Based on 2025 data, approximately 35% of Wisconsin households are considered low-income or financially insecure, combining 11% living below the federal poverty line with 24% classified as ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed). This indicates roughly one in three households struggle to afford basic necessities.
Key Findings and Data on Low-Income Wisconsinites:
- Total Financial Hardship: Around 35% of households are below the ALICE threshold (including poverty).
- Official Poverty Rate: Roughly 11% of Wisconsin residents live at or below the federal poverty level.
- ALICE Households: 24% of households are Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed (ALICE), meaning they earn above the poverty line but cannot afford the basic “survival budget”.
- Impact: A new 2025 study shows that 1 in 3 families in Wisconsin struggle to make ends meet.
- Voting Population: The Poor People’s Campaign estimated that 39% of the Wisconsin electorate consists of poor or low-income voters.