Recent data reveals a significant portion of the U.S. population is struggling to cover basic expenses. A PYMNTS study shows that 26% of consumers report difficulty paying bills, a figure that highlights widespread financial pressure. This isn’t a generalized problem; certain demographics are disproportionately affected. Here’s a breakdown of five groups facing the most severe challenges.
Low-Income Households
The most financially vulnerable group is households earning less than $50,000 annually. The study found that 44% of these households struggle to pay bills. This is unsurprising, given the median annual wage is around $68,000. With limited income, even minor unexpected expenses can quickly lead to debt. Financial advisor Hardik Patel explains that rising prices or emergencies force reliance on borrowing, creating a cycle of financial hardship.
Rural Residents
Living in rural areas presents unique financial obstacles. 34% of rural households report difficulty paying bills, significantly higher than the 24% in suburbs and 26% in cities. This is due to limited job opportunities, longer commutes (increasing transportation costs), and potentially fewer affordable childcare or healthcare options. The lack of economic diversity in many rural communities makes financial stability harder to achieve.
Bridge Millennials (Born in the 1980s)
This generation faces a particularly tough squeeze. 32% of bridge millennials are struggling with bills, largely due to lingering student loan debt combined with major life expenses like childcare or homeownership. They haven’t yet reached peak earning years, making it harder to keep up with growing financial obligations. This is a generational pressure point created by the rising costs of education and living.
Single Parents
Raising children on a single income is a major financial strain. 44% of unmarried parents report trouble paying bills. The costs of childcare (often exceeding rent) combined with the absence of a second income create an unsustainable financial burden. This demographic faces systemic disadvantages, as affordable childcare options are often limited, forcing difficult trade-offs between work and family.
Single Adults
Even without children, single individuals face financial headwinds. 30% of unmarried adults without kids struggle to pay bills, compared to just 20% of married couples. The lack of shared expenses – housing, travel, and everyday costs – means single people shoulder the entire financial burden. Certified financial planner Patrick Yaghoobians illustrates this by noting that a single person in Los Angeles pays the full cost of a $2,300 apartment, while a married couple can split that expense.
These trends reflect a broader economic reality: rising costs, stagnant wages, and systemic inequalities are pushing a large segment of the population to the brink. The struggles of these five groups highlight the need for policy solutions that address income inequality, affordable housing, and accessible childcare.
