Marriage Deserts FAQ
Marriage Deserts Maps – FAQ
What is a “marriage desert”?
A marriage desert is a geographic area where the share of householders (aged 15–64) who are married is low. These areas are identified using data that is mapped to show where marriage is least common.
What is a “marriage garden”?
A marriage garden is the opposite: an area where a relatively high share of householders are married. These areas indicate where marriage remains a dominant social norm.
What are “married-family deserts” and “married-family gardens”?
These terms focus specifically on children. Married-family deserts are places where relatively few children live with married parents. Married family-gardens are places where most children are raised in married-couple households.
What do the Marriage Deserts maps show?
The maps identify and rank the Top 10 U.S. areas with the highest and lowest marriage rates, as well as the Top 10 areas where children are most and least likely to grow up with married parents. They reveal how family structure varies across regions.
What data is used in the Marriage Deserts report?
The analysis uses U.S. Census Bureau data (American Community Survey), applying consistent definitions across geographic areas to ensure comparability.
How are “marriage deserts” defined in the data?
Marriage deserts are typically defined as areas where 33% or fewer householders (ages 15–64) are married. Marriage gardens are areas where 61% or more are married.
How are “married-family” deserts defined in the data?
Married-family deserts are defined as when the share of households with children that are headed by married couples falls below 52%. Married-family gardens are areas where 79% or more are married.
Why do marriage rates vary so much across the United States?
The variation reflects differences in social norms, economic conditions, education, and the strength of local institutions such as families, religious organizations, and community networks.
What is the most important finding of the Marriage Deserts maps?
The maps show a stark divide in American family structure—not just gradual differences, but two distinct patterns: areas where marriage is common and areas where it is not.
How does family structure affect children?
Children in married family gardens are more likely to grow up surrounded by married parents and peers from similar households. In married family deserts, children are less likely to have these social supports.
Why does this matter for social mobility?
A large body of research links stable family structures and strong local networks (social capital) to better outcomes for children, including education, employment, and long-term mobility.
Are marriage deserts only an urban phenomenon?
No. While many large marriage deserts are found in major metropolitan areas, variation exists across suburban and regional geographies as well.
Do these maps imply a moral judgment?
No. The maps are descriptive. They document patterns in family structure to better understand how different environments shape opportunity.
How should policymakers use this data?
Policymakers can use these insights to better target interventions, recognizing that communities with different family structures may require different approaches.
What is “social capital” and how does it relate to this report?
Social capital refers to relationships, networks, and institutions that support individuals and communities. Family structure is a key component of social capital, especially for children.
Who produced the Marriage Deserts report?
The report was authored by the Social Capital Campaign in partnership with the Institute for Family Studies, with mapping conducted by Ken Burchfiel.
Where can I view the Marriage Deserts maps?
The full maps, rankings, and methodology published by the Institute for Family Studies are available here: https://ifstudies.org/report-brief/marriage-deserts-mapping-americas-family-divide
