MEET ALICE

WORKING HARD. STILL FALLING SHORT.

ALICE stands for Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed. These households earn more than the Federal Poverty Level, yet cannot cover essential living costs where they live.

ALICE is our neighbor caring for children, stocking shelves, preparing meals or helping an older adult at home. A paycheck does not always cover the basics. One car repair, illness or lost shift can force a choice between necessities.

United Way of South Central Illinois uses ALICE research to help our region understand financial hardship and connect neighbors with practical support.

THE STATE OF ALICE IN ILLINOIS

38% OF HOUSEHOLDS

In 2024, 38% of Illinois households had income below the ALICE Threshold—the amount needed to afford basic household expenses.

• 26% were ALICE: above the Federal Poverty Level, but below the cost of basics.

• 12% were living below the Federal Poverty Level.

Source: United For ALICE, 2026 Illinois report, using 2024 data. The 38% includes both groups; it is a statewide figure, not a rate for each county.

Explore the Illinois findings →

WHAT DOES IT TAKE TO GET BY?

The ALICE Household Survival Budget estimates the minimum cost to live and work. It changes with a household’s size, children’s ages and county.

• Housing and utilities

• Child care and food

• Transportation and health care

• Basic technology, taxes and a miscellaneous allowance

This is a budget for essentials. It shows why a household can be above the poverty line and still struggle to stay financially secure.

Explore household budgets and the Illinois calculator →

ALICE IN SOUTH CENTRAL ILLINOIS

Our service area includes Jefferson, Marion, Washington, Wayne and Edwards counties. Local costs and household circumstances differ, so statewide averages are only the beginning.

Use the county reports to select your county and explore financial hardship, household costs and community conditions. Families, employers, donors and community partners can use this information to ask better questions about what stability requires here.

Explore Illinois county reports →

WHEN WAGES DO NOT COVER THE BASICS

The ALICE Wage Tool compares hourly pay with the Household Survival Budget. Select Illinois, a wage and a household type to see where earnings can cover essential costs.

Try the ALICE Wage Tool →

TURNING UNDERSTANDING INTO LOCAL SUPPORT

Our work connects the needs highlighted by ALICE with programs serving neighbors across our region:

• 211 connects people with resources and referrals.

• Little Free Food Pantries and Centralia Mobile Market help neighbors access food.

• United We Give connects our community with essential goods.

• RAM Clinic helps expand access to free medical, dental and vision care.

• Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library and United Way Readers support early learning.

HELP BUILD FINANCIAL SECURITY

Need support? Start with 211. Want to help? Give, volunteer or connect with our team about partnering. Together, we can help more households meet today’s needs and build a more secure future.

ALICE research and tools: United For ALICE. Report edition: 2026. Data year: 2024.