For a growing number of U.S. households, financial stability is nothing more than a pipe dream, no matter how hard their members work. These households are ALICE – Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed – earning above the Federal Poverty Level yet struggling to afford basic expenses. Households below the Threshold are forced to make impossible choices — like deciding whether to pay for utilities or a car repair, whether to buy food or fill a prescription.
Who is ALICE?
Households below the ALICE Threshold are in every state and county across the U.S. and represent all demographic groups. Workers below the ALICE Threshold often perform the jobs that keep our economy functioning smoothly — they are child care providers, food service workers, cashiers, personal care aides, delivery drivers, and more.
ALICE households:
Span all races, ages, ethnicities, and abilities, though households of color are disproportionately ALICE
Include workers whose wages cannot keep up with the rising cost of goods and services
Often include those who are working two or more jobs and still cannot pay their bills
Include family members who need care and assistance, which makes it harder for their caregivers to find adequate work
Live paycheck to paycheck and are forced to make impossible choices: pay the rent or buy food, receive medical care or pay for child care, pay utility bills or put gas in the car
Are part of every community nationwide
ALICE may be your relative, friend, colleague, or neighbor, or even YOU.
Watch the recording from our virtual Lunch with ALICE event and see what's new in the latest report.
State of ALICE in New York
In Dutchess County
30% of residents are considered ALICE 9% are below the Federal Poverty Level
In Orange County
35% of residents are considered ALICE 10% are below the Federal Poverty Level
Image
An estimated 48% of households in New York were below the ALICE Threshold in 2023
Between 2010 and 2023, the number of households in poverty increased by 10%, and the number of ALICE households increased by 21%
In New York, average basic costs in the ALICE Household Survival Budget were $35,652 for a single adult and $104,472 for a family of four with two adults and two children in child care
With a commitment to racial and economic justice, United ForALICE is on a mission to have ALICE become the standard measure used by nonprofit, government, business, and academic institutions to define financial insecurity – thereby changing the common vernacular from “working poor” to “ALICE.” Identifying the ALICE population builds a more accurate picture of how many households and individuals are financially insecure and informs community and stakeholder strategies and solutions for meaningful change. Together with its partners, United for ALICE uses data to give voice to the challenges ALICE households face, inspiring action, strategies, and policies to ensure that all households have enough income for necessities and can save for the future.
