The Washington Poll, which is discussed in greater detail elsewhere on the website, had a question that says a lot about all of us. When 500 voters were asked how they define “rich,” they had a wide range of answers.

For 3 percent, rich could be less than $100,000.
For 16 percent, it was $100,000 to $199,999.
For 22 percent, it was $200,000 to $299,999.
For 10 percent it was $300,000 to $499,999.
For 23 percent it was $500,000 to $1 million.
For 15 percent it was more than $1 million.

The rest either didn’t know, or wouldn’t answer.

Professor Matt Barreto of the University of Washington said rich is a relative concept. People rarely consider themselves rich and often feel strapped regardless of their income because expenses rise to meet (or exceed) income. It’s almost always someone else who makes more than they do.

So if you were asked, what would you say should be considered “rich”?

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