Experts have worked to develop alternative measures to common poverty thresholds that take into account modern-day expenses, family size, and regional cost of living differences. These measures are often called, “living wage calculations”. There are a few good living wage calculations, including United Way’s ALICE thresholds, but the one included in this dashboard comes from Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT).
According to data measured between 2018 and 2022, amongst the seven parishes served by United Way of Southeast Louisiana, Washington and Orleans have the highest share of households earning below a living wage, at 65 percent and 55 percent respectively. In both St. Bernard and Tangipahoa parishes, more than half of households earn below a living wage, at 53 percent and 54 percent respectively. Jefferson Parish sees 48 percent of households earning less than a living wage, and Plaquemines sees 39 percent. In St. Tammany Parish, 40 percent of all households earn below a living wage. In each parish, white households are the least likely to earn below a living wage.
