ALICE in PA: Number of Households in Financial Hardship in PA

According to official measures, 12% of households in Pennsylvania (equivalent to 636,093 households) were considered to be in poverty in 2021 based on the Federal Poverty Level (FPL). However, ALICE data tells a different story. An additional 27% (1.4 million households) fall into the ALICE category - Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed. These are families and individuals who earn above the poverty line but still can't make ends meet in their communities.

So, what does this mean for Pennsylvania? Of the 5.2 million households in our state, a staggering 39% (over 2 million households) had incomes below the ALICE Threshold of Financial Survival in 2021. This includes households in poverty and ALICE households, all struggling to afford the basics they need to thrive.

Let's ensure that every Pennsylvanian, regardless of their income, has access to the essentials they need for a stable and dignified life. Learn more about what you can do to advocate for affordable housing in our community.