IOWA, IA (June 30, 2026) |
The Iowa Credit Union Foundation (ICUF), has partnered with United Ways of Iowa and United Way of Central Iowa to support the publication of the 2026 Iowa ALICE Report which highlights new data on the financial strain many Iowans continue to face despite being employed.
ALICE—Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed—represents hardworking individuals and families who earn above the Federal Poverty Level but still struggle to afford basic necessities. According to the report, 34% of Iowa households fell below the ALICE threshold in 2024, including 11% living in poverty. While many of these households earn above the federal poverty level, they still struggle to afford essentials such as housing, child care, food, transportation and health care.
"The ALICE Report shines a light on the reality many Iowa families face every day, and what credit unions are already seeing in their communities. Even with steady employment, many households are finding it increasingly difficult to cover essential expenses under persistent financial pressures,” said Ena Babic Barnes, Executive Director of ICUF. “These findings can help drive important, solution-oriented conversations about strengthening financial well-being and expanding opportunities for working families.”
The report found that a family of four needed nearly $75,000 in 2024 to meet basic household expenses, underscoring the growing gap between traditional poverty measures and the actual cost of living.
By supporting the ALICE report, ICUF provides critical data to help inform community conversations, local decision-making, and future solutions. ICUF hopes this research will foster greater understanding for credit unions and communities of the economic pressures affecting working households.
To learn more about the report and explore local data, visit https://unitedforalice.org/