In Idaho, the number of homes living paycheck to paycheck is increasing

A new report reveals that wage growth has failed to keep pace with inflation after a decade of decline. The report comes from ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed), which tracks families struggling to meet basic needs. An ALICE household is defined as one that can barely pay the bills but doesn't qualify for government assistance.

Stephanie Hoopes, national director of United For ALICE, said, "Current policy has not been enough to break down the barriers that trap ALICE households in financial hardship, from the loss of pandemic supports to inadequate community supports such as broadband internet."

The report included some key findings:

• From 2010 to 2022, Idahoans aged 65 and over saw the largest increase (76%) in households struggling financially.

• Despite rising wages for low-paid jobs, the number of struggling households in Idaho grew by over 8,600 from 2021 to 2022.

• In 2022, 43% of Idaho households (303,295) were living paycheck to paycheck.

• For a family of four with young children, basic living costs in Idaho rose from $80,112 in 2021 to $83,700 in 2022.

• The same family lost up to $15,000 in federal child tax credits and stimulus payments from 2021 to 2022.

United Way of North Idaho executive director Mark Tucker said the numbers vary by county, but the overall numbers are going up.

"In Kootenai County, the percentage of ALICE (population) went down a little bit, but the number of people increased because so many more people are here," Tucker said. "In Shoshone County, the percentage increased, and the numbers increased."

The report highlights a long-term trend: Since the Great Recession, despite fluctuations, the number of ALICE households in Idaho has grown steadily. From 2010 to 2022, while the total number of households rose by 21% and households in poverty decreased by 8%, ALICE households increased by 48%.

"A lot of young families experience troubles with childcare in addition to housing," Tucker said. To address this, the local United Way plans to reopen its childcare scholarship program in August.

For more information, visit www.uwnorthidaho.org or call 280-667-8112.

    Total ALICE households in Idaho according to the United for ALICE 2024 report. ALICE is an acronym for Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed for people who are working, but are unable to meet needs.