Working Hard, but Struggling to Make Ends Meet

Who is ALICE?

ALICE, an acronym that stands for Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed, represents the growing number of individuals and families who are working but are unable to afford the basic necessities of housing, food, childcare, health care, and transportation.

Why ALICE Matters

ALICE workers are essential to the fabric of our society. ALICE works in jobs integral to our communities, from childcare educators and home health aides to mechanics – all workers we rely on daily.

The future success of our communities is directly tied to the financial stability of ALICE households. When ALICE suffers and is forced to make difficult choices, we face serious consequences.

ALICE in Palm Beach County

The ALICE Report for Florida quantifies the size of the workforce in Palm Beach County that face financial hardship and the reasons why.

According to the 2023 report, 43% of Palm Beach County households struggled to make ends meet. Twelve percent of the households live below the Federal Poverty Level (FPL), and another 32% – nearly three times as many – are ALICE households. ALICE households earned above the FPL but not enough to afford the most basic budget.

ALICE Report

The 2023 Report presents the latest ALICE data available – a point-in-time snapshot of economic conditions across the state in 2021.


ALICE in Focus Series

ALICE in Focus is a new series spotlighting the struggles of people in specific populations including children, people with disabilities and military veterans. The series will deepen our understanding of these populations by taking a closer look at a robust data source – the U.S. Census Bureau’s American Community Survey Public Use Microdata Samples (PUMS).

Palm Beach County At-A-Glance information coming soon!

ALICE in Focus: Veterans – Released November 2022

According to the state report, more than one-quarter (29%) of all veterans in Florida lived in households experiencing financial hardship in 2019. While 6% were below the Federal Poverty Level, an additional 23% – nearly four times as many – were ALICE.


ALICE in Focus: People with Disabilities – Released July 2022

According to the state report, more than half (53%) of people with disabilities in Florida lived in households experiencing financial hardship in 2019. While 16% were below the Federal Poverty Level, an additional 37% – more than twice as many – were ALICE.


ALICE in Focus: Children – Released April 2022

According to the state report, more than half (56%) of children in Florida lived in households experiencing financial hardship in 2019. While 17% were below the Federal Poverty Level, an additional 39% – more than twice as many – were ALICE.


COVID-19 and ALICE

The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly altered lives in Palm Beach County. Households of all races, geographic areas, and income levels are facing physical health, mental health, and financial difficulties.

United Way of Palm Beach County conducted a survey in 2021 to better understand the true impact of COVID-19 on all households. The report provides us critical insight about local challenges, identifies ways we can provide resources to those in need, and assists our planning for future investments.

United for ALICE

United for ALICE is a driver of innovation, research, and action to improve life across the country for ALICE and for all. Learn more about United for ALICE, access reports and use the interactive tools and resources.