In 2023, new data from United Ways of the Pacific Northwest and its research partner United For ALICE reveals that 37% of workers in Oregon’s 20 most common jobs lived in households that couldn’t afford basic necessities. These essential workers – including cooks, cashiers, fast food workers, and personal care aides – are the backbone of every community.
The State of ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed) in Oregon highlights a significant gap in traditional poverty measures, indicating that they have underestimated the number of households experiencing financial hardship statewide. While 12% of all households in Oregon lived in poverty in 2023, the research shows that 30% were classified as ALICE. When combined, 42% of Oregon’s households fell below the ALICE “Threshold of Financial Survival,” a slight decrease from 45% in 2022.
ALICE households earn less than what it takes to cover basic costs such as housing, childcare, food, transportation, healthcare, and technology, plus taxes. Due to their income being above the Federal Poverty Level, they often do not qualify for assistance, putting them in a precarious position.
Jim Cooper, President & CEO of United Ways of the Pacific Northwest, emphasized the importance of recognizing the struggles.
“When we underestimate how many households are struggling, we fail to grasp the true essence of building thriving communities,” he stated in a news release.
The wage and expense gap is a critical issue for ALICE families. In 2023, a family of four in Oregon required $88,560 to meet their basic needs, which is nearly three times the Federal Poverty Level of $30,000. Even a household with both parents working full-time in two common jobs would still fall short by $10,300.
Further analysis of the data reveals that Oregon ranks 33rd in financial hardship among all states.
The data highlights that certain groups experience financial challenges at disproportionately high rates: 61% of Black households and 73% of single-female-headed households with children fall below the ALICE Threshold.
