Many households in Dunn County are working, contributing and participating in the civic life of Menomonie and neighboring towns, yet a significant portion remain unable to keep up with the rising cost of basic living.
ALICE, an acronym for Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed, describes the workers and families who live above the federal poverty line yet still fall short of the income needed to cover basic living costs. For them, an unforeseen car repair, a medical bill or a gap in childcare coverage can force impossible trade-offs between paying rent or groceries or skipping a doctor’s visit. These survival budgets reflect only the minimum needed to get by. They do not include savings, debt payments, retirement contributions or financial cushions for emergencies.
A new report from United Way for ALICE shows that 37 percent of Dunn County households, 6,382 out of 17,369, fall below the ALICE Threshold, meaning they earn more than the federal poverty level but still cannot afford the minimum required to cover housing, childcare, food, transportation, healthcare, taxes and other essentials.
The ALICE threshold is not based on national averages but is specific to the state and county. For instance, the United Way for ALICE data for 2023 estimates that a single adult in Dunn County needs roughly $2,294 per month, about $27,528 per year, to meet minimum basic needs. For a two-adult family with one infant and one preschooler, the survival threshold jumps to $6,199 per month or approximately $74,388 a year.
Those thresholds stand in contrast to what many local jobs offer. Even though Dunn County’s median household income is $71,785, that figure masks the fact that large segments of households, especially families with children, single adults or those living in Menomonie struggle to keep pace.
“What brings about this change in family wealth or economics that places the City in this position?” Steve McCarthy, executive director of the United Way St. Croix & Red Cedar Valleys poses this question.
“Zip codes matter, as you’ve observed. For the City of Menomonie, college students, in part, skew the percentage. The Town of Menomonie is where the newer more expensive housing is, versus older and less expensive.”
Local nonprofits are often the front line in helping families stay afloat, according to McCarthy. “There are several resources and organizations in Menomonie that help ALICE [households]. Stepping Stones is an obvious one, but other organizations, Boys and Girls Club (that operates out of River Heights Elementary), The Bridge to Hope, West CAP, the county’s Human Services and Health Department, help primarily ALICE [households].”
Community groups, employers and faith organizations also play a critical role. Donations to local United Way chapters are one of the most effective ways to support ALICE-level households. Volunteers are needed at food pantries, family resource centers and early childhood programs. Employers can partner on workplace giving or flexible work initiatives that help workers cover childcare or transportation expenses.
McCarthy adds, “People in need often call 211, which is United Way’s free information and referral services that connect people with resources that are local to them.
For residents facing hardship, the 211 Helpline serves as a gateway to housing support, food assistance, utilities help, transportation aid, childcare referrals and more. These services are supported by a network of nonprofits, schools, local agencies and community volunteers.
The most common need is housing or affordable housing, but other needs include transportation, and utility assistance, mental health or substance abuse help. United Way’s diaper bank program helps those in financial need, too.”
To access the 211 Helpline: Dial 211 from any phone. You can also text your zip code to 898-211 or visit www.211.org to connect with local resources.
The stark numbers from Dunn County challenge common assumptions about who struggles financially. Having a job, even a full-time job, no longer guarantees financial stability. For many families and individuals in our county, making ends meet is an ongoing struggle.
Understanding the ALICE framework helps neighbors, civic leaders and everyday residents see where needs are highest and where community efforts can make a measurable difference.
For more information: United Way St. Croix & Red Cedar Valleys ALICE in Dunn County
John Wilkerson is a Menomonie resident. He may be contacted at [email protected]
