A new report from the United Way of Southeast Louisiana shows many employed Louisianians earn a wage below today’s standard of living.
“What it basically tells us is that there is about 1 in 2 households out there who struggle to pay their rent or mortgage and this is pre-covid,” said President and CEO of United Way of Southeast Louisiana, Michael Williamson.
The A.L.IC.E or Asset Limited Income Constrained Employed Report says the average Household Survival Budget, which is the minimal amount of money a person needs to survive in today’s economy – increased dramatically to 29% in 2018. Williamson says the report also shows many employed Louisianians earn a wage below today’s standard of living.
According to the report, the average A.L.I.C.E. Survival Budget in Louisiana in 2018 was $24,252 for singles, $64,732 for a family of four, which is far higher than the Federal Poverty Level of $12,140 for a single adult and $25,100 for a family of four.
“If you are a single adult and you live in our region, you need about $13 an hour just to get by,” said Williamson. “For two adults $20 an hour, for a couple of adults with children about $31 an hour. So, wages are pretty stagnant, but the cost has gone up.”
The report also finds 57% of households in New Orleans live below the poverty threshold – 61% in Baton Rouge – and 60% in Shreveport do not earn enough money to make ends meet.
To read more about the United Way A.L.I.C.E Report click here.