Legalized Poverty…

Based on the available information:

The state with the highest minimum wage in the United States is Washington at $16.66 per hour as of January 1, 2025. However, the District of Columbia has a higher minimum wage at $17.50 per hour. For the purpose of comparing a state with the lowest, we will use Washington State. Some cities within Washington, like Seattle, have even higher minimum wages.
The state with the lowest minimum wage is Alabama, which follows the federal minimum wage of $7.25 per hour as of 2025, as it has no state-specific minimum wage law.

Let’s analyze whether a full-time worker (40 hours per week) in each of these states can make a living for themselves, a spouse, and one child, considering the cost of living.

Assumptions:

“Full-time” is considered 40 hours per week.
There are approximately 52 weeks in a year.
Gross annual income is calculated before taxes and deductions.
The cost of living data is an estimate and can vary significantly based on location within the state and individual circumstances.
“Making a living” implies covering basic needs such as housing, food, healthcare, transportation, and childcare for a family of three.

Washington State:

Minimum Wage: $16.66 per hour
Gross Annual Income (1 worker): $16.66/hour * 40 hours/week * 52 weeks/year = $34,652.80

According to a 2023 estimate, the average cost of living for a family of four in Washington is approximately $242,112 per year. For a family of three, this cost would likely be lower but still significantly higher than the gross annual income from one full-time minimum wage job.

The average cost of housing and utilities for a family of four is estimated at $47,140 per year.
The average cost of food and beverages (non-restaurant) for a family of four is estimated at $18,172 per year.
The average cost of healthcare for a family of four is estimated at $36,052 per year.
The average cost of childcare for one child can be substantial, with infant classroom care averaging around $1,710 per month.

Conclusion for Washington State (1 income): It is highly unlikely that one person working full-time at the minimum wage in Washington State can adequately support themselves, a spouse, and one child and cover all essential living expenses. Even without considering taxes, the income falls far short of the estimated cost of living for a family.

Alabama:

Minimum Wage: $7.25 per hour
Gross Annual Income (1 worker): $7.25/hour * 40 hours/week * 52 weeks/year = $15,080.00

According to a 2023 estimate, the average cost of living for a single adult in Alabama is around $39,657 per year. The cost for a family of three would be considerably higher. While Alabama has a lower cost of living compared to many other states, the minimum wage is also significantly lower.

While specific figures for a family of three were not found in the provided search results, the annual healthcare expenditure for one adult and one child in Alabama is estimated at $9,059.
The average rent for a two-bedroom apartment is around $826 per month ($9,912 annually).
The average monthly cost for groceries and food per person is around $271.75, so for three people, this would be roughly $9,783 annually.

Conclusion for Alabama (1 income): It is virtually impossible for one person working full-time at the minimum wage in Alabama to support themselves, a spouse, and one child. The gross annual income is significantly lower than even the estimated cost of living for a single adult, let alone a family of three.

Dual Income Scenario (Both Spouses Working Full-Time at Minimum Wage):

Washington State:

Combined Gross Annual Income (2 workers): $34,652.80 * 2 = $69,305.60

While a dual income at minimum wage in Washington State significantly improves the financial situation compared to a single income, it is still likely challenging to cover the estimated $242,112 annual cost of living for a family of four. Even with potentially lower expenses for a family of three, they would need to be extremely budget-conscious and might still struggle to afford childcare, healthcare, and other necessities comfortably.

Alabama:

Combined Gross Annual Income (2 workers): $15,080.00 * 2 = $30,160.00

Even with both spouses working full-time at the minimum wage in Alabama, the total gross annual income of $30,160 would fall significantly short of the estimated $39,657 annual cost of living for a single adult. Supporting a family of three on this income would be extremely difficult and would likely require significant financial assistance or multiple jobs.

Overall Conclusion:

Based on the minimum wages in Washington State (highest state minimum wage) and Alabama (lowest minimum wage, aligning with the federal minimum wage), it appears exceedingly difficult, if not impossible, for a single person working full-time at either state’s minimum wage to adequately support themselves, a spouse, and one child while covering basic living expenses. Even with both spouses working full-time at minimum wage, it would be a significant financial struggle in both states, particularly in Washington with its higher overall cost of living. These analyses highlight the challenges faced by low-wage earners in providing for their families. Sources and related content

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