The Increase in Small Families

The Increase in Small Families in the United States The number of small families in the United States has increased dramatically over the past few decades. According to U.S. Census Bureau statistics, the average American household now has only 2.62 people, compared to 4.93 in 1890 and 3.37 in 1950. There are several reasons for this statistic. One is that couples are simply having fewer children. Another is the coinciding rise in the divorce rate. Yet another is the …

…these single parents raise their child or children alone, which adds to the number of small families and brings the average household number down. Purposefully smaller families, rising divorce rates, and more births out of wedlock are three key reasons why there are so many small families in the United States today. They are part of the reason families have been shrinking and most likely will continue to do so well into the new millennium.