ALICE County Reports with ZIP and Place Data
Counties are the core geography for ALICE data: They reveal variations often masked by statewide averages, and the data is reported regularly and reliably.
Use the interactive charts below to see an overview of financial hardship by county. This profile highlights key aspects of local economies, including details related to demographics, the cost of living, the labor landscape, and variation by ZIP code, Census County Subdivision, and Census Designated Place.
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To see combined data for two or more counties, use the ALICE Budgets, Demographics, and Labor Force pages
ALICE IN COUNTY
ALICE is an acronym for Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed — households that earn more than the Federal Poverty Level, but less than the basic cost of living for the county. While conditions have improved for some households, many continue to struggle, especially as wages fail to keep pace with the rising cost of household essentials (housing, child care, food, transportation, health care, and a basic smartphone plan). Households below the ALICE Threshold — ALICE households plus those in poverty — can’t afford the essentials.
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Financial Hardship Has Changed Over Time in Illinois
As circumstances change, households may find themselves below or above the ALICE Threshold at different times. Use the buttons below to switch between ALICE data over time by number and percentage.
- NUMBER OF HOUSEHOLDS
- PERCENTAGE OF HOUSEHOLDS
Financial Hardship is Not Equally Distributed
By total number, groups with the largest population of households below the ALICE Threshold tend to also be in the largest demographic groups. However, when looking at the proportion of each group that is below the ALICE Threshold, it is clear that some groups are more likely to be ALICE than others.
Households by Race/Ethnicity, Illinois, 2023
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There were also differences in financial hardship by household type and age of householder.
- HOUSEHOLD TYPE
- AGE OF HOUSEHOLDER
The Cost of Basics Outpaces Wages
The Household Survival Budget reflects the minimum cost to live and work in the current economy and includes housing, child care, food, transportation, health care, technology, and taxes. It does not include savings for emergencies or future goals like college or retirement. In 2023, household costs in every county in Illinois were well above the Federal Poverty Level of $14,580 for a single adult and $30,000 for a family of four.
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The Labor Landscape is Challenging for ALICE Workers
A small portion of adults (16 years and older) in Illinois were unemployed and a large number were working in 2023. However, a substantial portion of both full- and part-time workers are paid by the hour; these workers are more likely to have fluctuations in income and less likely to receive benefits.
Labor Status, Population 16 and Over, Illinois, 2023
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Financial Hardship Varies by Location in Illinois
There is substantial variation in the number of households who live below the ALICE Threshold within the county. Explore the map and table below to learn more. The map is shaded to show the percentage of households that are below the ALICE Threshold (poverty-level and ALICE households combined). The darker the blue, the higher the percentage.
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See what partners across the country are doing to improve life for ALICE households on our ALICE in Action page.