Story and Visualization by Melanie Kiper | Updated 1/20/2021
The composition of the members of a household affects what type and amount of social and economic resources are available within the household. This is turn impacts the demand for economic and social support services. For example, the growth in single-parent families beginning in the 1960s increased the need for economic welfare programs.
Research shows that children in married couple households have better socio-economic statistics. For example, in Nebraska while the poverty rate is 14.1% among all children, it is one-third that (4.8%) among children in married couple families and over twice that (34.3%) for children living with a mother only.
By looking at the states and metros with lower rates of children in married couple households, we can identify areas with potential need for support services. The District of Columbia has the lowest percentage of children in married couple households, followed by Mississippi, Louisiana, and New Mexico. For metro areas, those with the lowest percentage area Macon-Bibb County, Georgia; Memphis, Tennessee-Mississippi-Arkansas; and Shreveport-Bossier City, Louisiana.
Percentage of Children Under Age 18 Living in Married Couple Households for U.S. States and Metros: 2015-2019
Percentage of Children Under Age 18 in Married Couple Households for U.S. States: 2015-2019
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates, 2015-2019, Table B09005.