New research zeroes in on households living paycheck to paycheck, yet often with income that’s too high for assistance
COLUMBUS, OHIO – In 2023, 27% of workers in Ohio’s 20 most common jobs lived in households that couldn’t afford basics, according to new data from local United Ways across Ohio and its research partner United For ALICE. These workers – the backbone of every community – include fast food and counter workers, personal care aides, cooks and nursing assistants.
The State of ALICE in Ohio reveals that traditional measures of poverty have severely undercounted the number of households statewide that are living in financial hardship. While 14% of all households in the state lived in poverty in 2023, the new research shows that 25% – nearly twice as many – were ALICE® (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed). Combined, 39% of Ohio’s households fell below the ALICE Threshold of Financial Survival in 2023, remaining flat compared to 2022.
ALICE households bring in less than the basic costs of housing, child care, 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 Lisa Courtice, Ph.D., president & CEO of United Way of Central Ohio. “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 Ohio needed $79,224 just 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 $13,384.
“Too many hardworking families in our community are still struggling just to get by,” said Sharon Sobol Jordan, president and CEO of United Way of Greater Cleveland. “That is nearly 1 in every 4 Cuyahoga County households and 1 in every 5 Geauga County households facing this daily reality, often holding multiple jobs but still unable to make ends meet.”
“Everything we do at United Way of Greater Cleveland is focused on helping hardworking families build their own financial security,” Jordan added. “United Way 211 is the front door to support and opportunity–anytime, anywhere, for anyone. With 211, none of us need to figure it out alone.”
The State of ALICE in Ohio also reveals that in 2023:
- Ohio ranked 18th in financial hardship among all 50 states plus the District of Columbia, with one of the nation’s lower percentages of households struggling to make ends meet.
- Some groups face financial hardship at disproportionate rates, with 64% of the youngest and 49% of the oldest households in Ohio falling below the ALICE Threshold, compared with 33% of households headed by someone age 25-44.
- Housing continues to be an obstacle for struggling families. Among households below the ALICE Threshold in Ohio, 68% of households that rented and 51% of those that owned were rent and housing burdened – meaning they paid 30% or more of their income on 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 through the interactive dashboards on UnitedForALICE.org/Ohio.
About United Way of Central Ohio
United Way of Central Ohio is committed to building a community where everyone has the resources, opportunities, and support to reach their full potential. Through movements like Success by Third Grade, United Way partners with organizations and corporations to tackle challenges and create pathways for children and families to thrive.
About United Way of Greater Cleveland
United Way of Greater Cleveland is a local, independent nonprofit dedicated to fighting poverty and creating pathways to financial stability and economic mobility for all residents. Working with cross-sector partners, United Way addresses critical community needs, bringing together resources and data-driven solutions to build a stronger future for all Greater Clevelanders. To learn more, visit www.unitedwaycleveland.org.
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.
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