ALICE

ALICE: A Study of Financial Hardship in South Carolina

Financial insecurity remains a pressing issue in Pickens County, where thousands of families are just one unexpected expense away from crisis. Many of these households are ALICE—Asset-Limited, Income-Constrained, Employed—earning more than the Federal Poverty Level, yet not enough to afford basic necessities for themselves or their families. Even while working full-time, and often multiple jobs, ALICE households struggle to achieve financial security while keeping our local communities running.

ALICE families are often overlooked, but their presence is significant. More than 27,000 Pickens County households—52% of all households—live below the ALICE threshold. While Pickens County’s poverty rate is 15% (compared to the South Carolina average of 14%), an additional 37% of households fall into the ALICE category (well above the state average of 30%). Together, this means that over half of Pickens County families struggle to secure life’s essentials.

The challenges facing ALICE households are widespread. In Pickens County, 69% of ALICE households that rent are rent burdened, spending too much of their monthly income on housing. More than half (53%) lack access to high-speed internet, and 47% of ALICE individuals work full time yet still cannot afford basic needs.

We’re proud to partner with several other South Carolina United Ways to release the ALICE Report for South Carolina. This comprehensive report reshapes the conversation around income and affordability, shining a light on the 42% of South Carolinians who work hard every day but still struggle to get ahead.