23-05-2025
38% households in Charleston, Berkeley, and Dorchester County struggle to make ends meet, study says
CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCBD) – Nearly 40% of households in the tri-county are struggling to cover the cost of basic needs, according to a new report from Trident United Way and its research partner United For ALICE.
These households in Charleston, Berkeley, and Dorchester counties were considered to be living in poverty or are ALICE: Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed. ALICE households do not make enough to afford basic expenses in the county where they live, but earn more above the Federal Poverty Level.
Data from Trident United Way and United For ALICE reveals that in 2023, 38% of households, 130,360 families, could not afford basic needs. 11% were living in poverty, and 27% were ALICE.
The study states that thousands of households, particularly those led by single parents, are living paycheck to paycheck with incomes that fall short of covering the costs of food, transportation, healthcare, technology, and housing. According to their research, a family of four with an infant and preschooler needs $89,904 annually to meet the cost of living in the area.
'This means entire families and essential workers may be overlooked for support, left without the resources they need to stay healthy, achieve financial stability and reach their fullest potential. That's a loss not just for ALICE households, but our entire community,' said D.J. Hampton, Trident United Way President and CEO.
The State of ALICE in South Carolina report also states that in 2023:
South Carolina ranked 34th in financial hardship among all 50 states and D.C.
Younger and older households faced the highest rates of financial strain, with 69% of the youngest and 51% of the oldest households living below the ALICE Threshold, compared to 37% of households led by someone aged 25-44.
Housing costs remain a major burden: 66% of renters and 43% of homeowners living below the ALICE Threshold were housing cost-burdened, meaning they spent 30% or more of their income on housing.
'By providing a name and a way to quantify these households, we're equipping communities with the data to build solutions that offer better choices and real pathways to stability,' said Stephanie Hoopes, Ph.D., National Director at United For ALICE.
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