More than 53,000 people across Cumbria are paid less than the Living Wage.
According to new research by Markit for KPMG, 27% of people across the county are losing out.
It's set at £7.85 per hour across the UK, and £9.15 in London.
According to the research, 72 per cent of 18 to 21 year olds are currently earning less than the Living Wage, compared to just 17 per cent of those aged 30 and 39.
The situation varies across the boroughs within Cumbria, with 12,000 people, or 31 per cent of employees in South Lakeland on lower hourly rates and 7,000 people in Barrow-in-Furness on less than £7.85 per hour representing 26 per cent of employees.
Richard Evans, office senior partner, KPMG in Preston, said: “The past year has seen some notable achievements, with both the number of employers accredited by the Living Wage Foundation and awareness of the issue among the general public increasing.
“However, there is still a worrying proportion of people across Cumbria being paid below the Living Wage. With the cost of living still high and household finances being continually squeezed, many are forced to live hand to mouth. The figures released today show that there is still more to be done if we are to eradicate in-work poverty.
“For some time it was easy for businesses to hide behind the argument that increased wages hit their bottom line, but there is ample evidence to suggest the opposite – in the shape of higher retention and higher productivity."
How it breaks down:
Allerdale: 33% of employees (10,000 people) are paid less than the Living Wage.
Barrow-in-Furness: 26% of employees (7,000 people) are paid less than the Living Wage.
Carlisle: 28% of employees (14,000 people) are paid less than the Living Wage.
Copeland: 11% of employees (3,000 people) are paid less than the Living Wage.
Eden: 31% of employees (6,000 people) are paid less than the Living Wage.
South Lakeland: 31% of employees (12,000 people) are paid less than the Living Wage.