Upper class of the United States

The American upper class is a social group consisting of the people who have the highest social rank and who are usually rich. As America lacks a 'true' upper class of equivalent social calibre to the British and European landed gentry and aristocracy, the American upper class can be seen as simply comprising the wealthier portion of middle class individuals and families. People of this social class are socioeconomically distinguishable from other classes by their greater influence, power, and wealth. The American upper class is composed of people with a history of family wealth going back centuries, called members of old money; as well as those who have acquired their wealth and influence since 1900, called the Nouveau riche. In a CNBC Millionaire Survey it can be observed that a majority of millionaires polled, representing the wealthiest 10 percent of Americans, described themselves as middle class (44%) or upper middle class (40%).

Many Politicians, heirs to fortunes, top business executives, CEOs, successful venture capitalists, those born into high society, and some celebrities may be considered members of this class. Some prominent and high-rung professionals may also be included if they attain great influence and wealth. The main distinguishing feature of this class, which is estimated to constitute roughly 1% of the population, is the source of income. While the vast majority of people and households derive their income from wages or salaries, those in the upper class derive their income from investments and capital gains. Estimates for the size of this group commonly vary from 1% to 2%, while some surveys have indicated that as many as 6% of Americans identify as "upper class." Sociologist Leonard Beeghley sees wealth as the only significant distinguishing feature of this class and, therefore, refers to this group simply as "the rich."

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