THE FOLLOWING IS A UNITED WAY OF DANVILLE AREA RELEASE
New research zeroes in on households living paycheck to paycheck, yet often with income that’s too high for assistance
DANVILLE, ILLINOIS – In 2023, 28% of workers in Illinois 20 most common jobs lived in households that couldn’t afford basics, according to new data from United Way of Illinois and its research partner United For ALICE. These workers – the backbone of every community – include warehouse/stock workers, sales reps, secretaries, retail workers, nursing/care aides, delivery drivers, cashiers, and waitresses and waiters.
The State of ALICE in Illinois reveals that traditional measures of poverty have severely undercounted the number of households in Illinois that are living in financial hardship. While 12% of all households in Illinois, and 21% for Vermilion County lived in poverty in 2023. The new research shows that another 25% in Illinois, and 31% in Vermilion County – more than twice as many – were ALICE® (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed).
Combined 37% of Illinois and 52% of Vermilion County households fell below the ALICE Threshold of Financial Survival in 2023, up 5% since 2021. ALICE households bring in less than the basic costs of housing, childcare, food, transportation, health care and technology, plus taxes. Yet because their income is above the Federal Poverty Level, they often don’t qualify for assistance.
“When we underestimate how many households are struggling, we underestimate what it truly takes to build thriving communities,” said Angie Lazzell, CEO United Way of Danville. “This means entire families and essential workers may be overlooked for support, left without the resources they need to stay healthy, achieve financial stability and reach their fullest potential. That’s a loss not just for ALICE, but for all of us.”
The crux of the struggle for ALICE families is the gap between wages and expenses. In 2023, a family of four in Illinois needed $$80,568 to cover the essentials – nearly three times the Federal Poverty Level of $30,000. Yet even with both parents working full time in two of the state’s most common jobs – a personal care aide and a stock worker/order filler – this family’s combined income still fell short of the cost of basics by $8,858.
The State of ALICE in Illinois also reveals that in 2023:
● Illinois ranked 13th in financial hardship among all 50 states plus the District of Columbia.
● Some groups face financial hardship at disproportionate rates, with 75% of the youngest and 53% of the oldest households in Vermilion County falling below the ALICE Threshold, compared with 42% of households headed by someone age 25-44.
● Housing continues to be an obstacle for struggling families. Among households below the ALICE Threshold in Illinois, 70% of households that rented and 58% of those that owned were rent and housing costs.
“ALICE families are especially vulnerable during natural disasters and times of economic uncertainty and yet often feel unseen or left behind,” said Stephanie Hoopes, Ph.D., National Director at United For ALICE. “By providing a name and a way to quantify these households, we’re equipping communities with the data to build solutions that offer better choices and real pathways to stability.”
More state and local data is available on the interactive dashboards on Illinois/UnitedForALICE.
About United Way of Danville Area
United Way of Danville Area, Inc. proudly serving Vermilion County in Illinois, as well as Fountain and Warren Counties in Indiana has been a cornerstone of local philanthropy for more than 97 years, channeling the collective generosity of our community to support transformative programs and services that impact thousands of lives each year. Guided by a mission to improve the quality of life in the Danville area, we strategically invest in initiatives and partnerships to mobilize community resources. As part of a global network with more than a thousand United Ways around the world, we are able to share innovations and scale impact to improve lives.
Working with neighbors, businesses, and both the public and nonprofit sectors, we are strengthening local resilience, improving health and well-being, and expanding opportunities for youth and financial stability for all. By focusing on key areas like education, financial security, and health, we are driving sustainable, positive change that will benefit our region for generations to come. Together, we are creating a future where every individual has the capability to succeed and thrive. For more information, visit: United Way of Danville Area.
About United For ALICE
United For ALICE is a U.S. research organization driving innovation, research and action to improve life across the country for ALICE® (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed) and for all. Through the development of the ALICE measurements, a comprehensive, unbiased picture of financial hardship has emerged. Harnessing this data and research on the mismatch between low-paying jobs and the cost of survival, ALICE partners convene, advocate and collaborate on
solutions that promote financial stability at local, state and national levels. This grassroots ALICE movement, led by United Way of Northern New Jersey, has spread to 35 states and the District of Columbia and includes United Ways, corporations, nonprofits and foundations in Alabama, Arkansas, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Hawai‘i, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, New
Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, Washington, Washington, D.C., West Virginia and Wisconsin; we are United For ALICE. For more information, visit: UnitedForALICE.org.
