ALICE

1 in 3 Households in Our Communities Struggle to Make Ends Meet

At Crossroads United Way (CRUW), our mission is to improve lives by mobilizing the caring power of our communities to advance the common good. That work begins with understanding the challenges facing our neighbors and using data to drive meaningful action.

The latest ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed) reports have been released, providing updated insights into the financial realities of households across Indiana and our local communities. ALICE represents hardworking individuals and families who earn above the federal poverty level but still struggle to afford basic necessities such as housing, childcare, food, healthcare, and transportation.

In the communities served by Crossroads United Way, approximately 42% of households are living below the ALICE Threshold or in poverty. This means that nearly 124,000 individuals are facing difficult financial decisions every day despite many being employed and contributing to our local economy.

These numbers underscore the critical need for programs and resources that create pathways to stability and opportunity. Through investments in Youth Opportunity, Financial Security, Healthy Community, and Community Resiliency, Crossroads United Way is working alongside local partners to help families move from surviving to thriving.

We invite you to explore the updated ALICE data and county reports to better understand the needs in your community and join us in creating lasting change. Together, we can build a future where every individual and family has the opportunity to achieve financial security and reach their full potential.

New ALICE Data Now Available

Understanding the realities facing hardworking families in our communities starts with accurate, local data. The latest ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed) reports have been released, providing updated insights into financial hardship, the rising cost of living, and the challenges faced by households across Indiana.

Explore the newest county-level data to see how ALICE households are faring in your community and learn why so many working families continue to struggle to afford basic necessities despite being employed. View your county's report and discover the stories behind the numbers.

View Indiana County Reports: https://unitedforalice.org/county-reports/indiana

Who is ALICE?

ALICE stands for Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed. These households earn above the Federal Poverty Level (FPL) but below the Household Survival Budget, which accounts for all basic needs in a modern economy:

  • Food, transportation, childcare, healthcare, and housing
  • A basic smartphone plan
  • Taxes and a small emergency fund

Unlike the FPL—which is based on outdated food-cost calculations—the Household Survival Budget is adjusted for local conditions, household size, and household composition, providing a more accurate picture of financial challenges in our communities.

The Cost to Survive

The ALICE Household Survival Budget is the bare minimum income needed to live and work in today’s economy. Examples for households in our communities:

  • Family of four (2 young children): $58,428/year ($29.21/hour)
  • Single senior adult: $27,948/year ($13.97/hour)
  • Single adult: $24,636/year ($12.32/hour)

Senior households have different needs, with reduced costs for food and transportation but increased healthcare expenses reflected in the Senior Survival Budget.

Populations Most Affected

ALICE affects people across all age groups, with young adults and seniors especially impacted:

  • 66% of individuals under 25 (college students, early career) fall below the ALICE Threshold
  • 49% of seniors struggle to pay monthly bills
  • 33–34% of working-age adults (25–64) struggle to pay monthly bills

Single-headed households face disproportionate challenges:

  • 76% of female-headed households with children struggle financially
  • 53% of male-headed households with children struggle financially
  • 37% of other single or cohabiting households without children struggle financially

Understanding Local Variances

Across Indiana, approximately 39% of households fall below the ALICE Threshold, highlighting the widespread financial challenges that exist in many communities. Costs of living also vary widely: for a family of four, annual survival budgets range from $53,028 to $76,608, while single adult budgets range from $22,680 to $31,644 depending on location.

United for ALICE

CRUW partners with United for ALICE, a national initiative founded by United Way of Northern New Jersey, to:

  • Spread awareness of the challenges ALICE families face
  • Increase compassion and understanding of working families struggling to make ends meet
  • Advocate for policy changes that help families thrive and narrow the wealth gap

Indiana United Ways provide research briefs, interactive dashboards, and marketing resources to help communities understand and address ALICE-related challenges.

Experience the Tough Choices Simulation

To understand the difficult decisions ALICE families face each day, try the Tough Choices Simulation developed by Indiana United Ways. It’s a hands-on way to see what it’s like to balance basic needs on a limited income.
Try the Simulation

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