OLEAN — Data from the latest ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed) report shows a significant percentage of households in Cattaraugus and Allegany counties struggle to afford basic necessities despite being employed.
ALICE households earn above the federal poverty level — $21,150 in a two-person family, $32,150 in a four-person family — but still cannot afford the basic cost of living in their county. This includes expenses such as housing, child care, food, transportation and health care. The ALICE report provides a comprehensive look at these households, offering insights into their challenges.
“Many of our friends and neighbors are ALICE,” said Susan McAuley, United Way of Cattaraugus & Allegany Counties (UWCAC) Executive Director. “They are doing everything they can to make ends meet. We are shining a light on their struggle because with awareness comes change.”
In Cattaraugus County, 29.4% of households are below the ALICE Threshold out of 32,016 total households, meaning approximately 9,400 families are struggling to meet basic needs.
According to information provided by United for ALICE, the median household income in Cattaraugus County in 2023 was about $54,000, about 34% below the state average of $82,000. The labor force participation rate was 54%, nine points below the 63% state average.
Cattaraugus County’s ALICE households make up about 30% of total households in 2023, up from 27% in 2010 and below the state average of 33%. Meanwhile, households in poverty in 2023 represent 20% of the total, up from 13% in 2010 and above the state average of 14%.
In Allegany County, 35.2% of households live below the ALICE Threshold, encompassing both ALICE and poverty-level households. With a total of 16,813 households, this indicates that over 5,900 families face financial hardship.
United for ALICE data showed the median household income in Allegany County in 2023 was about $61,000, about 25% below the state average, and the labor force participation rate was also 54%, the same as Cattaraugus County.
Allegany County’s ALICE households make up 35% of total households in 2023, up from 31% in 2010, while households in poverty remained steady at 16%, the same as in 2010.
These statistics, provided by United for ALICE, highlight the prevalence of financial instability among working families in our communities, McAuley said. UWCVAC urges community members, businesses and policymakers to recognize the challenges faced by ALICE households and asks them to collaborate on solutions that promote financial stability and well-being for all residents.
United for ALICE, led by United Way of Northern New Jersey, includes United Ways, corporations, nonprofits and foundations across the U.S.
The project raises awareness about working families struggling to afford basic necessities. It provides unbiased data that is replicable, easily updated on a regular basis and sensitive to local context. The ultimate goal of the project is to stimulate action that will improve the financial stability of ALICE families and their communities.
For more information about ALICE and to view the county-specific data, visit unitedforalice.org/county-reports/new-york
The United Way of Cattaraugus and Allegany Counties is dedicated to improving lives by mobilizing the caring power of communities to advance the common good. Through partnerships and initiatives, UWCAC strives to create lasting change in education, income and health. For more information or to get involved, visit www.uwcac.org.
