45 Single Parent Statistics You Can’t Ignore: 2024 Gender, Race & Challenges

Since the 1960s, there has been an increase in the share of American households led by single parents. The rise in single parenthood can be attributed to many factors, including changing perceptions about marriage and divorce. The attitude of society towards single parenthood is also a factor. Single parent statistics show there is growing acceptance of single parents not seen in previous decades.

In this article, we have put together this compilation of data to shed light on the patterns and trends of this phenomenon. This is especially relevant at a time when single parents face greater economic pressure than other parents due to the pandemic. From the demographics of single parents to the effects of the pandemic on single parents, these statistics will paint a picture of who the modern-day single parent is.

1. General Single Parent Households Statistics

According to a Pew Research study, the United States has the highest number of children living in single parent households. In contrast, countries like Mali, Afghanistan, Turkey, Vietnam, and Japan recorded only single-digit percentages in single parent households. Out of all states, Mississippi stands out as the one with the highest percentage of single parent households. It also has the highest percentage of single-mom households while Alaska holds the highest percentage of single-dad households.

Global single parent statistics

• On average, 6.8% of children around the world under the age of 18 live in a single parent household. (Pew Research, 2019)
• The second highest country with the most children in single parent households is the UK (21%), followed by Russia (18%), and Sao Tome and Principe (19%). (Pew Research, 2019)
• Conversely, the lowest percentages of single parent households are recorded in Mali (1%), Afghanistan (1%), and Turkey (2%). (Pew Research, 2019)
• Among OECD countries, Latvia has the highest proportion of children living with a single parent. (OECD Soical Policy Division, 2020)
• In EU countries, 11% of households with a single adult and dependent children are headed by women compared to only 3% of households that are headed by men. (European Parliament, 2020)
• The United Nations estimates that there are over 100 million single mothers all over the world. (UN Women, 2020)

Single parent statistics in the U.S.

• Over 18.5 million children in the U.S. lived with a single mother or father. (U.S. Census Bureau, 2020)
• Approximately five million children in the US aged five and under live in a single parent household. (Center for Translational Neuroscience at the University of Oregon, 2020)
• Almost one-fourth (23%) of children in the US under the age of 18 live with one parent and no other adult, which is the highest in the world. US figures of children in single parent households are more than three times the number of children around the world under similar living arrangements. (Pew Research, 2019)
• Half of all children in the US live with a single parent. (The Harvard Gazette, 2020)
• On the other hand, one in three children spends time living with an extended relative. (The Harvard Gazette, 2020)
• Single parent households in Mississippi comprise 11% of the total households, the highest among all states. The Hospitality State has the highest percentage of single-mom households in the US at 9.2%. (Stacker, 2021)
• On the other hand, Montana has the least number of single-mom households in the US, comprising only 4.5% of households. (Stacker, 2021)
• Washington, D.C. has the lowest percentage of single-dad households at 1.4%. (Stacker, 2021)
• Meanwhile, Alaska holds the record of the state with the highest percentage of single-dad homes. (Stacker, 2021)

2. Single Parent Statistics by Gender

The decline in two-married-parent households has led to the prevalence of single-mom and single-dad households. However, single parent statistics by gender show that there are more women than men who are single parents. Consequently, more children stay with their mothers than their fathers in the US. Meanwhile, unpartnered fathers showed higher percentages of presence in the workplace than unpartnered mothers. Unpartnered fathers were less impacted by the pandemic compared to unpartnered women in the workplace.

• Some 19 million children below the age of 18 live with a single parent, while 15 million children live with two parents. (U.S. Census Bureau, 2020)
• There are about 15.3 million children in the United States who lived with a single mother while there are only 3.2 million children who live with a single father. (U.S. Census Bureau, 2020)
• There are 14.84 million families with a single mother in the US. On the other hand, there are 6.5 million families with a single father in the US. (U.S. Census Bureau, 2020)
• Women aged 35 to 39 in the US have a 9% likelihood of living as single parents. In contrast, men in the US only have a 2% likelihood to live as single parents. (Pew Research, 2019).
• During the pandemic, the share of unpartnered mothers who are working in the US dropped to 67.4% in September 2020 compared to 76.1% in September 2019. Unpartnered parents include those who have never been married, are not cohabiting, are not widowed or separated, or are married but have an absent spouse. (Pew Research, 2020)
• On the other hand, the share of unpartnered fathers who are working in the US dropped by 86.1% in September 2020 compared to 91.1% in September 2019. (Pew Research, 2020)

3. Single Parent Statistics by Race

When it comes to single parent statistics by race, US census data shows that the predominant ethnicity of single parent mothers and fathers is white non-Hispanic. This is followed by African American single mothers then Hispanic single mothers. The ethnicity with the least number of single parents are Asians. In terms of the poverty levels of single-mom households by ethnicity, white non-Hispanic and Asian women fare better than Native American, African American, and Latina single mothers.

• There were 6.6 million white, non-Hispanic families with a single mother in the US. (Statista, 2019)
• There are 3.29 million Hispanic families with single mothers in the US. (US Census Bureau, 2019).
• There are 4.14 million African American families with a single mother in the US. (US Census Bureau, 2019)
• There are 543,000 Asian families with a single mother in the US. (US Census Bureau, 2019)
• There are 3.3 million white, non-Hispanic families with single fathers in the US. (U.S. Census Bureau, 2019)
• There are 1.5 million Hispanic families with a single father in the US. (US Census Bureau, 2019)
• There are 1.05 million African American families with a single father in the US. (US Census Bureau, 2019)
• There are 375,000 Asian families with a single father in the US. (US Census Bureau, 2019)
• The share of white unpartnered mothers working in the US fell from 78.8% in September 2019 to 73% in September 2020. On the other hand, the share of African American unpartnered mothers at work dropped from 72.5% to 62% while the share of Hispanic unpartnered mothers at work fell from 76.5% to 65.8%. (Pew Research, 2020)
• 64% of children in single parent households are Black or African-American. On the other hand, 52% are American Indian and 42% are Hispanic or Latino. (The Annie E. Casey Foundation, 2019)

4. Challenges that Single Parents Face

Being a single parent poses challenges to a parent’s resources to provide for a child. The costs of childcare and household expenses are borne alone by the parent, which can put a strain on a single parent’s finances. Single parent statistics census shows that single parent families struggle with poverty, with single mothers being in a worse position than single fathers. It also certainly does not help that childcare costs are expensive. What is more, college trends also show that tuition fees are ballooning over the past few years.

• Three in five poor children in the US. (60%) lived in families headed by unwed mothers. (National Women’s Law Center, 2020)
• There were 440,000 families headed by unwed mothers that are classified as poor. They comprise 10% of families with a householder who worked full-time. (National Women’s Law Center, 2020)
• Families with children headed by unwed mothers have a poverty rate of 31% while those headed by an unwed father had a poverty rate of 15%. The lowest poverty rate is 5% for families headed by a married couple. (National Women’s Law Center, 2020)
• Over 3.3 million single mothers in the US living below the federal poverty level have never married. On the other hand, 1.09 million single mothers are divorced; 853,000 are separated; 333,000 have absent spouses, and 137,000 are widowed. (U.S. Census Bureau, 2019)
• Income inequality is seen to be a huge factor in raising kids. In fact, there are 78,000 Asian families with a single mothers in the US who live below the poverty level. (US Census Bureau, 2019)
• The poverty rate for families of unmarried mothers who are of color is highest among Native Americans at 43%. This is followed by unmarried mothers who are African American (35%), Latino (34%), non-Hispanic White (26%), and Asian (22%). (National Women’s Law Center, 2020)
• There are 746,000 poor families with a single father in the US who live below the poverty level. (US Census Bureau, 2019)
• On average, single parent households spend 34% of their household income on child care. On the other hand, families usually spend over 10% of their household income on child-care costs for a single child. (CNBC, 2020)
• In the US, families spend an average of $9,200 to $9,600 per child. Childcare is most expensive in the Northeast ($26,155), followed by the West ($21, 483). Meanwhile, families spend the least on childcare in the South ($19,069) followed by the Midwest ($19,306). (CNBC, 2020)

5. Effect of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Single Parent Households

Single parenthood is not an easy road to take. The onset of the pandemic has even made it more difficult for single parents to look after themselves and their children. According to a study, single parents in the US reported higher levels of stress and anxiety compared to other households. These stressors can come from the effects of being new to the remote work setup or being unemployed, which are experienced more by single parents, as well as a decline in income and loss of employment benefits. It appears that there are also many effects of single parent households on children that are further affected by the pandemic such as behavioral problems.

Effect on Parents and Children

• Single parents reported higher levels of stress (59.1%) during the pandemic compared to parents from other households (53.4%). They also reported higher levels of anxiety (43.2%), depression (35.1%), and loneliness 54.9% compared to parents from other households. (Center for Translational Neuroscience at the University of Oregon, 2020)
• During the pandemic, children of single-parent households reported more behavioral problems (55.6%) than children from other households (50.5%). These children also report experiencing more anxiety (32.2%) than other households (25.4%). (Center for Translational Neuroscience at the University of Oregon, 2020)
• More single parents (32%) have become unemployed during the pandemic than other households (25%). (Center for Translational Neuroscience at the University of Oregon, 2020)
• Hiring statistics show that the number of single mothers with jobs was 22% lower in April 2020 compared to April 2019. Single-mom employment rates were also 9% lower than other parents with children. (Nonprofit Quarterly, 2020)

Effect on Household Expenses

• The costs of childcare have increased by 47% in the US, making it hard for single parents to work during the early months of the pandemic. (Center for Translational Neuroscience at the University of Oregon, 2020)
• The percentage of single parents who struggle to pay for food and housing utilities (33%) has nearly doubled during the pandemic. (Center for Translational Neuroscience at the University of Oregon, 2020)
• On the other hand, the percentage of single parents who are experiencing difficulty in paying for childcare (11%) has nearly tripled during the pandemic. (Center for Translational Neuroscience at the University of Oregon, 2020)
• Out of all household expenses, single-parent households had the most difficulty in paying for utilities (56.5%), followed by housing (50.6%), then food (46.7%). (Center for Translational Neuroscience at the University of Oregon, 2020)
• One in five mothers who don’t live with a spouse or partner found housework and childcare more challenging during the pandemic. This is because they are more likely than other parents to do all the housework and childcare by themselves. Single mothers are also more likely than other mothers to cite financial insecurity as their top concern. (McKinsey & Company, 2020)
• Single parent households reported a higher percentage of temporary or permanent layoff of the household head (23.2%) compared to other households. They were also more likely to report a decline in household income (42.1%) and loss of health insurance, sick leave, and other employee benefits (13.2%). (Liberty Street Economics, 2020)
• Single parent households were more likely to cut back spending overall (73.5%), postpone in-person healthcare visits to doctors and hospitals (62.1%), and cancel summer trips or camps (50.3%). (Liberty Street Economics, 2020)

The Pros and Cons of Single Parenthood

They say it takes a village to take a child, but single parents upend this adage by taking on the task of child-rearing alone. The reality is that with no one to share the effort and resources for rearing a child, being a single parent poses a challenge to a single parent’s finances and well-being. The current pandemic has only magnified the difficulties of being the sole financial provider in the household.

The good news is that there is less stigma about being a single parent nowadays. And even with the burgeoning costs of childcare and other household expenses, the rewards of being a parent and the joy that children bring cannot be quantified in monetary terms. As such, being a single parent can be thought of as an accomplishment in itself, regardless of the occasional bumps along the way.

Key Insights

• Increase in Single Parenthood: Since the 1960s, there has been a significant rise in single-parent households in the U.S., influenced by changing attitudes towards marriage and divorce.
• Global Comparison: The U.S. has the highest number of children living in single-parent households globally, with 23% of children under 18 living with a single parent.
• Gender Disparity: Single mothers far outnumber single fathers in the U.S., with 15.3 million children living with single mothers compared to 3.2 million with single fathers.
• Racial Disparities: White non-Hispanic families have the highest number of single-parent households, followed by African American and Hispanic families. Asian families have the least number of single-parent households.
• Economic Challenges: Single-parent families, especially those led by single mothers, face higher rates of poverty compared to two-parent households. Single mothers are particularly vulnerable to financial difficulties.
• Impact of COVID-19: The pandemic has exacerbated the challenges faced by single parents, leading to higher levels of stress, anxiety, and financial strain. Single parents have also experienced higher rates of unemployment and difficulty in affording basic necessities.
• Childcare Costs: Childcare costs are a significant burden for single-parent households, often consuming a large portion of their income. The pandemic has increased these costs, further straining single parents’ finances.

FAQ

1. What is the prevalence of single-parent households in the U.S.?

   The U.S. has the highest number of children living in single-parent households globally, with 23% of children under 18 living with a single parent.

2. How do single-parent households compare globally?

   While 23% of children in the U.S. live in single-parent households, countries like the UK (21%), Russia (18%), and Denmark (17%) also have high percentages. In contrast, countries like Mali, Afghanistan, and Turkey have single-digit percentages.

3. Are there more single mothers or single fathers in the U.S.?

   There are significantly more single mothers than single fathers in the U.S. Approximately 15.3 million children live with single mothers, while only 3.2 million live with single fathers.

4. Which racial group has the highest number of single-parent households in the U.S.?

   White non-Hispanic families have the highest number of single-parent households, followed by African American and Hispanic families.

5. What are the economic challenges faced by single parents?

   Single-parent families, especially those led by single mothers, face higher rates of poverty compared to two-parent households. Childcare costs and household expenses are significant financial burdens for single parents.

6. How has the COVID-19 pandemic affected single-parent households?

   The pandemic has increased the financial strain on single-parent households, leading to higher levels of stress, anxiety, and unemployment. Single parents have also reported greater difficulty in affording basic necessities and childcare.

7. What percentage of single-parent households in the U.S. live in poverty?

   Families with children headed by unwed mothers have a poverty rate of 31%, while those headed by an unwed father have a poverty rate of 15%. The lowest poverty rate is 5% for families headed by a married couple.

8. How do childcare costs impact single-parent households?

   On average, single-parent households spend 34% of their household income on childcare. The pandemic has increased these costs by 47%, making it even harder for single parents to afford childcare.

9. What is the impact of single parenthood on children?

   Children of single-parent households reported higher levels of behavioral problems and anxiety during the pandemic compared to children from two-parent households.

10. Is there still stigma associated with being a single parent?

    While there is less stigma about being a single parent today compared to previous decades, single parents still face unique challenges and societal pressures.

References:

1. Aggarwal-Schifellite, M. (2020). Two-parent homes aren’t the key for all. Retrieved from The Harvard Gazette
2. Armantier, O., Koşar, G., Pomerantz, R., & Van Der Klaauw, W. (2020). The Disproportionate Effects of COVID-19 on Households with Children. Retrieved from Liberty Street Economics
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4. Bhatt, A. (2020). Expert’s take: By undercounting single mothers, we underserve families. Retrieved from UN Women
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20. US Census Bureau (2019). Number of Asian families with a single mother U.S. 2002-2019. Retrieved from Statista
21. US Census Bureau (2019). Number of white, non-Hispanic families with a male householder and no spouse present in the U.S. from 1990 to 2019. Retrieved from Statista
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26. US Census Bureau (2019). Poverty status of children living with single mothers, by marital status in U.S. 2019. Retrieved from Statista

By Louie Andre

B2B & SaaS market analyst and senior writer for FinancesOnline. He is most interested in project management solutions, believing all businesses are a work in progress. From pitch deck to exit strategy, he is no stranger to project business hiccups and essentials. He has been involved in a few internet startups including a digital route planner for a triple A affiliate. His advice to vendors and users alike? "Think of benefits, not features."