For decades, single-parent households have been on the rise. According to data from the U.S. Census Bureau, nearly one out of every four families with children under 18 is headed by a single parent. Single-parent households face a unique set of challenges, and the COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated many of these. Daycare closures and remote schooling are harder on single parents, and sole-earner households are more vulnerable to job losses. Nationally, Census Bureau data shows that single-parent household income is, on average, just 36% of dual-parent household income, but this ratio varies widely by location.

Compared to several decades ago, children under 18 are more than twice as likely to live with a single parent (either mother or father). In 1968, only 12% of children lived with a single parent, most often their mother. Single-father households were extremely uncommon, with just 1% of kids living with a single father in 1968. By 2020, 25% of kids lived in single-parent households, and the share of kids who lived with a single father quadrupled to over 4%. Additionally, the proportion of children under 18 who live with other adults (relatives or non-relatives) has also become more common.

Despite the rise in popularity of non-traditional living arrangements, such arrangements tend to offer less financial stability than dual-parent family structures. The median income of single-parent households is less than half of dual-parent households — $36,000 compared to $99,000. Median income for households with a single mother is even less, at just $32,000 per year. As a result, single-parent households are much more likely to live in poverty: nearly one in three single mothers and one in seven single fathers have income below the poverty line. Comparatively few dual-parent households live in poverty — about one out of every 14, or 7%.

The median income of single-parent households and the differential between single-parent household income and dual-parent household income varies substantially on a geographic basis. At the state level, Idaho and Alaska have the highest single-parent household income ratio. The median ratio of single-parent household income to dual-parent household income in both of these states is nearly one-half—48.8% in Idaho and 47.5% in Alaska. At the opposite end of the spectrum, single-parent household income in Louisiana is just 28% of dual parent household income.

To find the best-paying states for single parents, researchers at Self analyzed data from the U.S. Census Bureau and the Bureau of Economic Analysis. Researchers ranked states according to the single-parent household income ratio, calculated as the ratio of the median income for single-parent households to the median income for dual-parent households. Researchers also calculated the median income for single-mother households, single-father households, the percentage of families with a single parent, and the relative cost of living.

The analysis found that in Tennessee, 26.5% of families are headed by a single parent. Single-parent households in Tennessee earn a median $33,100 per year, compared to $85,000 for dual-parent households. Here is a summary of the data for Tennessee:

• Single-parent household income ratio: 38.9%
• Median income for all single-parent households: $33,100
• Median income for single-mother households: $31,100
• Median income for single-father households: $44,000
• Median income for dual-parent households: $85,000
• Percentage of families with a single parent: 26.5%
• Cost of living (compared to national average): -10.3%

For reference, here are the statistics for the entire United States:

• Single-parent household income ratio: 36.4%
• Median income for all single-parent households: $36,000
• Median income for single-mother households: $32,000
• Median income for single-father households: $54,100
• Median income for dual-parent households: $99,000
• Percentage of families with a single parent: 24.2%
• Cost of living (compared to national average): N/A

For more information, a detailed methodology, and complete results, you can find the original report on Self Financial’s website.