17,674 Whitfield County households are struggling financially.
ALICE households: represent our neighbors, co-workers, and families
who work hard but still can’t make ends meet.
6,202 Murray County households are struggling financially.
Too many of our neighbors, coworkers, and families are ALICE families: Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed.
These are hard-working individuals doing all the right things, yet they still struggle to afford basic necessities like food, housing, utilities, and healthcare. ALICE families are forced to make tough choices, such as deciding between quality child care or paying the rent. These choices have long-term consequences, not only for their families but for us all.
United For ALICE, the national research organization behind the ALICE initiative, releases annual reports highlighting the financial struggles of working families across the country.
The most recent 2023 data provides a detailed look at county-level trends.
Supporting ALICE households remains critical in our community, as we work to ensure every family has the opportunity to thrive.
WHITFIELD COUNTY SNAPSHOT
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Over 13,000 households with children are below the ALICE threshold
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Households in poverty rose by 5%
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47% of Whitfield County households fall below the ALICE threshold, including 17% in poverty.
MURRAY COUNTY SNAPSHOT
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Over 1,400 households with children are below the ALICE threshold
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The cost of living for a Murray County single parent with one child in child care rose by $1,056 in just one year.
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41% of Murray County households fall below the ALICE threshold, including 13% in poverty.
Data with a Purpose
United Way of Northwest Georgia and other United Ways across Georgia invest in ALICE research to shed light on a growing group of our neighbors: those who are Asset-Limited, Income-Constrained, Employed. These are hardworking individuals and families who earn above the federal poverty level yet still struggle to afford basics like housing, childcare, food, and healthcare.
We use this comprehensive data to drive smarter investments, design more effective programs, and advocate for policies that support long-term stability. By making ALICE research publicly available, we empower community leaders, nonprofits, and decision-makers to better understand and respond to the real challenges facing working families in Whitfield and Murray counties.
Together, we help our neighbors land on their feet and stay there.
When Kendra entered the Transitional Housing Program, her family had just been evicted. She was starting a new job, her middle son had been diagnosed with autism, and life felt overwhelming. Like so many ALICE families — Kendra was working hard, but still could not make ends meet. She didn’t need a handout; she needed a pathway forward.
Thanks to United Way’s partnership with The Salvation Army, Kendra and her family found stability, a safe, affordable place to live, and the support needed to rebuild. The Transitional Housing Program gave her the tools to create lasting change. With a dedicated case manager and financial literacy classes, Kendra opened a bank account and created a budget. She navigated the disability process for her son and attended every meeting, often with her three energetic boys by her side.
Today, Kendra thrives at work and, most importantly, has found the stability and hope her family desperately needs. Together, we can help more ALICE families move from surviving to thriving.
