The Census Bureau collects data about American families for the nation, states and communities. Our statistics describe trends in household and family composition, and show the number of children, young adults and couples living in the United States.

The Census Bureau collects data to assist in determining trends in household and family composition. In addition to these topics, our data provide information about multigenerational households, grandparents and grandchildren living together, childcare, child well-being, fertility, and marital patterns.

Our information about America’s families and living arrangements comes from a variety of data sources, including the American Community Survey (ACS), the Current Population Survey (CPS), the Survey of Income Program and Participation (SIPP) and the Decennial Census.

Child Well Being: Information collected on child wellbeing through the Survey of Income and Program Participation (SIPP) has evolved over the years to include a broad range of data on school experiences, participation in extracurricular activities and parental involvement.

Children: Many of our surveys and programs collect information about children living in the household. The information collected varies by survey and program.

Families and Households: All Census Bureau demographic surveys collect information about the residents of each housing unit and how they are related. The level of detail collected will vary by survey or program.

Fertility: For years, the Census Bureau has collected data about the fertility experience of women. These data are available as part of the June Supplement to the Current Population Survey (CPS). The Survey of Income and Program Participation (SIPP) includes detailed questions about the fertility history of American women and men, children ever born, and use of parental leave surrounding a first birth. Data are available for women with a birth in the last year through our American Community Survey (ACS).

Grandparents and Grandchildren: Demographic characteristics of grandparents and grandchildren who live together are available annually in the Current Population Survey (CPS) and the American Community Survey (ACS). The ACS collects information on whether grandparents live with grandchildren and provide most of their basic care.

Marriage and Divorce: The U.S. Census Bureau provides the current marital status of persons, by age, sex and race, and the estimated median age at first marriage for men and women. National level estimates are available from the Current Population Survey (CPS) and state level estimates from the American Community Survey (ACS).

Same-sex Couples: All Census Bureau demographic surveys collect information about same sex couples. The level of detail collected varies, as well as the availability of other characteristics of the partners

For more information on this topic go to the Census Survey Explorer. To access family related data, go to data.census.gov.