The latest report from United for ALICE shows many households are struggling to make ends meet.

ALICE stands for Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed, and 29% of U.S. households meet that definition. When combined with households living in poverty, more than 40% of U.S. households experienced hardship  according to 2024 data.

Basic needs, including food, shelter, child care and transportation, continue to contribute to families struggling to get by as costs often outpace wage increases. United for ALICE Director Stephanie Hoopes says ALICE families are facing headwinds across the country.

Wisconsin is in better shape than many other states, with approximately 35% of households below the ALICE threshold. The state ranks seventh among states with the lowest rates of hardship.

United Way of Brown County President and CEO Robyn Davis says the picture is not as rosy in every community.

Hoopes and Davis say communities are stepping up to support local ALICE populations. That includes employers assisting with child care and scheduling challenges, state and local governments finding ways to offer health care and transportation, and community colleges offering flexible schedules and lower-cost courses.

Data for 2025 will be shared later this month.