There is a huge disparity in median house income in Chatham County. Median housebold income for White, not HIspanic/Latinx residents is 1.6-2.7 times high than othr demographic groups. According to the NC Justice Center’s Budget and Tax Center, Chatham County is one of the 5 most expensive counties to live in in North Carolina. The Sperling’s Best Places to Live Cost of Living Index gives Chatham County a score of 107.8, indicating Chatham County is a more expensive place to live than the average place in the United States. Using the Budget and Tax Center’s Livable Income Standard, the high cost of living in Chatham means that for a family of four to make ends meet, they need a household income of $58,717. Nearly 40% of Chatham County households make less than that annually.

A living wage is different from the povery line, as living wage is not based on a national baseline but takes into account not only food costs, but addition expenses and cost-of-living differences between regions.

Many factors including, high turnover, a lack of workforce in the County, excessive groth in the houseing market, and employer indeifference make this strategy feasibly difficult. The fact that partner agencies recognize the intense need for cllaborative action to midigate the high cost of living ratio in Chatham make this a prime time to start the conversation and education about this strategy.

Chatham Health Alliance, NC Works, Economic Development Corporation, Community Organizing for Racial Equity, Uplift Chatham, Salvation Army

A report by the Cambridge Institute for Sustainability Leadership, Shift, and Business Fights Poverty showed that a liveable wage can reduce stress and the need to work excess hours to make ends meet, which is turn lowers rates of sick time off and leads to greater worker wellbeing. his can result in lower staff turnover and increase in productivity.