Single-parent families may experience more stress and economic strain than dual-parent households with two incomes. Children in these families can be at risk of poorer health and educational outcomes. However, children may also have opportunities to build resilience and experience a larger community through the support of extended family and friends.

In 2018-22, 25% of families with children under 18 in the MetroWest region were headed by one parent, well below the national rate of 34% and the statewide rate of 32%. The regional rate was the same in 2013-17 but increased 4 percentage points since 2000 (21%). The state and nation had similar increases during this period.

Among local counties, the highest rate was found in Worcester (33%), while the lowest rate was in Middlesex and Norfolk (both at 22%). Every county saw an increase from 2000 to 2018-22. Framingham had rates much higher than that of the overall region - about 1 in 3 families with children were headed by single parents in 2018-22, up 3 percentage points since 2008-12. For comparison, just under half of families were headed by single parents in Boston in 2018-22, 5 percentage points below 2008-12.

The multi-year figures are from the Census Bureau's American Community Survey. The bureau combined five years of responses to the survey to provide estimates for smaller geographic areas and increase the precision of its estimates. The survey provides data on characteristics of the population that used to be collected only during the decennial census. Data for this indicator are expected to be released in the fourth quarter.