The Shawano Area United Way in partnership with United Way of Wisconsin released the 2026 State of ALICE report, a data-driven look at the realities faced by asset limited, income constrained, employed (ALICE) households.
The report reveals that 35% of households in Shawano County and 48% of households in Menominee County cannot afford the basic cost of living and struggle to get by.
National and state ALICE reports are authored by United For ALICE, a project of United Way of Northern New Jersey.
The ALICE Report goes beyond traditional poverty measures to reflect the true costs of living in the community. The report establishes a household survival budget, which includes the true cost of housing, childcare, food, transportation, healthcare, technology, taxes and a modest allowance for miscellaneous expenses, specific to every county in Wisconsin.
While the report describes 13% of Shawano County households (2,167 households) live beneath the federal poverty line, the new research demonstrates that 22% (3,827 households) were beneath the ALICE threshold, earning above the poverty level but still unable to cover basic needs.
When combined, the data reveals that 35% of all households in Shawano County are experiencing financial hardship with a significantly higher percentage for Menominee County.
“ALICE data represents more than just numbers. It reflects our communities, our neighbors and the families who work hard every day and still can’t get ahead,” said Uriah Williams, executive director of Shawano Area United Way, “Local United Ways see this reality up close, and we’re committed to bringing partners together to create solutions that make stability possible.”
The State of ALICE in Wisconsin also reveals that in 2024:
• Wisconsin ranked seventh in financial hardship among all 50 states plus the District of Columbia (with first place representing the lowest rate of hardship).
• ALICE households were found in every major industry statewide, with the highest levels of hardship experienced by those working in accommodation and food services.
• Poverty rates in the Shawano area have remained relatively flat since 2010, while the number of ALICE households has steadily increased.
• Minimum wage workers in Wisconsin have seen no hourly pay raise since 2009. Yet for one full-time adult worker with one school-age child, that wage still was not enough to support the ALICE household survival budget, the minimum cost of basics, in any county across the state of Wisconsin.
The Shawano Area United Way works to strengthen the community for ALICE households by supporting local agencies through grant funding, volunteerism efforts and advocacy, guiding local strategic efforts such as the food and housing coalitions, and running direct programs like a diaper bank and community dinner.
“We invite individuals, businesses and policy makers to be part of the solution,” Williams said. “You can volunteer your time, donate to our local United Way or advocate for policy and workplace changes in your community.”
More state and local data is available through the State of ALICE Report and the ALICE Essential Index, both of which can be accessed online at unitedwaywi.org/page/ALICE.
