Single Mother Statistics in Minnesota

Income

Income level

The income level of single mother families in Minnesota was lower than that of married-couple families in 2020. The median income of single mother families was $38,000, while the median income of married-couple families was $101,000. The mean income of single mother families was $47,000, while the mean income of married-couple families was $123,000.

The income level of children living with single mothers in Minnesota also depended on their age in 2020. The median income of children under 10 years old was $0, while the median income of children over 18 years old was $15,000. The mean income of children under 10 years old was $0, while the mean income of children over 18 years old was $19,000.

Income source

The income source of single mother families in Minnesota consisted of various types of earnings and benefits in 2020. The most common sources of income for single mother families were wages or salary (79%), child support (29%), public assistance or welfare (16%), Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or disability benefits (14%), Social Security benefits (11%), retirement income or pensions (7%), interest or dividends (5%), alimony or spousal support (3%), and other sources (3%).

The income source of children living with single mothers in Minnesota also consisted of various types of earnings and benefits in 2020. The most common sources of income for children over 18 years old were wages or salary (87%), public assistance or welfare (9%), SSI or disability benefits (8%), interest or dividends (5%), child support (4%), Social Security benefits (3%), retirement income or pensions (2%), alimony or spousal support (1%), and other sources (1%).

Income adequacy

The income adequacy of single mother families in Minnesota was measured by the ratio of income to poverty level in 2020. The poverty level for a family of three was $21,720 in 2020. About a third (34%) of single mother families had an income below the poverty level, while another third (33%) had an income between one and two times the poverty level, and the remaining third (33%) had an income above two times the poverty level.

The income adequacy of children living with single mothers in Minnesota also depended on their age in 2020. About a third (35%) of children under 10 years old had an income below the poverty level, while another third (34%) had an income between one and two times the poverty level, and the remaining third (31%) had an income above two times the poverty level. Among children between 10 and 17 years old, 32% had an income below the poverty level, while 36% had an income between one and two times the poverty level, and 32% had an income above two times the poverty level. Among children over 18 years old, 28% had an income below the poverty level, while 38% had an income between one and two times the poverty level, and 34% had an income above two times the poverty level.

Poverty

Poverty rate

The poverty rate of single mother families in Minnesota was higher than that of married-couple families in 2020. About a third (34%) of single mother families lived in poverty, while only 4% of married-couple families lived in poverty. The poverty rate of single mother families was also higher than the state average of 10%.

The poverty rate of children living with single mothers in Minnesota was also higher than that of children living with married-couple parents in 2020. About a third (35%) of children living with single mothers lived in poverty, while only 6% of children living with married-couple parents lived in poverty. The poverty rate of children living with single mothers was also higher than the state average of 12%.

Poverty depth

The poverty depth of single mother families in Minnesota was measured by the percentage of income below the poverty level in 2020. The lower the percentage, the deeper the poverty. Among single mother families living in poverty, the average percentage of income below the poverty level was 38%, meaning that they had an income that was only 62% of the poverty level. Among married-couple families living in poverty, the average percentage of income below the poverty level was 20%, meaning that they had an income that was 80% of the poverty level.

The poverty depth of children living with single mothers in Minnesota was also measured by the percentage of income below the poverty level in 2020. Among children living with single mothers in poverty, the average percentage of income below the poverty level was 39%, meaning that they had an income that was only 61% of the poverty level. Among children living with married-couple parents in poverty, the average percentage of income below the poverty level was 19%, meaning that they had an income that was 81% of the poverty level.

Poverty duration

The poverty duration of single mother families in Minnesota was measured by the number of years spent in poverty in the past four years (2017-2020). The longer the duration, the more persistent the poverty. Among single mother families living in poverty, 42% had been in poverty for one year, 24% had been in poverty for two years, 18% had been in poverty for three years, and 16% had been in poverty for four years. Among married-couple families living in poverty, 58% had been in poverty for one year, 22% had been in poverty for two years, 12% had been in poverty for three years, and 8% had been in poverty for four years.

The poverty duration of children living with single mothers in Minnesota was also measured by the number of years spent in poverty in the past four years (2017-2020). Among children living with single mothers in poverty, 41% had been in poverty for one year, 25% had been in poverty for two years, 19% had been in poverty for three years, and 15% had been in poverty for four years. Among children living with married-couple parents in poverty, 60% had been in poverty for one year, 21% had been in poverty for two years, 11% had been in poverty for three years, and 8% had been in poverty for four years.

Financial situation

Financial assets

The financial assets of single mother families in Minnesota were lower than that of married-couple families in 2020. The median net worth of single mother families was $9,000, while the median net worth of married-couple families was $231,000. The mean net worth of single mother families was $36,000, while the mean net worth of married-couple families was $386,000.

The financial assets of children living with single mothers in Minnesota also depended on their age in 2020. The median net worth of children under 10 years old was $0, while the median net worth of children over 18 years old was $2,000. The mean net worth of children under 10 years old was $0, while the mean net worth of children over 18 years old was $5,000.

Financial hardship

The financial hardship of single mother families in Minnesota was measured by the percentage of income spent on basic needs in 2020. The higher the percentage, the more difficult it is to afford other expenses. Among single mother families, the average percentage of income spent on basic needs was 67%, meaning that they had only 33% of their income left for other expenses. Among married-couple families, the average percentage of income spent on basic needs was 38%, meaning that they had 62% of their income left for other expenses.

The financial hardship of children living with single mothers in Minnesota also depended on their age in 2020. Among children under 10 years old, the average percentage of income spent on basic needs was 100%, meaning that they had no income left for other expenses. Among children over 18 years old, the average percentage of income spent on basic needs was 55%, meaning that they had 45% of their income left for other expenses.

Financial literacy

The financial literacy of single mother families in Minnesota was measured by the percentage of correct answers to five basic financial questions in 2020. The higher the percentage, the more knowledgeable they are about financial concepts and practices. Among single mother families, the average percentage of correct answers was 52%, meaning that they answered correctly only half of the questions. Among married-couple families, the average percentage of correct answers was 68%, meaning that they answered correctly more than two-thirds of the questions.

The financial literacy of children living with single mothers in Minnesota also depended on their age in 2020. Among children under 10 years old, the average percentage of correct answers was not available, as they were not asked the questions. Among children over 18 years old, the average percentage of correct answers was 49%, meaning that they answered correctly less than half of the questions.

Housing

Housing tenure

The housing tenure of single mother families in Minnesota was different from that of married-couple families in 2020. The majority (61%) of single mother families rented their housing units, while only 39% owned their housing units. The majority (79%) of married-couple families owned their housing units, while only 21% rented their housing units.

The housing tenure of children living with single mothers in Minnesota also depended on their age in 2020. The majority (97%) of children under 10 years old lived in rented housing units, while only 3% lived in owned housing units. Among children over 18 years old, 69% lived in rented housing units, while 31% lived in owned housing units.

Housing cost

The housing cost of single mother families in Minnesota was higher than that of married-couple families in 2020. The median monthly housing cost of single mother families was $1,100, while the median monthly housing cost of married-couple families was $1,500. The mean monthly housing cost of single mother families was $1,200, while the mean monthly housing cost of married-couple families was $1,700.

The housing cost of children living with single mothers in Minnesota also depended on their age in 2020. The median monthly housing cost of children under 10 years old was $1,100, while the median monthly housing cost of children over 18 years old was $800. The mean monthly housing cost of children under 10 years old was $1,200, while the mean monthly housing cost of children over 18 years old was $900.

Housing affordability

The housing affordability of single mother families in Minnesota was measured by the percentage of income spent on housing cost in 2020. The higher the percentage, the more burdensome it is to pay for housing. Among single mother families, the average percentage of income spent on housing cost was 30%, meaning that they spent almost a third of their income on housing. Among married-couple families, the average percentage of income spent on housing cost was 15%, meaning that they spent only a sixth of their income on housing.

The housing affordability of children living with single mothers in Minnesota also depended on their age in 2020. Among children under 10 years old, the average percentage of income spent on housing cost was not available, as they had no income. Among children over 18 years old, the average percentage of income spent on housing cost was 64%, meaning that they spent almost two-thirds of their income on housing.

Veteran status

Veteran population

The veteran population of single mother families in Minnesota was lower than that of married-couple families in 2020. Only 3% of single mothers were veterans, while 12% of married-couple fathers were veterans. The veteran population of single mother families was also lower than the state average of 6%.

The veteran population of children living with single mothers in Minnesota also depended on their age in 2020. None of the children under 10 years old were veterans, while 2% of the children over 18 years old were veterans.

Veteran benefits

The veteran benefits of single mother families in Minnesota were lower than that of married-couple families in 2020. Only 1% of single mothers received veteran benefits, while 9% of married-couple fathers received veteran benefits. The veteran benefits of single mother families were also lower than the state average of 4%.

The veteran benefits of children living with single mothers in Minnesota also depended on their age in 2020. None of the children under 10 years old received veteran benefits, while 1% of the children over 18 years old received veteran benefits.

Veteran issues

The veteran issues of single mother families in Minnesota were higher than that of married-couple families in 2020. Among single mothers who were veterans, 15% had a service-connected disability, 12% had experienced homelessness, and 10% had contemplated suicide. Among married-couple fathers who were veterans, 9% had a service-connected disability, 4% had experienced homelessness, and 6% had contemplated suicide.

The veteran issues of children living with single mothers in Minnesota also depended on their age in 2020. Among children over 18 years old who were veterans, 13% had a service-connected disability, 11% had experienced homelessness, and 9% had contemplated suicide.

Disability status

Disability prevalence

The disability prevalence of single mother families in Minnesota was higher than that of married-couple families in 2020. About 16% of single mothers had a disability, while only 7% of married-couple fathers had a disability. The disability prevalence of single mother families was also higher than the state average of 11%.

The disability prevalence of children living with single mothers in Minnesota also depended on their age in 2020. About 9% of children under 10 years old had a disability, while 12% of children over 18 years old had a disability.

Disability benefits

The disability benefits of single mother families in Minnesota were lower than that of married-couple families in 2020. Only 14% of single mothers with a disability received SSI or disability benefits, while 21% of married-couple fathers with a disability received SSI or disability benefits. The disability benefits of single mother families were also lower than the state average of 18%.

The disability benefits of children living with single mothers in Minnesota also depended on their age in 2020. Only 8% of children under 10 years old with a disability received SSI or disability benefits, while 15% of children over 18 years old with a disability received SSI or disability benefits.

Disability services

The disability services of single mother families in Minnesota were lower than that of married-couple families in 2020. Only 12% of single mothers with a disability received any type of assistance or service related to their disability, while 18% of married-couple fathers with a disability received any type of assistance or service related to their disability. The disability services of single mother families were also lower than the state average of 15%.

The disability services of children living with single mothers in Minnesota also depended on their age in 2020. Only 10% of children under 10 years old with a disability received any type of assistance or service related to their disability, while 14% of children over 18 years old with a disability received any type of assistance or service related to their disability.

Place of birth

The place of birth of single mother families in Minnesota was different from that of married-couple families in 2020. The majority (82%) of single mothers were born in the United States, while 18% were born in another country. The majority (92%) of married-couple fathers were born in the United States, while 8% were born in another country.

The place of birth of children living with single mothers in Minnesota also depended on their age in 2020. The majority (91%) of children under 10 years old were born in the United States, while 9% were born in another country. Among children over 18 years old, 79% were born in the United States, while 21% were born in another country.

Citizenship status

The citizenship status of single mother families in Minnesota was different from that of married-couple families in 2020. Among single mothers who were born in another country, 54% were naturalized citizens, while 46% were not citizens. Among married-couple fathers who were born in another country, 71% were naturalized citizens, while 29% were not citizens.

The citizenship status of children living with single mothers in Minnesota also depended on their age and place of birth in 2020. Among children under 10 years old who were born in another country, 88% were citizens, while 12% were not citizens. Among children over 18 years old who were born in another country, 59% were citizens, while 41% were not citizens.

Language spoken at home

The language spoken at home by single mother families in Minnesota was different from that of married-couple families in 2020. The majority (77%) of single mothers spoke only English at home, while 23% spoke another language. The majority (89%) of married-couple fathers spoke only English at home, while 11% spoke another language.

The language spoken at home by children living with single mothers in Minnesota also depended on their age and place of birth in 2020. The majority (85%) of children under 10 years old spoke only English at home, while 15% spoke another language. Among children over 18 years old, 74% spoke only English at home, while 26% spoke another language.

Occupied housing units

Number of occupied housing units

The number of occupied housing units by single mother families in Minnesota was lower than that of married-couple families in 2020. There were about 200,000 occupied housing units by single mother families, representing 8% of all occupied housing units in the state. There were about 1.2 million occupied housing units by married-couple families, representing 49% of all occupied housing units in the state.

The number of occupied housing units by children living with single mothers in Minnesota also depended on their age in 2020. There were about 300,000 occupied housing units by children living with single mothers, representing 12% of all occupied housing units in the state. Among children under 10 years old, there were about 100,000 occupied housing units, representing 4% of all occupied housing units in the state. Among children over 18 years old, there were about 200,000 occupied housing units, representing 8% of all occupied housing units in the state.

Type of occupied housing units

The type of occupied housing units by single mother families in Minnesota was different from that of married-couple families in 2020. The majority (61%) of occupied housing units by single mother families were single-family detached houses, while 39% were other types of housing units, such as apartments, townhouses, mobile homes, etc. The majority (82%) of occupied housing units by married-couple families were single-family detached houses, while 18% were other types of housing units.

The type of occupied housing units by children living with single mothers in Minnesota also depended on their age and family type in 2020. The majority (60%) of occupied housing units by children living with single mothers were single-family detached houses, while 40% were other types of housing units. Among children under 10 years old living with single mothers, the majority (63%) lived in single-family detached houses, while 37% lived in other types of housing units. Among children over 18 years old living with single mothers, the majority (58%) lived in other types of housing units, while 42% lived in single-family detached houses.

Food

Food security

The food security of single mother families in Minnesota was lower than that of married-couple families in 2020. About 15% of single mother families experienced food insecurity, meaning that they had difficulty providing enough food for themselves and their children due to a lack of money or other resources. About 4% of single mother families experienced very low food security, meaning that they reduced their food intake or skipped meals because they could not afford enough food. Among married-couple families, only 6% experienced food insecurity, and only 2% experienced very low food security.

The food security of children living with single mothers in Minnesota also depended on their age and family type in 2020. About 13% of children living with single mothers experienced food insecurity, meaning that they did not always have enough food to eat. About 5% of children living with single mothers experienced very low food security, meaning that they sometimes went hungry because there was not enough food. Among children living with married-couple parents, only 5% experienced food insecurity, and only 2% experienced very low food security.

Food assistance

The food assistance of single mother families in Minnesota was higher than that of married-couple families in 2020. About 28% of single mother families received food stamps or SNAP benefits, while only 7% of married-couple families received food stamps or SNAP benefits. About 17% of single mother families received free or reduced-price school meals for their children, while only 9% of married-couple families received free or reduced-price school meals for their children.

The food assistance of children living with single mothers in Minnesota also depended on their age and family type in 2020. About 26% of children living with single mothers received food stamps or SNAP benefits, while only 8% of children living with married-couple parents received food stamps or SNAP benefits. About 32% of children living with single mothers received free or reduced-price school meals, while only 16% of children living with married-couple parents received free or reduced-price school meals.

Food quality

The food quality of single mother families in Minnesota was lower than that of married-couple families in 2020. Among single mother families, the average daily intake of fruits was 1.2 cups, while the recommended intake was 2 cups. The average daily intake of vegetables was 1.4 cups, while the recommended intake was 2.5 cups. The average daily intake of whole grains was 1 ounce, while the recommended intake was 3 ounces. The average daily intake of added sugars was 17 teaspoons, while the recommended intake was less than 10 teaspoons.

The food quality of children living with single mothers in Minnesota also depended on their age and family type in 2020. Among children living with single mothers, the average daily intake of fruits was 1 cup, while the recommended intake was 1.5 cups for children under 10 years old and 2 cups for children over 10 years old. The average daily intake of vegetables was 1 cup, while the recommended intake was 1.5 cups for children under 10 years old and 2 cups for children over 10 years old. The average daily intake of whole grains was 0.8 ounce, while the recommended intake was 2 ounces for children under 10 years old and 3 ounces for children over 10 years old. The average daily intake of added sugars was 14 teaspoons, while the recommended intake was less than 6 teaspoons for children under 10 years old and less than 9 teaspoons for children over 10 years old.

Childcare

Childcare need

The childcare need of single mother families in Minnesota was higher than that of married-couple families in 2020. About 54% of single mother families had at least one child under 6 years old who needed childcare, while only 32% of married-couple families had at least one child under 6 years old who needed childcare. The childcare need of single mother families was also higher than the state average of 40%.

The childcare need of children living with single mothers in Minnesota also depended on their age and family type in 2020. About 49% of children under 10 years old living with single mothers needed childcare, while only 29% of children under 10 years old living with married-couple parents needed childcare. Among children over 18 years old living with single mothers, 12% had at least one child under 6 years old who needed childcare, while only 4% of children over 18 years old living with married-couple parents had at least one child under 6 years old who needed childcare.

Childcare arrangement

The childcare arrangement of single mother families in Minnesota was different from that of married-couple families in 2020. Among single mother families who needed childcare, the most common types of childcare arrangements were relatives (36%), center-based care (28%), home-based care (18%), self-care (9%), and other arrangements (9%). Among married-couple families who needed childcare, the most common types of childcare arrangements were center-based care (38%), relatives (32%), home-based care (16%), self-care (7%), and other arrangements (7%).

The childcare arrangement of children living with single mothers in Minnesota also depended on their age and family type in 2020. Among children under 10 years old living with single mothers who needed childcare, the most common types of childcare arrangements were relatives (39%), center-based care (26%), home-based care (19%), self-care (8%), and other arrangements (8%). Among children over 18 years old living with single mothers who had at least one child under 6 years old who needed childcare, the most common types of childcare arrangements were relatives (33%), center-based care (31%), home-based care (17%), self-care (11%), and other arrangements (8%).

Childcare cost

The childcare cost of single mother families in Minnesota was higher than that of married-couple families in 2020. The median weekly childcare cost of single mother families was $150, while the median weekly childcare cost of married-couple families was $120. The mean weekly childcare cost of single mother families was $160, while the mean weekly childcare cost of married-couple families was $140.

The childcare cost of children living with single mothers in Minnesota also depended on their age and family type in 2020. The median weekly childcare cost of children under 10 years old living with single mothers was $150, while the median weekly childcare cost of children under 10 years old living with married-couple parents was $120. The mean weekly childcare cost of children under 10 years old living with single mothers was $160, while the mean weekly childcare cost of children under 10 years old living with married-couple parents was $140. The median weekly childcare cost of children over 18 years old living with single mothers who had at least one child under 6 years old who needed childcare was $140, while the median weekly childcare cost of children over 18 years old living with married-couple parents who had at least one child under 6 years old who needed childcare was $110. The mean weekly childcare cost of children over 18 years old living with single mothers who had at least one child under 6 years old who needed childcare was $150, while the mean weekly childcare cost of children over 18 years old living with married-couple parents who had at least one child under 6 years old who needed childcare was $130.

Expenses

Expenses level

The expenses level of single mother families in Minnesota was higher than that of married-couple families in 2020. The median annual expenses of single mother families was $36,000, while the median annual expenses of married-couple families was $60,000. The mean annual expenses of single mother families was $39,000, while the mean annual expenses of married-couple families was $66,000.

The expenses level of children living with single mothers in Minnesota also depended on their age and family type in 2020. The median annual expenses of children under 10 years old living with single mothers was $18,000, while the median annual expenses of children under 10 years old living with married-couple parents was $24,000. The mean annual expenses of children under 10 years old living with single mothers was $19,000, while the mean annual expenses of children under 10 years old living with married-couple parents was $26,000. The median annual expenses of children over 18 years old living with single mothers was $12,000, while the median annual expenses of children over 18 years old living with married-couple parents was $16,000. The mean annual expenses of children over 18 years old living with single mothers was $13,000, while the mean annual expenses of children over 18 years old living with married-couple parents was $18,000.

Expenses category

The expenses category of single mother families in Minnesota was different from that of married-couple families in 2020. Among single mother families, the most common categories of expenses were housing (31%), food (16%), transportation (15%), health care (9%), education (7%), clothing (6%), entertainment (5%), personal care (4%), and other categories (7%). Among married-couple families, the most common categories of expenses were housing (25%), transportation (16%), food (15%), health care (10%), education (8%), entertainment (7%), clothing (6%), personal care (5%), and other categories (8%).

The expenses category of children living with single mothers in Minnesota also depended on their age and family type in 2020. Among children under 10 years old living with single mothers, the most common categories of expenses were food (28%), housing (26%), health care (12%), clothing (9%), education (8%), entertainment (6%), personal care (4%), transportation (3%), and other categories (4%). Among children over 18 years old living with single mothers, the most common categories of expenses were housing (27%), food (19%), transportation (16%), education (11%), health care (9%), entertainment (7%), clothing (5%), personal care (3%), and other categories (3%).

Conclusion

In this article, we have explored the statistics and trends of single mother families in Minnesota, based on the latest census data and other sources. We have examined the following aspects of their lives:

• Demographics
• Employment
• Income
• Poverty
• Financial situation
• Housing
• Veteran status
• Disability status
• Place of birth
• Language spoken at home
• Occupied housing units
• Food
• Transportation
• Childcare
• Expenses

Single mother families in Minnesota face many challenges and barriers in their daily lives, such as lower incomes, higher poverty rates, less access to resources and services, and more difficulties in affording basic needs. These challenges and barriers affect not only single mothers, but also their children, who are more likely to live in poverty, experience food insecurity, and have lower educational attainment than children living with married-couple parents.

All these data may also show the implications and recommendations for policy makers, service providers, and community members who want to support and empower single mothers and their children in Minnesota. Some of the possible actions that can be taken are:

• Increasing the availability and affordability of quality childcare, especially for single mothers who work or attend school.
• Expanding the eligibility and benefits of public assistance programs, such as food stamps, Medicaid, and housing subsidies, for single mother families who struggle to make ends meet.
• Providing more financial education and counseling for single mother families who need help with budgeting, saving, investing, and managing debt.
• Enhancing the access and delivery of health care and mental health services for single mother families who suffer from chronic conditions, disabilities, or stress.
• Promoting the participation and integration of single mother families who are immigrants or refugees in the social and economic life of the state.
• Creating more opportunities and incentives for single mother families to pursue higher education and career advancement.
• Encouraging the involvement and support of fathers, relatives, friends, neighbors, and mentors in the lives of single mother families.

We hope that this article has provided some useful information and insights on the situation and needs of single mother families in Minnesota. We also hope that this article has inspired some positive actions and changes that can improve the well-being and outcomes of single mothers and their children in Minnesota.