ALICE is an acronym for Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed — households that earn more than the Federal Poverty Level, but less than the basic cost of living for the county. While conditions have improved for some households, many continue to struggle, especially as wages fail to keep pace with the rising cost of household essentials (housing, child care, food, transportation, health care, and a basic smartphone plan). Households below the ALICE Threshold — ALICE households plus those in poverty — can’t afford the essentials.
2024 Point-in-Time-Data
Population: 413,391 Number of Households: 176,383
Median Household Income: $68,534 (state average: $72,350)
Labor Force Participation Rate: 54% (state average: 61%)
ALICE Households: 31% (state average 28%) Households in Poverty: 13% (state average 14%)
Households below the ALICE Threshold don’t have enough income to afford their basic needs. They are forced to make impossible choices, like deciding whether to pay for utilities or a tank of gas; whether to buy food or fill a prescription; whether to live close to work and pay more for housing or opt for a longer, more costly commute. Workers in households below the ALICE Threshold perform the jobs that keep our economy functioning smoothly — they are child care providers, food service workers, cashiers, personal care aides, delivery drivers, and more.
The ALICE Threshold is a more comprehensive measure of financial hardship than the FPL (Federal Poverty Line). It relies on income, household type, and local cost of living to estimate how many households are not earning enough to cover the basics. The core issue is the gap between household income and what families need to make ends meet. This makes it impossible for many households to attain financial stability, no matter how hard they work.
44% of Horry County households can’t afford the basics, they are struggling, but hiding in plain sight. UWHC is responding by collaborating with local partners, funding effective programs and filling the gaps with our direct service initiatives.
