x(1125).png?593372887 "U.S.: Average Family Size, by year"){kind=logo}
| Year | Average number of people, per family |
|---|---|
| 2022 | 3.13 |
| 2021 | 3.13 |
| 2020 | 3.15 |
| 2019 | 3.14 |
| 2018 | 3.14 |
| 2017 | 3.14 |
| 2016 | 3.14 |
| 2015 | 3.14 |
| 2014 | 3.13 |
| 2013 | 3.12 |
| 2012 | 3.13 |
| 2011 | 3.18 |
| 2010 | 3.16 |
| 2009 | 3.15 |
| 2008 | 3.15 |
| 2007 | 3.13 |
| 2006 | 3.13 |
| 2005 | 3.13 |
| 2004 | 3.13 |
| 2003 | 3.13 |
| 2002 | 3.15 |
| 2001 | 3.14 |
| 2000 | 3.17 |
| 1999 | 3.18 |
| 1998 | 3.18 |
| 1997 | 3.19 |
| 1996 | 3.20 |
| 1995 | 3.19 |
| 1994 | 3.20 |
| 1993 | 3.16 |
| 1992 | 3.17 |
| 1991 | 3.18 |
| 1990 | 3.17 |
| 1989 | 3.16 |
| 1988 | 3.17 |
| 1987 | 3.19 |
| 1986 | 3.21 |
| 1985 | 3.23 |
| 1984 | 3.24 |
| 1983 | 3.26 |
| 1982 | 3.25 |
| 1981 | 3.27 |
| 1980 | 3.29 |
| 1979 | 3.31 |
| 1978 | 3.33 |
| 1977 | 3.37 |
| 1976 | 3.39 |
| 1975 | 3.42 |
| 1974 | 3.44 |
| 1973 | 3.48 |
| 1972 | 3.53 |
| 1971 | 3.57 |
| 1970 | 3.58 |
| 1960 | 3.67 |
- Region: United States
- Time period: 1960 to 2022
- Published: Nov 2022
Data Analysis and Insights
Decline in Average Family Size Over Decades
The data indicates a consistent decline in the average number of people per family from 3.67 in 1960 to 3.13 in 2022.Stability in Recent Years
In the last decade, the average family size has shown remarkable stability, fluctuating slightly around the 3.13 to 3.15 range.Lowest Recorded Average in the Dataset
The lowest average family size recorded in the dataset is 3.12 in 2013.Peak Family Size in Early Years
The dataset reveals that the highest average family size was 3.67 in 1960.Slight Increase in the Early 2000s
Between 1997 and 2001, there was a modest increase in the average number of people per family, growing from 3.19 to 3.14. Although this rise is slight, it interrupts the overall declining trend observed over the decades.Plateau Before Recent Decline
The data showcases a plateau in the average family size around 3.13 to 3.14 from 2004 to 2022, with minor fluctuations.Decade of the 1970s as a Transition Period
The 1970s marked a significant transition period, where the average number of people per family decreased from 3.58 in 1970 to 3.29 by 1980.Minimal Year-to-Year Variations in Recent Decades
Recent decades have witnessed minimal year-to-year variations in family size, with changes rarely exceeding 0.02 people per year.Frequently Asked Questions
What is the trend in average family size from 1960 to 2022?
The average family size has consistently declined from 3.67 in 1960 to 3.13 in 2022.
What has been the stability of the average family size in the last decade?
In the last decade, the average family size has shown remarkable stability, with minor fluctuations in the 3.13 to 3.15 range.
What was the lowest recorded average family size in the dataset and when?
The lowest recorded average family size was 3.12, noted in 2013.
When was the peak of average family size observed and what was it?
The peak of average family size was 3.67, observed in 1960.
Terms and Definitions
In the context of the United States Census Bureau, a family is defined as a group of two or more people who reside together, and who are related by birth, marriage, or adoption. It does not include roommates, housemates or cohabiting partners unless they have a legally recognized relationship or children together.
Family size refers to the total number of individuals in a family, including parents and children. The family size could vary significantly from just two (a couple without children) to multi-generational households with several children.
Average family size is a statistical measure which indicates the mean number of people per family in a certain geographical area or population. This is calculated by dividing the total number of family members by the total number of families in the given population.
A household consists of all the people who occupy a housing unit. This may include families, single individuals, and groups of unrelated individuals who are sharing the housing unit. It's important to note that a household can consist of more than one family, or no families at all.
The Census Bureau, also known as the United States Census Bureau, is a principal federal agency responsible for conducting national censuses and surveys. This data is used to gather information about the demographics, economy, and geography of the US population, including details about family size.
Demographics refers to the statistical data relating to the population in an area, and the particular groups within it. Such data can include age, income, education level, race, gender, occupation, and, in this context, family size.
Birth rate is a demographic measure representing the number of live births occurring during the year, per 1,000 people in a population. It's used to estimate population growth or decline.
Fertility rate is a demographic metric that measures the average number of children a woman has over her lifetime. This rate also influences the size of families.
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