Facts on Father Absence

National Fatherhood Initiative conducts research on the causes and consequences of father absence and trends in family structure and marriage.

Quick Facts on Fatherhood

According to 2011 U.S. Census Bureau data, over 24 million children live apart from their biological fathers. That is 1 out of every 3 (33%) children in America. Nearly 2 in 3 (64%) African American children live in father-absent homes. One in three (34%) Hispanic children, and 1 in 4 (25%) white children live in father-absent homes. In 1960, only 11% of children lived in father-absent homes.

Children who live absent their biological fathers are, on average, at least two to three times more likely to be poor, to use drugs, to experience educational, health, emotional and behavioral problems, to be victims of child abuse, and to engage in criminal behavior than their peers who live with their married, biological (or adoptive) parents.

For more detailed data on the consequences of father absence, click here.

Research Resources

• Father Facts

  Get the basic stats on father absence in America

• Mama Says

  A National Survey of Mothers' Attitudes on Fathering

• Pop's Culture

  A National Survey of Dads' Attitudes on Fathering

• The 100 Billion Dollar Man

  The Annual Public Costs of Father Absence

• With This Ring

  A National Survey of Marriage in America