Americans are more pessimistic than optimistic about the institution of marriage and the family. At the same time, the public is fairly accepting of diverse family arrangements, though some are seen as more acceptable than others.

Key trends in marriage and family life in the United States.

Younger women, women with a postgraduate degree and Democratic women are more likely to keep their last name after marriage.

As of 2021, 25% of 40-year-olds in the United States had never been married, a significant increase from 20% in 2010.

In 24 places where detailed statistics are available, same-sex marriages in recent years have ranged from less than 1% to 3.4% of all marriages.

Among 24 countries, support for legal same-sex marriage is highest in Sweden, where 92% of adults favor it, and lowest in Nigeria, where only 2% back it.

In 2022, single women owned 58% of the nearly 35.2 million homes owned by unmarried Americans, while single men owned 42%.

Among married couples in the United States, women’s financial contributions have grown steadily over the last half century. Even when earnings are similar, husbands spend more time on paid work and leisure, while wives devote more time to caregiving and housework.

36% of Americans who are divorced, separated or widowed say they have ever used a dating site or app; 16% of married adults say the same.

The percentage of single Americans who are looking for a relationship or casual dates is lower than in 2019, especially among men.