32.8% of service members in Idaho struggle with expenses | Condition

Our analysis examines how military families are faring in today’s economy compared to civilian households and highlights the states where military families report the greatest challenges managing their finances.

As we kick off the giving season, we also highlighted meaningful ways to support military members and their families through charitable giving, providing an opportunity to have a direct impact on those who serve our country.

Military members struggle more financially than the average American. Image Source: Improved Points

According to recent data from the Household Pulse Survey, members of the armed forces are experiencing greater financial stress than the general U.S. population. Over 40% of military members report difficulty meeting their usual household expenses, compared to 36.6% of all U.S. adults.

The data also shows increased concern among military personnel about rising prices. Nearly 80% of military members express stress over recent price increases, significantly higher than 71.8% of all U.S. adults who share similar sentiments. Additionally, 81.8% of military personnel are concerned about future price increases, reflecting widespread uncertainty about the long-term impact of inflation on household budgets.

More than half of military members in certain states struggle to cover basic household expenses. Image Source: Improved Points

In the United States, the financial burden on military members varies significantly from state to state and is primarily influenced by local economic conditions. According to the latest data, Utah leads the way with 53.7% of military members struggling to cover basic household costs, closely followed by Louisiana (52.9%) and Alaska (52.8%). Other states where more than half of military members are experiencing problems include Indiana (52.0%), Tennessee (51.2%), New York (50.8%) and Florida (50.3%).

A key issue that service members often raise is that their Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) has not kept pace with rapidly rising housing costs. In states where military members face the greatest financial hardship, such as Utah, Indiana, Tennessee and Florida, home price increases are well above the national average, exacerbating strains on household budgets.

Another critical factor impacting military families is the career challenges faced by military spouses. According to the Defense Department, the military spouse unemployment rate was 21% in 2023, compared to a national rate of 3.6% this year. Many military bases are located in rural or remote areas, limiting employment opportunities for spouses, especially in specialty areas. Additionally, frequent relocations make it difficult for spouses to maintain long-term careers, particularly for those who work in professions that require state-specific professional licenses, which can be difficult to transfer.

Military members are also more likely to report financial difficulties in states with higher-than-average unemployment rates, such as Louisiana, Alaska and New York. Conversely, the state unemployment rate is below average in 9 of the 10 states where military members report the least financial hardship. This suggests that good local employment opportunities, particularly for spouses, significantly reduce the financial burden on military households.

Here is a summary of the data for Idaho:

• Percentage of military personnel struggling to cover expenses: 32.8%
• Percentage of military members stressed about price increases: 80.6%
• Percentage of service employees concerned about future price increases: 80.9%
• Property price growth (2019-2024): 63.9%
• Unemployment rate (2023): 3.6%

For reference, here are the statistics for the entire United States:

• Percentage of military personnel struggling to cover expenses: 40.2%
• Percentage of military members stressed about price increases: 79.8%
• Percentage of service employees concerned about future price increases: 81.8%
• Property price growth (2019-2024): 48.4%
• Unemployment rate (2023): 4.3%

Photo credit: Bumble Dee / Shutterstock

One of the most effective ways to support military members, veterans and their families who are experiencing financial hardship is through donations to reputable charities. These organizations are dedicated to addressing the unique challenges faced by military members and veterans, providing vital assistance in areas such as housing, medical costs, scholarships and job training. To help you with your generosity, we’ve compiled a list of top-rated charities based on Charity Navigator, CharityWatch and GuideStar results, which evaluate organizations based on criteria such as impact, efficiency, accountability and transparency.

Here are some of the best charities that support military families and veterans in need:

For over 80 years, the USO has provided critical support to active military members and their families. From financial assistance programs to community-building initiatives, the USO helps service members stay connected to their loved ones while addressing their most pressing needs during deployments and transitions.

This charity focuses on providing specially adapted homes for seriously injured post-9/11 veterans. It helps veterans regain their independence. Homes For Our Troops also provides financial planning and household budgeting to ensure long-term stability for recipients.

IAVA is committed to serving veterans of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan and working to improve government policies and programs to support military families. His advocacy ensures that veterans have access to financial resources, health care and educational opportunities.

This foundation builds “comfort homes” near military and VA medical centers that allow families to stay for free while a loved one is in the hospital. By reducing travel and accommodation costs, Fisher House alleviates financial stress during difficult times.

Offering a range of programs focused on financial stability, wellness, social support and education, Hope For The Warriors provides critical support to military members, veterans and their families. Services include direct financial assistance to military members and veterans in need, job training and employment placement, and scholarships for spouses.

The Semper Fi & America’s Fund supports wounded, ill and injured service members and their families through direct financial assistance and case management during hospitalization and recovery. The organization also provides educational support, career support, and health and wellness services.

WWFS supports families of those wounded or killed in combat through programs such as medical travel fellowships, food and household assistance, home care services and family retreats. By addressing the immediate and ongoing needs of these families, WWFS is alleviating the financial burden of those suffering from recent tragic events.