The Census from the year 2000 has shown that there are more than 105 million American households in the U.S. These households are categorized into “family” and “non-family.” Family households are defined as married couples, single parents, or people who live with their relatives.

The total amount of these households has declined from 70% in the 1990’s to 68% in 2000. Non-family households are defined as people who live alone or with non-relatives (i.e. roommates) and the total amount of these has risen from 30% to 32%. While the percentages might seem small, they actually mean that around 34 million households are considered non-family, and there are more than 60 million households without children living in them. That number will only grow as the Baby-Boomer generation continues to age.

Families, as a whole, are becoming more ethnically, racially, and religiously diverse as the years go by. The typical American family itself has become multilayered and full of surprises. The nation’s birthrate is half of what it was in 1960 and recently hit its lowest point ever.

At the end of the baby-boom 36% of all Americans were under 18 years old.  In 2012, 23.5% of Americans were children, and the percent is predicted to drop to 21% in 2050.

As the demographics of our families continue to evolve, one element will remain constant – love!