ALICE is short for Asset Limited, Income Constrained, and Employed. It serves as a crucial metric highlighting households in a given area earning above the Federal Poverty Level yet falling short of covering the essential costs of living—the ALICE Threshold. These individuals and families are diligently employed, often juggling multiple jobs or holding essential positions, but find financial stability elusive due to stagnant wages and the relentless rise in living expenses.
Seven key household budget categories vital to the core mission of United Ways:
Housing, Childcare & Education, Food, Transportation, Healthcare, Technology, and Taxes.
Data & Research
In Georgia, 44% of households fell below the ALICE Threshold in 2024. That means nearly half of all Georgia households, including many working families, couldn’t afford the basics. Download the full Georgia United for ALICE Report to see how hardship breaks down by county, demographic, and household type.