STATE OF ALICE 2025 REPORT
In 2023, 23% of workers in Wisconsin's twenty most common jobs—the backbone of our community—lived in households that couldn't afford the basics. These resilient workers, including our childcare providers, home health aides, delivery drivers, grocery store cashiers, and other essential workers, we rely on every day. While they have seen their wages increase this decade, it's still no match for the rising costs of basics, as revealed by the 2025 State of ALICE in Wisconsin Report.
When we look at the bigger picture, the numbers are staggering. In 2023, in addition to the 270,316 Wisconsin households in poverty, there were another 593,843 ALICE households. These are households that earn above the Federal Poverty Level but less than what's needed to survive in the current economy. This means a total of 864,159 people in Wisconsin are struggling to make ends meet, ranking our state 8th in terms of financial hardship among all 50 states and the District of Columbia.
ALICE workers, essential to our economy and our lives, continue to be overlooked and undercounted by traditional poverty measures.
WHO IS ALICE®?
There is more to financial hardship than meets the eye. The outdated Federal Poverty Level does not tell the whole story. The United for ALICE, a national organization led by the United Way of Northern New Jersey, whose work is backed by more than 300 experts nationwide, has given a name and a way to quantify this population that is often referred to as the "working poor." It represents hardworking families who have been left behind, unable to afford the basics of housing, food, childcare, health care, transportation, and technology. They are working and paying taxes, but not earning enough to achieve financial stability, a situation that impacts our community at large. Despite living paycheck to paycheck, ALICE workers often earn too much to qualify for public assistance. Mired in a constant battle to make ends meet, they have to make impossible choices- Do I pay my heating bill, or buy healthy food for my family? Should I pay for childcare or work reduced hours to stay at home with my child?
ALICE lives in every community, in every county nationwide
HELP US HELP ALICE
The ALICE data project also provides data on the actual cost of living in each county, city, and town in Wisconsin. For example, a family of four with one preschooler and one infant residing in Ozaukee County requires a basic survival budget of $87,144. This budget is truly bare bones — it doesn’t include any extra money for a cell phone, cable, or car repairs. For this family of four to achieve a degree of financial security, their yearly household income would need to be $147,396.
United Ways across Wisconsin are at the forefront of a crucial mission: mobilizing their communities to stand by ALICE families through policy and programs. In Ozaukee County, we are working hand in hand with our partners to fortify ALICE families through United Way Community Impact programs. Armed with the insightful ALICE data, we are empowered to craft effective policies and monitor our strides towards alleviating financial hardship in Ozaukee County. But we can't do it alone. The community's support is crucial in this mission. Currently, we have 14 programs funded through the Community Allocation Fund, which are dedicated to health, education, economic stability, and addressing immediate needs. These programs, ranging from food assistance to senior well-being, are a testament to our commitment to the community.