State of ALICE 2026

The cost of household necessities in West Virginia rose faster than inflation for more than 15 years, leaving many households vulnerable to the growing affordability crisis, according to new data from United For ALICE, in partnership with United Way of Monongalia and Preston Counties. 

The latest State of ALICE report for West Virginia includes data from the ALICE Essentials Index, which tracks the rising costs of only six basics families need to live and work: housing, childcare, food, transportation, health care and technology. Between 2007 and 2024, the ALICE Essentials Index for West Virginia increased faster than the national Consumer Price Index (CPI), which reports inflation across more than 200 categories of goods and services.  

The report highlights the growing financial strains on the demographic known as ALICE® (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed). With income above the Federal Poverty Level but unable to afford basic expenses, around 200,000 West Virginia households were ALICE in 2024. When combined with households in poverty, 45% of all households in West Virginia fell below the ALICE Threshold of Financial Survival.

Recently, #UnitedForALICE launched its newest report for West Virginia, “State of ALICE 2026,” which provides updated information on financially struggling households. Take a look at the report at unitedforalice.org/west-virginia