ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed)
We all know people who are ALICE - Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed. ALICE workers in Denton County educate our children, keep us healthy, and make our quality of life possible, yet barely earn enough to support their own families. ALICE households are forced to make tough choices such as deciding between quality child care or paying the rent, which have long-term consequences not only for their family, but for our community.
ALICE IN DENTON COUNTY
ALICE households earn more than the Federal Poverty Level, but less than the basic cost of living for the county. While conditions have improved for some households, many continue to struggle, especially as wages fail to keep pace with the rising cost of household essentials (housing, child care, food, transportation, health care, and a basic smartphone plan). Households below the ALICE Threshold — ALICE households plus those in poverty — can’t afford the essentials.
2024 Point-in-Time-Data
Population: 1,045,120 Number of Households: 386,447
Median Household Income: $117,164 (state average: $79,721)
Labor Force Participation Rate: 72% (state average: 66%)
ALICE Households: 22% (state average 27%) Households in Poverty: 6% (state average: 13%)
Financial Hardship Has Changed Over Time in Denton County
As circumstances change, households may find themselves below or above the ALICE Threshold at different times.
Number of Households, Denton County, 2024
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Percentage of Households, Denton County, 2024
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There were also differences in financial hardship by household type and age of householder.
Financial Hardship by Household Type, Denton County, 2024
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Financial Hardship by Age of Householder, Denton County, 2024
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The Household Survival Budget reflects the minimum cost to live and work in the modern economy and includes housing, child care, food, transportation, health care, technology, and taxes. It does not include savings for emergencies or future goals like college or retirement. In 2024, household costs in every county in Texas were well above the Federal Poverty Level of $15,060 for a single adult and $31,200 for a family of four.
There is significant variation in the number of households who live below the ALICE Threshold within the county. Explore the table below to learn more.
Want to learn more or see the ALICE Household Survival Budget Calculator in action? Check out United for ALICE >