SHREVEPORT, La. – Despite working full time, nearly 1 in 2 workers in Louisiana’s 20 most common jobs are unable to afford basic household expenses, according to a new report from United Way of Northwest Louisiana (UWNWLA) and United For ALICE, a national research and advocacy organization.
In 2023, 44% of workers in roles such as cooks, personal care aides, fast food workers, and healthcare support staff were classified as ALICE®—Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed. These are households that earn above the Federal Poverty Level but still fall short of covering essentials like housing, food, transportation, child care, and health care.
Combined with the 19% of Louisiana households living in poverty, the report reveals that 50% of all households in the state lived below the ALICE Threshold—a slight improvement from 51% in 2021.
“When we underestimate how many households are struggling, we underestimate what it truly takes to build thriving communities,” said LaToria W. Thomas, President and CEO of UWNWLA. “Too many hardworking families are falling through the cracks.”
Key Findings:
- A family of four in Louisiana needed $81,432 to afford a basic survival budget in 2023—nearly three times the federal poverty level.
- Two full-time workers in common jobs like personal care aide and stock clerk would still fall short by almost $29,000.
- Louisiana ranks 50th in financial hardship among all 50 states and D.C.
- Disproportionate hardship exists for:
- 66% of Black/African American households
- 78% of households headed by someone under 25
- 76% of single-parent households with children
- Housing costs remain a significant burden:
- 65% of renters below the ALICE Threshold are housing-burdened
- 44% of homeowners also exceed 30% of income spent on housing
“ALICE families are especially vulnerable during economic disruptions and natural disasters, yet are often ineligible for aid,” said Dr. Stephanie Hoopes, National Director of United For ALICE. “This data helps leaders build smart, targeted solutions that promote lasting stability.”
What’s Next:
UWNWLA and its partners are using the ALICE data to inform policies and programs that close the gap between wages and living costs—and ensure that essential workers aren’t left behind.
More local and state data is available at: https://unitedforalice.org/louisiana
About United Way of Northwest Louisiana
United Way of Northwest Louisiana mobilizes the community so everyone can thrive—responding to local needs in areas like health, financial security, and youth opportunity. Learn more at unitedwaynwla.org
About United For ALICE
United For ALICE is a research-driven movement that provides a comprehensive picture of financial hardship in America and builds data-informed solutions to support financially vulnerable families. Learn more at UnitedForALICE.org