Why This Measure Matters

The term ALICE—Asset-Limited, Income-Constrained, and Employed—refers to households that earn above the federal poverty level (FPL) but still struggle to meet the basic costs of living, which include expenses like housing, childcare, food, transportation, and health care. In short, tracking ALICE households helps ensure that all community members, regardless of their income level, can access the resources and opportunities they need to live fulfilling lives. It’s a key step in promoting social and economic equity.

What’s the Story?

According to regional data, the total number of households considered to be Asset-Limited, Income-Constrained, and Employed (ALICE), has been steadily increasing since 2018. In 2024, both ALICE households and households under the poverty level accounted for roughly 35% of the total households in Thurston County.

Target

The City is tracking this metric over time to understand how it fluctuates.

Reporting frequency