KALAMAZOO (WKZO AM/FM) — The United Way says 40% of the households in Kalamazoo and Battle Creek are either in poverty, or barely getting by. It’s what they call “ALICE” households. Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed.
That’s up from 38% the last time the study was done in 2017.
Statewide the number of ALICE households is 43%.
That’s about 1.66 million households where the budgets are so tight that any emergencies can result in missed bills, even the loss of a home.
That’s despite a ten year recovery, low unemployment and gains in median income.
Their study shows wage hikes have not kept pace with the cost of living.
