At least 33% of households in Butler County earn less than a livable wage, according to a report by United Way of Southwestern Pennsylvania.

A recent MIT study found the livable wage in the county for a single adult was $16.24 per hour, more than twice the federal minimum wage of $7.25 per hour.

Using data from 2021, the United Way’s ALICE report — asset limited, income constrained, employed — determined a livable wage of at least $14.74 per hour.

Amy Franz, United Way regional vice president, said the report identifies ALICE households as being above the federal poverty level but below what is necessary to afford basic needs.

“What’s concerning to us is that the number of households in Butler County below that ALICE threshold increased by 4% between 2019 and 2021,” she said.

The report indicates that 10% of all households in the county are living below the federal poverty line — approximately 8,122 individuals and families.