Meet ALICE

ALICE IN MINNESOTA

Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed
Many of us who work hard still struggle to cover essentials like rent, food, and childcare—often living just one unexpected expense away from crisis. United Ways across Minnesota listens to and supports workers and families who fall above the poverty line but still cannot afford the basics and often don’t qualify for public assistance. We call these households ALICE® (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed) because with a name, voice, and support, we can better understand the challenges so many face—and work together to solve them.
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Who is ALICE?

ALICE is the engine that makes our communities run. ALICE workers are typically our child care providers, home health aides, delivery drivers, grocery store cashiers, and other essential workers we rely on every day. ALICE can also be a family member, friend, or neighbor who participates in every corner of community life across civic, social, cultural, religious, and recreational spaces.
Just one unexpected expense — a car repair or medical emergency — is enough to throw a household into crisis.

Above the Poverty Level

ALICE households have income above the Federal Poverty Level but still don’t make enough to afford the basics in the counties where they live.

Below the Cost of Living

Even working full time, ALICE households may not earn enough to cover basic expenses like housing, food, transportation, health care, and childcare.

THE REALITY BY THE NUMBERS

There’s more to financial hardship than meets the eye. The outdated Federal Poverty Level doesn’t tell the whole story. This is where ALICE comes in.

10%

Below Federal Poverty Level (FPL)
Minnesota households living below the Federal Poverty Level.

25%

ALICE Households
Minnesota households earning above FPL but below the basic cost of living.

35%

Below the ALICE Threshold
FPL + ALICE Households = below the ALICE Threshold. More than 1 in 3 Minnesotans struggle to afford basic needs.
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Latest Report

EXPLORE ALICE IN MINNESOTA

Thanks to sponsorship from Thrivent and United Ways of Minnesota, easily find Minnesota-specific data on financial hardship, household budgets, and the cost of basics in communities across the state.
  1. Statewide, county, and regional demographic data
  2. Household Survival Budgets, Income Status and Mapping Tools
  3. County and legislative district reports
  4. Methodology
See the data