ALICE - United Way of East Central Alabama

ALICE is an acronym for Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed — households that earn more than the Federal Poverty Level, but less than the basic cost of living for the county. While conditions have improved for some households, many continue to struggle, especially as wages fail to keep pace with the rising cost of household essentials (housing, child care, food, transportation, health care, and a basic smartphone plan). Households below the ALICE Threshold — ALICE households plus those in poverty — can’t afford the essentials.

Why ALICE Matters

ALICE households are in every county, every neighborhood, and every demographic. Many of the people we rely on daily — child care providers, food service workers, cashiers, personal care aides, and delivery drivers — are ALICE workers. Their struggles highlight the structural barriers to financial stability but also their resilience and determination. Take a look below at the interactive mapping tool to learn more about the data behind ALICE households.

ALICE in Alabama

In 2023, while 16% of Alabama households lived below the federal poverty line, an additional 30% were ALICE households — working hard, yet unable to consistently cover essentials like housing, food, transportation, childcare, and healthcare. Combined, this means 46% of households in Alabama lived below the ALICE Threshold in 2023.

Use the ALICE Budget and Income Status Tool to compare ALICE Household Survival Budget costs to income, tailored by location and household composition, to determine if a household is Poverty-Level, ALICE, or Above the ALICE Threshold.

ALICE in Calhoun County

ALICE is not just a statistic. These families are the backbone of our community, yet they are being stretched to the breaking point.

Population: 116,429
Households: 46,310
Median Household Income: $50,780 (well below the state average of $62,212)
ALICE Households: 30%
Households in Poverty: 22%

That means more than half of all households in Calhoun County are living below the ALICE Threshold.

Financial Hardship in Numbers

Single mothers with children: 77% live below the ALICE Threshold.
Householders under 25: 86% fall below the Threshold.
Seniors 65+: 58% cannot afford the basics.

The Household Survival Budget shows just how out of reach basic living costs can be. For example, a two-parent household with two children in childcare would need $72,192 annually (or $36.10/hour) to cover essentials in Calhoun County.

ALICE in Cleburne County

Population: 15,254
Households: 5,849
Median Household Income: $53,319 (below the state average of $62,212)
ALICE Households: 32%
Households in Poverty: 15%

That means nearly half of all households in Cleburne County are living below the ALICE Threshold.

Financial Hardship in Numbers

Single mothers with children: 97% live below the ALICE Threshold.
Householders under 25: 96% fall below the Threshold.
Seniors 65+: 56% cannot afford the basics .

ALICE in Randolph County

Population: 22,310
Households: 9,127
Median Household Income: $51,551 (below the state average of $62,212)
ALICE Households: 28%
Households in Poverty: 20%

That means nearly half of all households in Randolph County are living below the ALICE Threshold.

Financial Hardship in Numbers

Single mothers with children: 84% live below the ALICE Threshold.
Householders under 25: 50% fall below the Threshold.
Seniors 65+: 56% cannot afford the basics .

Reports

Our Role

United Way of East Central Alabama is committed to supporting ALICE households through programs, advocacy, and partnerships. By raising awareness and mobilizing resources, we work to help ALICE families move from financial struggle to stability. Together, we can close the gap for hardworking families in our community.