Nearly 40% of Michigan Households Struggle to Afford the Basics, New ALICE Report Finds

Many Michigan families who are working and earning above the federal poverty level are still struggling to afford basic necessities.

A newly released ALICE report paints a clearer picture of the financial challenges facing households across Michigan. While poverty statistics often receive the most attention, the report shows that many Michigan families who are working and earning above the federal poverty level are still struggling to afford basic necessities.

In fact, the report found that nearly 40% of Michigan households were living below the ALICE Threshold in 2024. That includes families living in poverty as well as households classified as ALICE — Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed — who earn too much to qualify for many assistance programs but not enough to cover the true cost of living.

What This Means for Mason and Manistee Counties

The statewide findings reinforce what we see every day across Mason and Manistee Counties.

According to local ALICE data, 28% of households in Mason County and 31% of households in Manistee County are classified as ALICE. When combined with households living in poverty, more than 4 in 10 households across our region are struggling to make ends meet.

These are not just statistics. They represent working families, seniors on fixed incomes, young adults entering the workforce, and individuals employed in many of the jobs that keep our communities running.

As the cost of housing, child care, transportation, and health care continues to rise, more families find themselves in situations where a single unexpected expense—a car repair, medical bill, or loss of work hours—can create a financial crisis.

The ALICE report reminds us that financial hardship is not limited to those living below the poverty line. Many households are working hard, contributing to their communities, and still struggling to afford the basics.

Moving Forward

At United Way of the West Shore, understanding the realities facing ALICE households helps guide our work. Through initiatives like 211, Resource Advocates, and partnerships with local agencies, we are committed to connecting individuals and families with resources that promote long-term stability.

The latest ALICE report serves as both a snapshot of current challenges and a call to action. By working together, we can create stronger communities where every household has the opportunity to achieve financial stability and thrive.