The latest report reveals that 44% of children in Hamilton County live below the ALICE threshold
The future of our community rests in the hands of our children. Yet too many are growing up without the stability and support they need to thrive. The latest data from United for ALICE reveals that 44% of children in Hamilton County are below the ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed) threshold, a significant marker indicating financial instability. These children face obstacles that affect their health, education, and future opportunities. United Way of Greater Chattanooga is calling on the community to support and advocate for change to uplift these children and their families.
“Our community’s future is deeply connected to the well-being of every child,” said Lesley Scearce, President and CEO of United Way of Greater Chattanooga. “Each of us can play a role in uplifting children in ALICE households by ensuring they have the resources they need to thrive, from quality education and stable housing to supporting flexible workplaces for caregivers. Together, we can create lasting change for these families.”
Key Findings for Tennessee
More than half of Tennessee children fall below the ALICE threshold. This represents more than 800,000 children. Hispanic and Black children continue to face greater hardship due to systemic barriers. 72% of Hispanic children and 69% of Black children in Tennessee live in households with income below the ALICE Threshold. Having working adults in the household does not guarantee financial stability. In fact, 36% of Tennessee children in households with two adults in the labor force were still below the ALICE Threshold.
- 46% of ALICE households are paying 35% or more of their income on rent, leaving little for essentials like food and healthcare.
- Only 42% of preschool-aged children below the ALICE threshold are enrolled in school, showing a lack of early education opportunities.
- 76% of these households have access to high-speed internet, vital for education, yet 35% still rely on SNAP benefits to meet basic food needs.
The data also highlights that financial hardship is more pronounced among the youngest children. 58% of infants and toddlers and 59% of preschool-aged children are in financially constrained households, compared to 50% of school-aged children. This gap underscores the importance of early intervention to ensure these children have access to crucial resources.
The Reality in Hamilton County
In Hamilton County, 33,668 children, 44% of all children in the area, are living below the ALICE threshold.
- City of Chattanooga: 16,673 children or 60%
- Northern Hamilton County (Soddy Daisy): 9,513 children or 33%
- Southern Hamilton County (including Redbank and other southern areas): 7,482 children or 36%
This data paints a stark picture of the challenges these families face—balancing the cost of housing, childcare, transportation, and food with incomes that simply cannot keep up.
The community can come together to support these families and provide them with the resources and opportunities they need to succeed. To learn more about the daily challenges local ALICE families are facing, visit unitedwaycha.org/our-work/alice-insights.
How You Can Help
United Way of Greater Chattanooga is calling on businesses, nonprofits, and individuals to join in this fight to support ALICE children and their caregivers. Local workplaces are encouraged to get involved with the United for Working Families program to better support ALICE employees and their families. Together, we can create pathways to a brighter future for thousands of children across Hamilton County.