How many people are rich

Alex · 08-12-2010, 09:42 AM

For the poll, how would you complete this sentence?

I would say that if you are in the top __% of household incomes in the United States, then by the standards of living in the United States you are rich.

If in trying to answer that you'd get caught up in local cost of living differences feel free to replace "United States" with whatever smaller jurisdiction would make you comfortable, such as:

I would say that if you are in the top __% of household incomes in the San Francisco Bay Area then by the standards of living in the Bay Area you are rich.

Don't get caught up on how much money that may actually be. Rich is a relative thing, I'm curious how far from the average one must be to be perceived as rich?

Alex · 08-12-2010, 09:44 AM

Oh well, screwed up doing a poll. Just provide your answers as comments.

innerSpaceman · 08-12-2010, 09:45 AM

I think 10% is fair, for just about anywhere. Rich is a relative thing.

Now, where do I find out where I rank? Because if it turns out I'm rich, but still can't afford lunch this week - I may just shoot myself.

Wait ... I can't afford a gun. I may just jump off a building.

Ghoulish Delight · 08-12-2010, 09:47 AM

By US standards? My gut says 15-20%.

By world standards, probably 70-75% if not higher.

Alex · 08-12-2010, 09:48 AM

I'll provide some data on that later but don't want to influence what people think is rich in dollar amounts.

Ghoulish Delight · 08-12-2010, 09:51 AM

I'd also say that my % of US people who consider themselves rich by US standards would be lower than that 15-20%.

DreadPirateRoberts · 08-12-2010, 09:55 AM

katiesue · 08-12-2010, 10:08 AM

I'd go with 10% as well

Kevy Baby · 08-12-2010, 10:34 AM

Many people would define "rich" as anyone who makes more than they do

But to help in your scientific profile, I would agree with 10% as a general rule of thumb. It coincides with standard statistical classifications (if I am remembering my sadistics classes correctly).

cirquelover · 08-12-2010, 10:55 AM

I would have to say in the 15-20% range is my guess.

08-12-2010, 09:42 AM	#1
Alex . Join Date: Feb 2005 Posts: 13,354	How many people are rich For the poll, how would you complete this sentence? I would say that if you are in the top __% of household incomes in the United States, then by the standards of living in the United States you are rich. If in trying to answer that you'd get caught up in local cost of living differences feel free to replace "United States" with whatever smaller jurisdiction would make you comfortable, such as: I would say that if you are in the top __% of household incomes in the San Francisco Bay Area then by the standards of living in the Bay Area you are rich. Don't get caught up on how much money that may actually be. Rich is a relative thing, I'm curious how far from the average one must be to be perceived as rich?
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08-12-2010, 09:44 AM	#2
Alex . Join Date: Feb 2005 Posts: 13,354	Oh well, screwed up doing a poll. Just provide your answers as comments.
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08-12-2010, 09:45 AM	#3
innerSpaceman Kink of Swank Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Inner Space Posts: 13,075	I think 10% is fair, for just about anywhere. Rich is a relative thing. Now, where do I find out where I rank? Because if it turns out I'm rich, but still can't afford lunch this week - I may just shoot myself. Wait ... I can't afford a gun. I may just jump off a building.
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08-12-2010, 09:47 AM	#4
Ghoulish Delight I Floop the Pig Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Alternative Swankstyle Posts: 19,348	By US standards? My gut says 15-20%. By world standards, probably 70-75% if not higher. __________________ 'He who receives an idea from me, receives instruction himself without lessening mine; as he who lights his taper at mine, receives light without darkening me.' -TJ
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08-12-2010, 09:48 AM	#5
Alex . Join Date: Feb 2005 Posts: 13,354	I'll provide some data on that later but don't want to influence what people think is rich in dollar amounts.
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08-12-2010, 09:51 AM	#6
Ghoulish Delight I Floop the Pig Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Alternative Swankstyle Posts: 19,348	I'd also say that my % of US people who consider themselves rich by US standards would be lower than that 15-20%. __________________ 'He who receives an idea from me, receives instruction himself without lessening mine; as he who lights his taper at mine, receives light without darkening me.' -TJ
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08-12-2010, 09:55 AM	#7
DreadPirateRoberts Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2006 Posts: 2,483	10%
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08-12-2010, 10:08 AM	#8
katiesue Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: San Diego Posts: 4,678	I'd go with 10% as well __________________ My life is so exciting I can hardly stand it.
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08-12-2010, 10:34 AM	#9
Kevy Baby Chowder Head Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Yes Posts: 18,500	Many people would define "rich" as anyone who makes more than they do But to help in your scientific profile, I would agree with 10% as a general rule of thumb. It coincides with standard statistical classifications (if I am remembering my sadistics classes correctly). __________________ The thing about quotes on the internet is that you cannot verify their validity. - Abraham Lincoln
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08-12-2010, 10:55 AM	#10
cirquelover Cruising around in my automobile... Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Oregon Posts: 2,617	I would have to say in the 15-20% range is my guess.
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