Locations
United States
Why This Indicator Matters
Children growing up in single-parent families typically do not have the same economic or human resources available as those growing up in two-parent families. Single parents also are more likely to experience high stress and depression — especially single moms — as well as limited social support. These factors can affect kids, with those growing up in single-parent families facing greater risks of academic, emotional and behavioral problems. These children can benefit from economic and social support programs that bolster family stability and access to resources.
This indicator is included in the KIDS COUNT Child Well-Being Index. Read the KIDS COUNT Data Book to learn more: http://datacenter.kidscount.org/publications.
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This indicator is included in the KIDS COUNT Child Well-Being Index. Read the KIDS COUNT Data Book to learn more: http://datacenter.kidscount.org/publications.
Definition and Source
PROVIDER
Definition
In this definition, single-parent families may include cohabiting couples and do not include children living with married stepparents. Children who live in group quarters (for example, institutions, dormitories, or group homes) are not included in this calculation.
Data Source
Notes
S - Estimates suppressed when the confidence interval around the
percentage is greater than or equal to 10 percentage points.
N.A. – Data not available.
Data is provided for the 50 most populous cities according to the most recent Census counts. Cities for which data is collected may change over time.
Use caution when comparing congressional districts over time. Congressional district boundaries may change between decennial censuses. Annual data for each congressional district refers to the boundaries for that district in that year.
A 90 percent confidence interval for each estimate can be found at Children in single-parent families.
N.A. – Data not available.
Data is provided for the 50 most populous cities according to the most recent Census counts. Cities for which data is collected may change over time.
Use caution when comparing congressional districts over time. Congressional district boundaries may change between decennial censuses. Annual data for each congressional district refers to the boundaries for that district in that year.
A 90 percent confidence interval for each estimate can be found at Children in single-parent families.
Last Updated
September 2025