Over 30% of Butler County residents make below a livable wage according to the Asset Limited Income Constrained Employed (ALICE) study.
According to the study a single adult needs to be making at least $14.74 an hour for a livable wage. A two-adult household with two children needs to make a combined $35.93 for a livable wage.
Most often those struggling to pay the bills and are under the livable wage threshold are essential workers according to Amy Franz, United Way Regional VP.
“When you look at this, these are the essential workers that are impacted by this. It’s retail workers, childcare providers and when you look at the average wages these categories are paying, they are not keeping pace,” Franz said.
The study is based off 2021 data. If you or anyone you know are struggling to pay bills you can reach out to 211 for programs or organizations that can help.
