Introducing ALICE: Highlighting the Unseen Population in Need

ALICE stands for Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed, and represents the often overlooked hardworking population in all of our communities. These populations live above the Federal Poverty Line, but struggle to afford basic living costs. These are essential workers like teachers, nurses, cashiers, servers, and more that keep our economy running efficiently. 43% of North Carolina citizens fall below the ALICE threshold with 34% affected in Caldwell County. This is greater than the state average of 29%. ALICE families often live paycheck to paycheck and must make the impossible choice between eating, paying rent, or receiving necessary medical care. ALICE is just one crisis away from being homeless, hungry, or unemployed.

Overall, ALICE is a call to action to inform our policymakers, nonprofits, and businesses. We must work together to create systems that support the hidden community of North Carolinians in need. To learn more about ALICE, click here.

The State of ALICE in North Carolina page gives you valuable access to key demographics, Caldwell County specific reports, trends in hardship, and even a calculator to see where your family lands with the Cost of Basics. We highly recommend downloading the State of ALICE in North Carolina 2025 Update on Financial Hardship report to learn more about this population.