area. Among those already earning 200000 U.S. dollars or more, 53 percent stated that their income does not go far enough, given sharply rising living costs.
The survey indicates that high-income households depend increasingly on geographic conditions, cost structures, and debt exposure rather than wage levels alone. Respondents frequently reported anxiety, guilt, and a sense of vulnerability despite incomes surpassing 100000 U.S. dollars and sometimes exceeding 200000 U.S. dollars in high-cost locations nationwide.
Note that the results further suggest that higher wages, lower taxes, improved health coverage, and broader access to affordable housing could play significant roles in restoring financial stability and confidence. Many respondents emphasized that financial security depends more on reducing essential expenses and debt pressure than on increases in annual income alone.
FURTHER READING AND REFERENCE
- The Harris Poll. November 2025. Income Paradox Survey: Insights on Six-Figure Earners Who Still Feel Financial Squeeze. Harris Poll. Available via PDF