The State of ALICE: 2026 Update on FInancial Hardship in South Central Tennessee
The State of ALICE: 2026 Update on Financial Hardship offers an in-depth look at households that can’t afford the basics and the challenges that are often faced. The latest data reveals that more than 2 in 5 U.S. households — spanning every state and across all demographics — are living below the ALICE Threshold. These include households in poverty and households that are ALICE® (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed), with income above the Federal Poverty Level but not enough to make ends meet.
The 2026 Update, released in June, includes updated ALICE data for our local community based on the 2024 Census Survey and research. During this session, we will look closer at the new data available for Bedford, Cannon, Coffee, Lincoln, Moore, Rutherford, and Warren counties and discuss the ways that this new data can direct our work.