This graph shows the total number of families in the United States from 1960 to 2023. In 2023, 84.33 million families were living in the United States.

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.

How many households are in the U.S.?

In 2023, there were 131.43 million households in the United States. This is a significant increase from 1960, when there were 52.8 million households in the U.S.

What counts as a household?

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, a household is considered to be all persons living within one housing unit. This includes apartments, houses, or single rooms, and consists of both related and unrelated people living together. For example, two roommates who share a living space but are not related would be considered a household in the eyes of the Census. It should be noted that group living quarters, such as college dorms, are not counted as households in the Census.

Household changes

While the population of the United States has been increasing, the average size of households in the U.S. has decreased since 1960. In 1960, there was an average of 3.33 people per household, but in 2023, this figure had decreased to 2.51 people per household. Additionally, two person households make up the majority of American households, followed closely by single-person households.

About this dataset

Context

The dataset presents a breakdown of households across various income brackets in United States, as reported by the U.S. Census Bureau. The Census Bureau classifies households into different categories, including total households, family households, and non-family households. Our analysis of U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey data for United States reveals how household income distribution varies among these categories. The dataset highlights the variation in number of households with income, offering valuable insights into the distribution of United States households based on income levels.

Key observations

• For Family Households: In United States, the majority of family households, representing 14.18%, earn $75,000 to $99,999, showcasing a substantial share of the community families falling within this income bracket. Conversely, the minority of family households, comprising 2.01%, have incomes falling $150,000 to $199,999, representing a smaller but still significant segment of the community.
• For Non-Family Households: In United States, the majority of non-family households, accounting for 10.55%, have income Less than $10,000, indicating that a substantial portion of non-family households falls within this income bracket. On the other hand, the minority of non-family households, comprising 3.26%, earn $150,000 to $199,999, representing a smaller, yet notable, portion of non-family households in the community.

Content

When available, the data consists of estimates from the U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS) 2017-2021 5-Year Estimates.

Income Levels:

• Less than $10,000
• $10,000 to $14,999
• $15,000 to $19,999
• $20,000 to $24,999
• $25,000 to $29,999
• $30,000 to $34,999
• $35,000 to $39,999
• $40,000 to $44,999
• $45,000 to $49,999
• $50,000 to $59,999
• $60,000 to $74,999
• $75,000 to $99,999
• $125,000 to $149,999
• $150,000 to $199,999
• $200,000 or more

Variables / Data Columns

• Income Level: The income level represents the income brackets ranging from Less than $10,000 to $200,000 or more in United States (As mentioned above).
• All Households: Count of households for the specified income level
• % All Households: Percentage of households at the specified income level relative to the total households in United States
• Family Households: Count of family households for the specified income level
• % Family Households: Percentage of family households at the specified income level relative to the total family households in United States
• Non-Family Households: Count of non-family households for the specified income level
• % Non-Family Households: Percentage of non-family households at the specified income level relative to the total non-family households in United States

Good to know

Margin of Error

Data in the dataset are based on the estimates and are subject to sampling variability and thus a margin of error. Neilsberg Research recommends using caution when presening these estimates in your research.

Custom data

If you do need custom data for any of your research project, report or presentation, you can contact our research staff at research@neilsberg.com for a feasibility of a custom tabulation on a fee-for-service basis.

Inspiration

Neilsberg Research Team curates, analyze and publishes demographics and economic data from a variety of public and proprietary sources, each of which often includes multiple surveys and programs. The large majority of Neilsberg Research aggregated datasets and insights is made available for free download at https://www.neilsberg.com/research/.

Recommended for further research

This dataset is a part of the main dataset for United States median household income. You can refer the same here

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.

View monthly updates and historical trends for US Households. from United States. Source: Census Bureau. Track economic data with YCharts analytics.

About this dataset

Context

The dataset presents a breakdown of households across various income brackets in United States, as reported by the U.S. Census Bureau. The Census Bureau classifies households into different categories, including total households, family households, and non-family households. Our analysis of U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey data for United States reveals how household income distribution varies among these categories. The dataset highlights the variation in number of households with income, offering valuable insights into the distribution of United States households based on income levels.

Key observations

• For Family Households: In United States, the majority of family households, representing 16.34%, earn $200,000 or more, showcasing a substantial share of the community families falling within this income bracket. Conversely, the minority of family households, comprising 1.72%, have incomes falling $125,000 to $149,999, representing a smaller but still significant segment of the community.
• For Non-Family Households: In United States, the majority of non-family households, accounting for 10.71%, have income $75,000 to $99,999, indicating that a substantial portion of non-family households falls within this income bracket. On the other hand, the minority of non-family households, comprising 3.96%, earn $125,000 to $149,999, representing a smaller, yet notable, portion of non-family households in the community.

Content

When available, the data consists of estimates from the U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS) 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates.

Income Levels:

• Less than $10,000
• $10,000 to $14,999
• $15,000 to $19,999
• $20,000 to $24,999
• $25,000 to $29,999
• $30,000 to $34,999
• $35,000 to $39,999
• $40,000 to $44,999
• $45,000 to $49,999
• $50,000 to $59,999
• $60,000 to $74,999
• $75,000 to $99,999
• $125,000 to $149,999
• $150,000 to $199,999
• $200,000 or more

Variables / Data Columns

• Income Level: The income level represents the income brackets ranging from Less than $10,000 to $200,000 or more in United States (As mentioned above).
• All Households: Count of households for the specified income level
• % All Households: Percentage of households at the specified income level relative to the total households in United States
• Family Households: Count of family households for the specified income level
• % Family Households: Percentage of family households at the specified income level relative to the total family households in United States
• Non-Family Households: Count of non-family households for the specified income level
• % Non-Family Households: Percentage of non-family households at the specified income level relative to the total non-family households in United States

Good to know

Margin of Error

Data in the dataset are based on the estimates and are subject to sampling variability and thus a margin of error. Neilsberg Research recommends using caution when presening these estimates in your research.

Custom data

If you do need custom data for any of your research project, report or presentation, you can contact our research staff at research@neilsberg.com for a feasibility of a custom tabulation on a fee-for-service basis.

Inspiration

Neilsberg Research Team curates, analyze and publishes demographics and economic data from a variety of public and proprietary sources, each of which often includes multiple surveys and programs. The large majority of Neilsberg Research aggregated datasets and insights is made available for free download at https://www.neilsberg.com/research/.

Recommended for further research

This dataset is a part of the main dataset for United States median household income. You can refer the same here

In 2021, there were about 83.91 million family households counted in the United States. Of those households, approximately 12.62 million had a female householder with children.

Poverty Status Of Families By Household Type By Number Of Workers In Family Report based on US Census and American Community Survey Data.

The Survey of Consumer Finances (SCF) is normally a triennial cross-sectional survey of U.S. families. The survey data include information on families' balance sheets, pensions, income, and demographic characteristics.

United States - Total Households was 132216.00000 Thous. in January of 2024, according to the United States Federal Reserve. Historically, United States - Total Households reached a record high of 132216.00000 in January of 2024 and a record low of 34949.00000 in January of 1940. Trading Economics provides the current actual value, an historical data chart and related indicators for United States - Total Households - last updated from the United States Federal Reserve on November of 2025.

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.

The National Survey of America’s Families (NSAF) is part of The Urban Institute’s Assessing the New Federalism project. Its purpose is to track the effects of recent federal policy changes decentralizing many social programs, and to provide a comprehensive look at the well-being of children and non-elderly adults. The survey provides quantitative measures of child, adult and family well-being in America, with an emphasis on persons in low-income families. The survey gathers data on economic, health and social characteristics of children and families in order to estimate well-being. Specific topics include: participation in government programs; employment; earnings and income; economic hardship; educational attainment; training; family structure; housing arrangements; health insurance coverage; access to and use of health services; health status; psychological well-being; participation in religious and volunteer activities; knowledge of social services; and attitudes about work, welfare, health care and childbearing. In 2002, interviews were conducted with more than 40,000 families, yielding information on more than 100,000 people. Earlier rounds of the survey were conducted in 1997 and 1999

Content

Household is an occupied housing unit. Householder is a person in whose name the housing unit is rented or owned. This person must be at least 15 years old. Family household is a household in which there is at least 1 person present who is related to the householder by birth, marriage or adoption. Family is used to refer to a family household. In general, family consists of those related to each other by birth, marriage or adoption.

This data uses the householder's person weight to describe characteristics of people living in households. As a result, estimates of the number of households do not match estimates of households from the Housing Vacancy Survey (HVS). The HVS is weighted to housing units, rather than the population, in order to more accurately estimate the number of occupied and vacant housing units. For more information about the source and accuracy statement of the Annual Social and Economic Supplement (ASEC) of the Current Population Survey (CPS) see the technical documentation accessible at: http://www.census.gov/programs-surveys/cps/technical-documentation/complete.html

Context

This is a dataset from the U.S. Census Bureau hosted by the Federal Reserve Economic Database (FRED). FRED has a data platform found here and they update their information according the amount of data that is brought in. Explore the U.S. Census Bureau using Kaggle and all of the data sources available through the U.S. Census Bureau organization page!

• Update Frequency: This dataset is updated daily.

• Observation Start: 1950-01-01

• Observation End : 2019-01-01

Acknowledgements

This dataset is maintained using FRED's API and Kaggle's API.

Graph and download economic data for Household Estimates (TTLHHM156N) from Apr 1955 to Jun 2025 about households and USA.

Graph and download economic data for Real Median Family Income in the United States (MEFAINUSA672N) from 1953 to 2024 about family, median, income, real, and USA.

Graph and download economic data for Household Count in the Bottom 50% (1st to 50th Wealth Percentiles) (WFRBLB50300) from Q3 1989 to Q2 2025 about 1 to 49, wealth, percentile, households, and USA.

The Reports of the American Indian Family History Project was a study aimed at examining demographic trends among Native Americans families during the late 1800s and early 1900s utilizing census data, collected by the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) and the Census Bureau. Specifically, this study observed the behavior of Native American families from the Colville, Creek, Crow, Hopi, and White Earth Chippewa tribes at the time of the 1885, 1900, 1910, and 1930 censuses, although data were not available for all tribes in all years. Common among each dataset in the collection are variables on the respondent's age, sex, and family size. Also appearing in each dataset in the collection are variables describing the respondent's relation to the head of his or her household, number of children born to the respondent, and the familial status of the respondent's mother, father, and spouse. The data from 1900 and 1910 include socioeconomic variables relating to occupation, education, and home ownership. Also unique to the 1900 and 1910 data are variables that more specifically categorize the race and ethnicity of the respondent. Language and marital status variables appear in the 1900, 1910, and 1930 data as well.

United States Number of Households: Non Family: Female data was reported at 23,481.000 Unit th in 2018. This records an increase from the previous number of 22,858.000 Unit th for 2017. United States Number of Households: Non Family: Female data is updated yearly, averaging 13,031.000 Unit th from Mar 1947 (Median) to 2018, with 72 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 23,481.000 Unit th in 2018 and a record low of 2,705.000 Unit th in 1948. United States Number of Households: Non Family: Female data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by US Census Bureau. The data is categorized under Global Database’s United States – Table US.H050: Number of Households.

About this dataset

Context

The dataset presents a breakdown of households across various income brackets in Many, LA, as reported by the U.S. Census Bureau. The Census Bureau classifies households into different categories, including total households, family households, and non-family households. Our analysis of U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey data for Many, LA reveals how household income distribution varies among these categories. The dataset highlights the variation in number of households with income, offering valuable insights into the distribution of Many households based on income levels.

Key observations

• For Family Households: In Many, the majority of family households, representing 26.43%, earn Less than $10,000, showcasing a substantial share of the community families falling within this income bracket. Conversely, the minority of family households, comprising 0.0%, have incomes falling $45,000 to $49,999, representing a smaller but still significant segment of the community.
• For Non-Family Households: In Many, the majority of non-family households, accounting for 34.44%, have income Less than $10,000, indicating that a substantial portion of non-family households falls within this income bracket. On the other hand, the minority of non-family households, comprising 0.0%, earn $45,000 to $49,999, representing a smaller, yet notable, portion of non-family households in the community.

Content

When available, the data consists of estimates from the U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS) 2017-2021 5-Year Estimates.

Income Levels:

• Less than $10,000
• $10,000 to $14,999
• $15,000 to $19,999
• $20,000 to $24,999
• $25,000 to $29,999
• $30,000 to $34,999
• $35,000 to $39,999
• $40,000 to $44,999
• $45,000 to $49,999
• $50,000 to $59,999
• $60,000 to $74,999
• $75,000 to $99,999
• $125,000 to $149,999
• $150,000 to $199,999
• $200,000 or more

Variables / Data Columns

• Income Level: The income level represents the income brackets ranging from Less than $10,000 to $200,000 or more in Many, LA (As mentioned above).
• All Households: Count of households for the specified income level
• % All Households: Percentage of households at the specified income level relative to the total households in Many, LA
• Family Households: Count of family households for the specified income level
• % Family Households: Percentage of family households at the specified income level relative to the total family households in Many, LA
• Non-Family Households: Count of non-family households for the specified income level
• % Non-Family Households: Percentage of non-family households at the specified income level relative to the total non-family households in Many, LA

Good to know

Margin of Error

Data in the dataset are based on the estimates and are subject to sampling variability and thus a margin of error. Neilsberg Research recommends using caution when presening these estimates in your research.

Custom data

If you do need custom data for any of your research project, report or presentation, you can contact our research staff at research@neilsberg.com for a feasibility of a custom tabulation on a fee-for-service basis.

Inspiration

Neilsberg Research Team curates, analyze and publishes demographics and economic data from a variety of public and proprietary sources, each of which often includes multiple surveys and programs. The large majority of Neilsberg Research aggregated datasets and insights is made available for free download at https://www.neilsberg.com/research/.

Recommended for further research

This dataset is a part of the main dataset for Many median household income. You can refer the same here