State of ALICE in South Carolina Report Released

The new data highlights a growing affordability crisis affecting households across our state and community, with the cost of basic necessities rising faster than overall inflation. Between 2007 and 2024, the ALICE Essentials Index for South Carolina, which tracks the cost of housing, childcare, food, transportation, health care and technology, increased 65%, compared with 52% for the broader Consumer Price Index.

In Florence County, 45% of households fell below the ALICE Threshold of Financial Survival in 2024, meaning they were either living in poverty or earning above the Federal Poverty Level but still unable to afford basic necessities.

The release includes key local findings offering insight into the pressures facing local workers, families and the broader community as the cost of survival continues to climb.

To read the full report, click here.