When you examine U.S Census data from 2015 (published in 2018), the actual single parent statistics may surprise you. Let’s take a look…
Single Parents by the Numbers
According to Custodial Mothers and Fathers and Their Child Support: 2015, a report released by the U.S Census Bureau every two years, there are approximately 13.6 million single parents in the United States today, and those parents are responsible for raising 22.4 million children. This number represents approximately 27% of children under 21 in the U.S. today. Despite negative assumptions that most single moms “selfishly” chose to raise their kids solo, the majority of individuals raising children alone started out in committed relationships and never expected to be single parents.
The Typical Single Parent
Here’s a picture of the “typical” single parent, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.
She’s a Single Mother
The presumption that most single parents are mothers is accurate. According to the Census data, approximately 80.4% of custodial parents are mothers, and 19.6% of custodial parents (approximately 1 in 5) are fathers.
She’s Divorced or Separated
The assumption that “most” single mothers are single from the outset is false. Of the mothers who are custodial parents:
1.2% were widowed 15.7% are married; in most cases, these numbers represent women who have remarried 40.6% are currently divorced or separated 42.6% have never been married
She’s Employed
Another assumption about single moms is that most are unemployed. Again, that notion is not true according to the Census data. Statistics show that 50% of custodial single mothers are gainfully employed (work full time year-round) and 19.9% did not have a job.
She and Her Children Do Not Live in Poverty
One single-parent family in poverty is one too many, but according to the U.S Census data, poverty isn’t the norm for most single-parent families. Nonetheless, the poverty rate for single-parent families was 10% higher than the U.S. average, according to the Census. Additionally:
16.7% of custodial single fathers and their children lived in poverty29.2% of custodial single mothers and their children lived in poverty
She Does Not Receive Public Assistance
Another assumption about single moms is that “most” receive government assistance. According to the actual data:
30.5% of custodial fathers received some form of government assistance 36.6% received SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) benefits 48.5% of custodial mothers received some form of government assistance in 2015
She’s 40 Years Old or Older
Another assumption about single moms is that “most” are young. According to the actual data, 40.1% of custodial mothers are 40 years old or older.
She’s Raising One Child
Finally, another assumption about single moms is that “most” are raising multiple children. In reality:
46.4% have two or more children living with them 55.2% of custodial parents are raising one child from the absent parent
While these numbers give a snapshot, they don’t tell the real story about what it means to be a single parent. For every story you hear about a single mom or dad abusing government benefits or living up to some other negative stereotype, remember that those behaviors don’t reflect the reality most single-parent families face. If you want to know more, ignore the stereotypes altogether and get to know the single mom who lives next door or whose children attend the same school as your own kids. First-hand experience is the best way to buck these widely held stereotypes and build a community of support in their place!
