Median household incomes in Winston-Salem grew rapidly over the past decade. Even so, many local families are still struggling to make ends meet.

Over 46,000 residents live just above the poverty line. This group is often called near-poor, similar to the group that some researchers label ALICE, for Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed. These households typically earn incomes between about $35,000 and $70,000 a year for a family of four.

About 37,000 residents live in poverty. These households typically earn incomes less than about $35,000 a year for a family of four. Roughly 20,000 of the members of these families are children.

So, how does poverty in Winston-Salem compare to similar cities?

[BULLET] The share of residents who are poor is similar to that in peer cities, and it has fallen significantly in recent years.

[BULLET] Among poor households, more than 8 in 10 poor families spend more than 30% of their income on housing.

[BULLET] About 28% of poor adults are elderly or disabled and out of the workforce.

Comparison data can also highlight shared opportunities for economic mobility. Here are examples of two local groups with unique pathways for moving out of poverty.

Young adults who are upskilling candidates.

Nearly 5,000 young adults in poverty have a high school credential but lack a degree or a certification that empowers them to secure a good job. Research shows that certificates, associate degrees, and apprenticeships tied to in-demand occupations, such as health care and the skilled trades, pay well above the city's average and can move their households out of poverty.

Underemployed workers.

About 1,000 poor adults are in the workforce but held back from increasing their earnings by part-time work. For the average worker, going from part-time to full-time work can more than double their earnings.