America Counts: Stories Behind the Numbers

Living Arrangements of Young Parents: Solo, With Spouse, Partner or Parent

The average age of U.S. women who gave birth for the first time was 26.9 in 2018, but many became parents much earlier: There were 1.8 million biological parents ages 15-22 and roughly half were living with a spouse or unmarried partner, according to the Census Bureau’s 2018 Survey of Income and Program Participation (SIPP).

SIPP collects full fertility histories from both men and women ages 15 and over and provides a unique window into the households and relationships of young parents.

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Are they married or with a partner? Alone or living with their own parents?

About one-fifth (22.7%) of young parents in the U.S. lived with a spouse and an additional 30% with a partner in 2018.

Continue reading to learn more about:

  • Relationships of young parents

  • Living arrangements of young parents and their children

  • Solo parenting

  • About SIPP

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CHA Washington