Recent ALICE Data for Our Service Area

ALICE Data for Shawano and Menominee Counties

On Monday, January 26th, we presented to the Shawano Rotary Club about some of the community needs we’ve seen over the past year. One of the key topics we discussed was the ALICE data for our area.Infographic of the ALICE data showing 47% of Menominee County and 33% of Shawano County fall under the ALICE threshold.

ALICE stands for Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed. It represents individuals and families who earn more than the Federal Poverty Level but still not enough to cover the basic cost of living. In our service area, about 40% of households fall into the ALICE category.

In Shawano County, a family of four needs to earn about $36 per hour to meet basic expenses like housing, childcare, food, and transportation. Even if two parents each work full‑time at $15 per hour, they still fall short of covering monthly costs. If you’ve struggled to keep up with bills this past year, you’re not alone—many families are facing the same challenges due to the rising cost of living.

You can explore the ALICE reports, which include the household survival budgets, here:

How United Way Supports ALICE Families

Many of our programs are designed specifically to help ALICE households:

  • Snuggled with a Hug Diaper Bank – Reduces expenses for young families by providing diapers, which also supports children’s health and reduces medical costs.
  • Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) – Helps families maximize their tax refunds to strengthen their financial stability.
  • Community Dinners Program – Offers a healthy monthly meal and a welcoming place for families who can’t regularly afford to eat out.
  • Funding Allocations – Many of our partner agencies focus directly on ALICE-related needs.

Why This Matters

When we talk about helping our neighbors, we’re talking about helping ALICE families. With nearly 1 in 2 households in our service area falling within the ALICE threshold, you almost certainly know someone who is struggling—even if they’ve never said so.

As you move through Shawano and Menominee Counties, you’re likely to meet someone working hard but still unable to make ends meet.

How will you help make our community stronger this year?
How will you support your neighbors?

United is the way we care for one another.

Solid Yellow