What is ALICE?

ALICE stands for Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed.

These are individuals and families who are working—often more than one job—but still do not earn enough to cover the basic cost of living in their county.

 

While they earn more than the Federal Poverty Level, they fall short of what it truly takes to afford everyday essentials like:
 

• Housing

• Child care

• Food

• Transportation

• Health care

• A basic smartphone plan
   

Households that fall below the ALICE Threshold—including both ALICE families and those living in poverty—are unable to consistently afford these necessities.
 

The Reality in Our  Community

A Growing Struggle Across South Carolina

In South Carolina, 44% of households are living on the edge of financial instability—struggling to meet basic needs.
 

Closer to Home: The Lakelands

In the Lakelands region, the challenge is even greater: 51.5% of households are living on the verge of financial instability. That means more than half of our neighbors are working hard—but still struggling to make ends meet.
 

Who is ALICE?

In the Lakelands: 52% of households are either:

• ALICE (38%)

• or living in poverty (14%)

 

These households are forced to make difficult, everyday choices:

• Pay rent or afford quality child care

• Buy groceries or cover medical expenses

 

These are not one-time decisions—they are ongoing trade-offs that impact long-term stability for families and the strength of our entire community.

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Disparities That Cannot Be Ignored

Financial instability impacts households differently:

• 76%+ of Black households are below the ALICE Threshold

• 42% of White households are below the ALICE Threshold

• 86% of single, female-headed households with children are below the threshold

• 56% of seniors (65+) are below the threshold
   

The Cost of Living vs. Reality

• $63,180 – Household Survival Budget for a family of four

• $52,112 – Median household income

• As low as $18,985 – Median income in some census tracts​

Even full-time work is not enough for many families to keep up with rising costs.

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Families Under Pressure

• 49.8% of households with children are single-parent households

These families are often balancing work, child care, and household expenses with little margin for unexpected challenges.

 

Why ALICE Matters

ALICE represents the backbone of our community—workers in essential roles who keep our economy moving.

 

When ALICE households struggle:

• Families face instability

• Children’s education and well-being are impacted

• Employers face workforce challenges

• The entire community feels the effects
   

How You Can Help.

At United Way of the Lakelands, we are committed to creating pathways to stability—connecting families to resources that support education, financial security, and basic needs.

 

You can be part of the solution. Give From the Heart. Strengthen Your Community.

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