Financial insecurity continues to be a pressing issue in the Lehigh Valley, with nearly half of households unable to earn enough to be financially secure, according to a report from the United Way of Pennsylvania. The report focuses on households that are above the poverty limit but still struggle to meet their basic needs. In Northampton County, the annual income needed to be above the survival threshold has surpassed $100,000, highlighting the challenges faced by families in the region. The report identifies child care as the largest monthly expense for families with young children, ranging from $1,500 to over $1,800 per month. Additionally, food prices have more than doubled between 2017 and 2022, while transportation and technology costs have risen by 65% and 55% respectively during the same period. The report also highlights the disparities in financial security, with Black and Hispanic households experiencing the highest levels of insecurity, while Asian-led households are the most financially secure. Furthermore, the report provides data on the top 20 occupations in Pennsylvania and the percentage of people in those occupations who fall below the survival threshold, shedding light on the challenges faced by individuals in different industries. [b6c66e55]