Description of the Indicator
This indicator measures the percentage of households with children under age 18 that are headed by a single female or single male parent.
Why is it important?
Single-parent households may face increased financial, childcare, housing, and transportation pressures because one adult is primarily responsible for supporting the household. This data can help community leaders and policymakers plan services such as childcare assistance, family support programs, tax credits, and paid-leave policies.
How is the region performing?
Female single-parent households remain more common than male single-parent households across the region. From 2020 to 2024, the female share increased in all four counties, while male single-parent households also increased overall in Lackawanna, Luzerne, Wayne, and Wyoming counties. Luzerne County had the highest female single-parent household rate in 2024 at 7.8 percent, while Lackawanna County had the highest male rate at 2.9 percent.