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71% of middle-income Americans say their income can't keep up with cost of living, survey finds
Summary by The Waco Editorial Desk · Based on reporting by Scripps News Group , KXXV (ABC 25) News
· July 22, 2026
· 3 min read
A new survey from Primerica finds 71% of middle-income Americans say their income cannot keep up with the cost of living, painting a stark picture of financial stress still gripping millions of families. The survey also finds 66% of respondents say they have little to no wiggle room in their budg...
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Summary created by The Waco Editorial Desk — automated, rule-governed Original reporting Scripps News Group, KXXV (ABC 25) News Original story Read at the source Source published Jul 22, 2026 Indexed here Jul 22, 2026 AI assistance Automated summary drawn from the source’s own published text Prepublication human review No — editorial rules, flagged-item review, and published samples
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Key takeaway The survey also finds 66% of respondents say they have little to no wiggle room in their budgets.
Why this matters in The Waco
The financial strain on middle-income families in Waco is likely mirroring the national trend, with many residents struggling to keep up with the cost of living. The survey's findings that more than half of respondents have stopped saving for the future and put off medical or dental care are particularly concerning for local families. In McLennan County, where Waco is located, the cost of living has been steadily increasing, making it difficult for families to make ends meet. The fact that 70% of respondents believe they can adapt to financial challenges is a testament to the resilience of middle-income families, but it also highlights the need for local resources and support to help them navigate these challenges. As Glenn Williams noted, delaying savings and healthcare can have long-term consequences, making it crucial for Waco residents to prioritize their financial well-being and seek out local resources to help them get back on track.
About this story
Original reporting by KXXV (ABC 25) News . The Waco surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit KXXV (ABC 25) News . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: local ·
Published: July 22, 2026 ·
Source: KXXV (ABC 25) News ·
Reading time: 3 min
Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? A new survey from Primerica finds 71% of middle-income Americans say their income cannot keep up with the cost of living, painting a stark picture of financial stress still gripping millions of families. The survey also finds 66% of respondents say they have little to no wiggle room in their budg...
When was this published? This article was first published on July 22, 2026 by KXXV (ABC 25) News and curated for The Waco readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Scripps News Group at KXXV (ABC 25) News. To learn more about how The Waco selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more local coverage from The Waco, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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