The typical American picture of a family with 2.5 kids might not be as relevant as it once was: In 2023, there was an average of 1.94 children under 18 per family in the United States. This is a decrease from 2.33 children under 18 per family in 1960.

Familial structure in the United States

If there’s one thing the United States is known for, it’s diversity. Whether this is diversity in ethnicity, culture, or family structure, there is something for everyone in the U.S. Two-parent households in the U.S. are declining, and the number of families with no children are increasing. The number of families with children has stayed more or less constant since 2000.

Adoptions in the U.S.

Families in the U.S. don’t necessarily consist of parents and their own biological children. In 2021, around 35,940 children were adopted by married couples, and 13,307 children were adopted by single women.

The average American family in 2023 consisted of 3.15 persons. Families in the United States According to the U.S. Census Bureau, a family is a group of two people or more (one of whom is the householder) related by birth, marriage, or adoption and residing together; all such people (including related subfamily members) are considered as members of one family. As of 2023, the U.S. Census Bureau counted about 84.33 million families in the United States. The average family consisted of 3.15 persons in 2021, down from 3.7 in the 1960s. This is reflected in the decrease of children in family households overall. In 1970, about 56 percent of all family households had children under the age of 18 living in the household. This percentage declined to about 40 percent in 2020. The average size of a family household varies greatly from state to state. The largest average families can be found in Utah, California, and Hawaii, while the smallest families can be found in Wisconsin, Vermont and Maine.

The average American household consisted of 2.51 people in 2023.

Households in the U.S.

As shown in the statistic, the number of people per household has decreased over the past decades.

The U.S. Census Bureau defines a household as follows: “a household includes all the persons who occupy a housing unit as their usual place of residence. A housing unit is a house, an apartment, a mobile home, a group of rooms, or a single room that is occupied (or if vacant, is intended for occupancy) as separate living quarters. Separate living quarters are those in which the occupants live and eat separately from any other persons in the building and which have direct access from outside the building or through a common hall. The occupants may be a single family, one person living alone, two or more families living together, or any other group of related or unrelated persons who share living arrangements. (People not living in households are classified as living in group quarters.).”

The population of the United States has been growing steadily for decades. Since 1960, the number of households more than doubled from 53 million to over 131 million households in 2023.

Most of these households, about 34 percent, are two-person households. The distribution of U.S. households has changed over the years though. The percentage of single-person households has been on the rise since 1970 and made up the second largest proportion of households in the U.S. in 2022, at 28.88 percent.

In concordance with the rise of single-person households, the percentage of family households with own children living in the household has declined since 1970 from 56 percent to 40.26 percent in 2022.

In 2024, 34.59 percent of all households in the United States were two person households. In 1970, this figure was at 28.92 percent. Single households Single mother households are usually the most common households with children under 18 years old found in the United States. As of 2021, the District of Columbia and North Dakota had the highest share of single-person households in the United States. Household size in the United States has decreased over the past century, due to customs and traditions changing. Families are typically more nuclear, whereas in the past, multigenerational households were more common. Furthermore, fertility rates have also decreased, meaning that women do not have as many children as they used to. Average households in Utah Out of all states in the U.S., Utah was reported to have the largest average household size. This predominately Mormon state has about three million inhabitants. The Church of the Latter-Day Saints, or Mormonism, plays a large role in Utah, and can contribute to the high birth rate and household size in Utah. The Church of Latter-Day Saints promotes having many children and tight-knit families. Furthermore, Utah has a relatively young population, due to Mormons typically marrying and starting large families younger than those in other states.

In 2021, the average size of families in Utah was 3.51 people, the largest out of any state. California, Hawaii, Texas, and Alaska rounded out the top five states with the largest average family size in that year. Nationwide, the average family size was 3.15 people.

The data on relationship to householder were derived from answers to Question 2 in the 2015 American Community Survey (ACS), which was asked of all people in housing units. The question on relationship is essential for classifying the population information on families and other groups. Information about changes in the composition of the American family, from the number of people living alone to the number of children living with only one parent, is essential for planning and carrying out a number of federal programs.

The responses to this question were used to determine the relationships of all persons to the householder, as well as household type (married couple family, nonfamily, etc.). From responses to this question, we were able to determine numbers of related children, own children, unmarried partner households, and multi-generational households. We calculated average household and family size. When relationship was not reported, it was imputed using the age difference between the householder and the person, sex, and marital status.

Household – A household includes all the people who occupy a housing unit. (People not living in households are classified as living in group quarters.) A housing unit is a house, an apartment, a mobile home, a group of rooms, or a single room that is occupied (or if vacant, is intended for occupancy) as separate living quarters. Separate living quarters are those in which the occupants live separately from any other people in the building and which have direct access from the outside of the building or through a common hall. The occupants may be a single family, one person living alone, two or more families living together, or any other group of related or unrelated people who share living arrangements.

Average Household Size – A measure obtained by dividing the number of people in households by the number of households. In cases where people in households are cross-classified by race or Hispanic origin, people in the household are classified by the race or Hispanic origin of the householder rather than the race or Hispanic origin of each individual.

Average household size is rounded to the nearest hundredth.

Comparability – The relationship categories for the most part can be compared to previous ACS years and to similar data collected in the decennial census, CPS, and SIPP. With the change in 2008 from “In-law” to the two categories of “Parent-in-law” and “Son-in-law or daughter-in-law,” caution should be exercised when comparing data on in-laws from previous years. “In-law” encompassed any type of in-law such as sister-in-law. Combining “Parent-in-law” and “son-in-law or daughter-in-law” does not represent all “in-laws” in 2008.

The same can be said of comparing the three categories of “biological” “step,” and “adopted” child in 2008 to “Child” in previous years. Before 2008, respondents may have considered anyone under 18 as “child” and chosen that category. The ACS includes “foster child” as a category. However, the 2010 Census did not contain this category, and “foster children” were included in the “Other nonrelative” category. Therefore, comparison of “foster child” cannot be made to the 2010 Census. Beginning in 2013, the “spouse” category includes same-sex spouses.

Australia Average Number of Dependent Children in Household: Multiple Family data was reported at 1.200 Person in 2020. This records a decrease from the previous number of 1.400 Person for 2018. Australia Average Number of Dependent Children in Household: Multiple Family data is updated yearly, averaging 1.300 Person from Jun 2004 (Median) to 2020, with 9 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 1.500 Person in 2016 and a record low of 1.200 Person in 2020. Australia Average Number of Dependent Children in Household: Multiple Family data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by Australian Bureau of Statistics. The data is categorized under Global Database’s Australia – Table AU.H039: Survey of Income and Housing: Average Number of Dependent Children in Household: by Family Composition.

Around *** million families in the United States had three or more children under 18 living in the household in 2023. In that same year, about ***** million households had no children under 18 living in the household.

Switzerland Average Household Size: Members by Activity Status: Children under 15 Years data was reported at 0.338 Person in 2016. This records an increase from the previous number of 0.336 Person for 2015. Switzerland Average Household Size: Members by Activity Status: Children under 15 Years data is updated yearly, averaging 0.354 Person from Dec 2006 (Median) to 2016, with 11 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 0.376 Person in 2006 and a record low of 0.336 Person in 2015. Switzerland Average Household Size: Members by Activity Status: Children under 15 Years data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by Swiss Federal Statistical Office. The data is categorized under Global Database’s Switzerland – Table CH.H011: Average Household Size.

The 1960 Growth of American Families survey was the second in a series of two surveys that measured women's attitudes on various topics relating to fertility and family planning for 3,256 currently married White women aged 18-44 living in private households, previously married White women aged 23-44, who were married and living with their husband in 1960, and currently married non-White women aged 18-39, living with their husband. Main topics in the survey included residence history, marital history, education, employment and income, parent's characteristics, religiosity, siblings, attitude towards contraception, past use of contraceptives, fertility history, fecundity, attitudes and opinions on childbearing and rearing, desired family size, fertility intentions, and fertility expectations. Respondent's were asked to give detailed information pertaining to their residence history dating back to their birth. They were also asked if they ever lived on a farm. Respondents were also queried on their marital history, specifically, when their marriage(s) took place, ended, and how they ended. Respondents were asked to report their level of education, if they ever attended a school or college that belonged to a church or a religious group, and if so, what specific church or religious group. Respondents were also queried about their employment and income. Specifically, they were asked to report their own and their husband's occupation and industry. They were also queried on whether they worked between their pregnancies and if the work was part-time or full-time. They were asked to state their total family income and their husband's earnings. Characteristics of the respondent's parents were also asked for including nationality, occupation while respondent was growing up, and religious preference. Respondent's religiosity was also explored with questions about religious activities in their daily lives, as well as her own and her husband's religious preferences. Respondents were asked if they had attended Sunday school as a child and if their children currently attended Sunday school. Respondents were asked how many brothers and sisters they had while growing up as well as their attitude on the number of siblings in their household. Their attitude toward contraception was measured with questions that asked if it would be okay if couples did something to limit the number of pregnancies they had or to control the time when they get pregnant. They were also asked if they approved of couples using the rhythm method to keep from getting pregnant. They were also queried on what specific types of contraception they had used in the past and between pregnancies. Furthermore, they were asked if they ever used methods together. Fecundity was also explored with questions about whether they or their husband had had treatments or an operation that made them sterile. Respondents were also asked what they thought was the ideal number of children for the average American family. Desired family size was queried in a number of other ways including the number of children the respondent and her husband wanted before marriage, how many children the respondent wanted a year after the first child was born, and how many children the respondent expected in all.

Pakistan Average Number per Household: Children data was reported at 2.770 Person in 2016. This records a decrease from the previous number of 2.800 Person for 2014. Pakistan Average Number per Household: Children data is updated yearly, averaging 2.880 Person from Jun 2002 (Median) to 2016, with 8 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 3.310 Person in 2002 and a record low of 2.770 Person in 2016. Pakistan Average Number per Household: Children data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by Pakistan Bureau of Statistics. The data is categorized under Global Database’s Pakistan – Table PK.H005: Household Integrated Economic Survey: Average Numbers per Household.

Although the American Community Survey (ACS) produces population, demographic and housing unit estimates, the decennial census is the official source of population totals for April 1st of each decennial year. In between censuses, the Census Bureau's Population Estimates Program produces and disseminates the official estimates of the population for the nation, states, counties, cities, and towns and estimates of housing units and the group quarters population for states and counties..Information about the American Community Survey (ACS) can be found on the ACS website. Supporting documentation including code lists, subject definitions, data accuracy, and statistical testing, and a full list of ACS tables and table shells (without estimates) can be found on the Technical Documentation section of the ACS website.Sample size and data quality measures (including coverage rates, allocation rates, and response rates) can be found on the American Community Survey website in the Methodology section..Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 2023 American Community Survey 1-Year Estimates.ACS data generally reflect the geographic boundaries of legal and statistical areas as of January 1 of the estimate year. For more information, see Geography Boundaries by Year..Data are based on a sample and are subject to sampling variability. The degree of uncertainty for an estimate arising from sampling variability is represented through the use of a margin of error. The value shown here is the 90 percent margin of error. The margin of error can be interpreted roughly as providing a 90 percent probability that the interval defined by the estimate minus the margin of error and the estimate plus the margin of error (the lower and upper confidence bounds) contains the true value. In addition to sampling variability, the ACS estimates are subject to nonsampling error (for a discussion of nonsampling variability, see ACS Technical Documentation). The effect of nonsampling error is not represented in these tables..Users must consider potential differences in geographic boundaries, questionnaire content or coding, or other methodological issues when comparing ACS data from different years. Statistically significant differences shown in ACS Comparison Profiles, or in data users' own analysis, may be the result of these differences and thus might not necessarily reflect changes to the social, economic, housing, or demographic characteristics being compared. For more information, see Comparing ACS Data..Estimates of urban and rural populations, housing units, and characteristics reflect boundaries of urban areas defined based on 2020 Census data. As a result, data for urban and rural areas from the ACS do not necessarily reflect the results of ongoing urbanization..Explanation of Symbols:- The estimate could not be computed because there were an insufficient number of sample observations. For a ratio of medians estimate, one or both of the median estimates falls in the lowest interval or highest interval of an open-ended distribution. For a 5-year median estimate, the margin of error associated with a median was larger than the median itself.N The estimate or margin of error cannot be displayed because there were an insufficient number of sample cases in the selected geographic area. (X) The estimate or margin of error is not applicable or not available.median- The median falls in the lowest interval of an open-ended distribution (for example "2,500-")median+ The median falls in the highest interval of an open-ended distribution (for example "250,000+").** The margin of error could not be computed because there were an insufficient number of sample observations.*** The margin of error could not be computed because the median falls in the lowest interval or highest interval of an open-ended distribution.***** A margin of error is not appropriate because the corresponding estimate is controlled to an independent population or housing estimate. Effectively, the corresponding estimate has no sampling error and the margin of error may be treated as zero.

The 1955 Growth of American Families survey was the first in a series of surveys (later becoming the National Fertility Survey) that measured women's attitudes on various topics related to fertility and family planning. The sample was composed of 2,713 married women aged 18-39 living in the United States. The survey included the following main subjects: residence history, marital history, education, income, occupation and employment, religiosity, family background, attitude toward contraception, contraception use, pregnancies and births, fecundity, opinions on childbearing and rearing, and fertility expectations. Respondents were asked questions pertaining to their residence history, including if they owned or rented their home, and if they lived on a farm. A series of questions also dealt with the respondents' marital history, including when they first married and the month and year of subsequent marriages. Respondents were also asked to describe the level of education they had attained and that of their husbands. Respondents were also asked to give information with respect to income, both individual and household, and if their financial situation was better now compared to five years ago. Respondents were queried on their occupation, specifically on what exactly they did and in what kind of business. Similar questions were asked about their husbands' occupations. Also, they were asked what their reasons were for working. The survey sought information about the respondents' religious affiliation and with what frequency they attended church. Respondents were asked how many brothers and sisters they had as well as their attitude about the number of siblings in their household. Also included was a series of questions regarding the respondents' attitudes toward family planning. Respondents were asked if they and their husband thought it was acceptable for couples to use contraceptives to limit the size of their family. They were also queried about what specific methods of contraception they had used in the past, and after which pregnancy they started using a particular method. Respondents were asked whether they or their husband had had surgery to make them sterile and if there was any other reason to believe that they could not have children. Respondents were also asked if they thought raising a family was easier or harder now than when they were a child. Respondents were also asked what they believed was the ideal number of children for the average American family and what the ideal number of children would be, if at age 45, they could start their married life over. Other questions addressed how many children respondents expected to have before their family was completed and their reason for not wanting more or less than that number. Each respondent was also asked when she expected her next child.

Average Household Size: Members by Activity Status: Employed data was reported at 1.051 Person in 2016. This records an increase from the previous number of 1.023 Person for 2015. Average Household Size: Members by Activity Status: Employed data is updated yearly, averaging 1.030 Person from Dec 2006 (Median) to 2016, with 11 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 1.067 Person in 2011 and a record low of 1.000 Person in 2014. Average Household Size: Members by Activity Status: Employed data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by Swiss Federal Statistical Office. The data is categorized under Global Database’s Switzerland – Table CH.H011: Average Household Size.

Supporting documentation on code lists, subject definitions, data accuracy, and statistical testing can be found on the American Community Survey website in the Data and Documentation section...Sample size and data quality measures (including coverage rates, allocation rates, and response rates) can be found on the American Community Survey website in the Methodology section..Although the American Community Survey (ACS) produces population, demographic and housing unit estimates, for 2010, the 2010 Census provides the official counts of the population and housing units for the nation, states, counties, cities and towns. For 2006 to 2009, the Population Estimates Program provides intercensal estimates of the population for the nation, states, and counties..Explanation of Symbols:.An ''**'' entry in the margin of error column indicates that either no sample observations or too few sample observations were available to compute a standard error and thus the margin of error. A statistical test is not appropriate..An ''-'' entry in the estimate column indicates that either no sample observations or too few sample observations were available to compute an estimate, or a ratio of medians cannot be calculated because one or both of the median estimates falls in the lowest interval or upper interval of an open-ended distribution..An ''-'' following a median estimate means the median falls in the lowest interval of an open-ended distribution..An ''+'' following a median estimate means the median falls in the upper interval of an open-ended distribution..An ''***'' entry in the margin of error column indicates that the median falls in the lowest interval or upper interval of an open-ended distribution. A statistical test is not appropriate..An ''*****'' entry in the margin of error column indicates that the estimate is controlled. A statistical test for sampling variability is not appropriate. .An ''N'' entry in the estimate and margin of error columns indicates that data for this geographic area cannot be displayed because the number of sample cases is too small..An ''(X)'' means that the estimate is not applicable or not available..Estimates of urban and rural population, housing units, and characteristics reflect boundaries of urban areas defined based on Census 2000 data. Boundaries for urban areas have not been updated since Census 2000. As a result, data for urban and rural areas from the ACS do not necessarily reflect the results of ongoing urbanization..While the 2006-2010 American Community Survey (ACS) data generally reflect the December 2009 Office of Management and Budget (OMB) definitions of metropolitan and micropolitan statistical areas; in certain instances the names, codes, and boundaries of the principal cities shown in ACS tables may differ from the OMB definitions due to differences in the effective dates of the geographic entities..Data are based on a sample and are subject to sampling variability. The degree of uncertainty for an estimate arising from sampling variability is represented through the use of a margin of error. The value shown here is the 90 percent margin of error. The margin of error can be interpreted roughly as providing a 90 percent probability that the interval defined by the estimate minus the margin of error and the estimate plus the margin of error (the lower and upper confidence bounds) contains the true value. In addition to sampling variability, the ACS estimates are subject to nonsampling error (for a discussion of nonsampling variability, see Accuracy of the Data). The effect of nonsampling error is not represented in these tables..Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 2006-2010 American Community Survey

SELECTED SOCIAL CHARACTERISTICS IN THE UNITED STATES HOUSEHOLDS BY TYPE - DP02 Universe - Total households Survey-Program - American Community Survey 5-year estimates Years - 2020, 2021, 2022 The responses to this question were used to determine the relationships of all persons to the householder, as well as household type (married couple family, nonfamily, etc.). From responses to this question, we were able to determine numbers of related children, own children, unmarried partner households, and multigenerational households. We calculated average household and family size. When relationship was not reported, it was imputed using the age difference between the householder and the person, sex, and marital status.

Kid Leashes Market Outlook 2032

The global kid leashes market size was USD XX Billion in 2023 and is projected to reach USD XX Billion by 2032, expanding at a CAGR of XX% during 2024–2032. The market growth is attributed to the increasing awareness about child safety across the globe.



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Kid Leashes Market Dynamics

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Kids Underwear Market Outlook 2032

The global kids underwear market size was USD XX Billion in 2023 and is likely to reach USD XX Billion by 2032, expanding at a CAGR of XX% during 2024–2032. The market is propelled by the expansion of clothing industry.



Increasing awareness among parents about the importance of comfort and quality in children’s apparel is expected to drive the market during the assessment period. This segment has seen a significant shift towards fabrics that are soft, hypoallergenic, and free from harmful chemicals, catering to the delicate skin of children. The market is also witnessing a trend towards eco-friendly materials, as sustainability becomes a priority for consumers. This shift is creating opportunities for brands that emphasize organic and natural fabric choices, aligning with broader consumer preferences for environmentally responsible products.

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Although the American Community Survey (ACS) produces population, demographic and housing unit estimates, it is the Census Bureau's Population Estimates Program that produces and disseminates the official estimates of the population for the nation, states, counties, cities, and towns and estimates of housing units for states and counties..Supporting documentation on code lists, subject definitions, data accuracy, and statistical testing can be found on the American Community Survey website in the Technical Documentation section.Sample size and data quality measures (including coverage rates, allocation rates, and response rates) can be found on the American Community Survey website in the Methodology section..Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 2021 American Community Survey 1-Year Estimates.Data are based on a sample and are subject to sampling variability. The degree of uncertainty for an estimate arising from sampling variability is represented through the use of a margin of error. The value shown here is the 90 percent margin of error. The margin of error can be interpreted roughly as providing a 90 percent probability that the interval defined by the estimate minus the margin of error and the estimate plus the margin of error (the lower and upper confidence bounds) contains the true value. In addition to sampling variability, the ACS estimates are subject to nonsampling error (for a discussion of nonsampling variability, see ACS Technical Documentation). The effect of nonsampling error is not represented in these tables..Employment and unemployment estimates may vary from the official labor force data released by the Bureau of Labor Statistics because of differences in survey design and data collection. For guidance on differences in employment and unemployment estimates from different sources go to Labor Force Guidance..The 2021 American Community Survey (ACS) data generally reflect the March 2020 Office of Management and Budget (OMB) delineations of metropolitan and micropolitan statistical areas. In certain instances the names, codes, and boundaries of the principal cities shown in ACS tables may differ from the OMB delineations due to differences in the effective dates of the geographic entities..Estimates of urban and rural populations, housing units, and characteristics reflect boundaries of urban areas defined based on Census 2010 data. As a result, data for urban and rural areas from the ACS do not necessarily reflect the results of ongoing urbanization..Explanation of Symbols:- The estimate could not be computed because there were an insufficient number of sample observations. For a ratio of medians estimate, one or both of the median estimates falls in the lowest interval or highest interval of an open-ended distribution. For a 5-year median estimate, the margin of error associated with a median was larger than the median itself.N The estimate or margin of error cannot be displayed because there were an insufficient number of sample cases in the selected geographic area. (X) The estimate or margin of error is not applicable or not available.median- The median falls in the lowest interval of an open-ended distribution (for example "2,500-")median+ The median falls in the highest interval of an open-ended distribution (for example "250,000+").** The margin of error could not be computed because there were an insufficient number of sample observations.*** The margin of error could not be computed because the median falls in the lowest interval or highest interval of an open-ended distribution.***** A margin of error is not appropriate because the corresponding estimate is controlled to an independent population or housing estimate. Effectively, the corresponding estimate has no sampling error and the margin of error may be treated as zero.

In 2022, about 60 percent of Hispanic origin children lived with two married parents in the United States. On the other hand, about 4.3 percent of Hispanic origin children in the country lived with their father only.