New Family Structure Index Reveals Wide Gaps in Family Stability Across the U.S.

CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA — FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: [email protected]

National report highlights how family structure shapes economic mobility, education and public safety

Center for Christian Virtue (CCV) today released its 2026 Family Structure Index (FSI), a nationwide report measuring the strength and stability of family life across all 50 states. The report offers a fresh look at how family trends are shaping the future of the country.

Published in partnership with the Institute for Family Studies, FSI evaluates key indicators including marriage rates, fertility patterns, and the share of children raised by married parents. Together, these measures provide a clear picture of how family structure influences child well-being, economic opportunity and long-term social stability.

The full report is available at FamilyStructureIndex.org.

“Strong families are the foundation of a healthy society,” said Aaron Baer, President of CCV. “This report shows that when family structure weakens, the effects ripple outward to our schools, our communities and our economy. But it also makes clear that this is not inevitable. There is a solution and a path forward.”

The 2026 Index reveals significant variation across the country, with some states demonstrating strong, stable family environments while others face growing challenges tied to declining marriage rates and rising family fragmentation. Utah again ranks at the top of the Index for family stability, while New Mexico ranks last.

“Family structure is one of the strongest predictors we have for whether children and communities are thriving,” said Brad Wilcox, Distinguished University Professor of Sociology at the University of Virginia and a lead researcher on the report. “States that are doing well in this area have markedly lower levels of child poverty, as well as higher rates of economic mobility and home ownership.”

Key National Insights:

• States with higher shares of married parents tend to see lower child poverty rates and stronger educational outcomes.
• Communities with more stable families experience less crime and greater economic mobility.
• Declines in marriage and increases in single-parent households are closely linked to long-term social and economic challenges.

The report also underscores that these trends are not confined to any one region or political ideology. States across the spectrum face similar pressures, pointing to the need for broad, practical solutions.

“The lesson going forward is clear,” said Baer. “Red and Blue states alike should advance policies that make housing more affordable, ensure good-paying jobs are within reach, keep taxes low, and expand access to quality education.”

Baer added that the findings should serve as a call to action for policymakers, and civic, faith and community leaders nationwide.

“This isn’t just about statistics,” said Baer. “It’s about real children and real futures. If we want to see our nation thrive, we have to be serious about strengthening marriage and supporting families in every community.”

ABOUT IFS and Center for Christian Virtue
The Institute for Family Studies is a nonpartisan research organization dedicated to strengthening marriage and family life in America. IFS publishes original research, analysis, and commentary on the social, cultural, and policy factors shaping American families. Learn more at ifstudies.org.

As Ohio's largest Christian public policy organization, Center for Christian Virtue seeks the good of our neighbors by advocating for public policy that reflects the truth of the Gospel.

MEDIA CONTACT
Chris Michalski
Director of Communications, IFS
[email protected]

Institute for Family Studies
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