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Key Facts about Unmarried Americans

Did you know:

There are nearly 96 million unmarried Americans, representing roughly 43% of the adult population (CPS, 2008).
Since 2005, the majority of US households have not been headed by married couples. The number of non-married-couple households continues to grow (ACS 2005-2007).
There are more than 51 million households headed by unmarried Americans, representing roughly 44% of all households and the majority of households in 23 states, plus the District of Columbia (CPS, 2007).

Media Contact: Nicky Grist

Photo credit: Bill Wadman

Nicky Grist is the executive director of the Alternatives to Marriage Project (AtMP), a national nonprofit dedicated to eliminating marital status discrimination from law and policy. Trained and experienced in both public policy analysis and grassroots organizing, she can speak about legal and economic institutions and their effects on people’s lives. AtMP critiques the role of marital status in health care, employment, welfare, taxes, housing, adoption, social security and immigration, as well as voter trends and social stigma. AtMP is a 501c3 with over 8,800 members in all 50 states and Canada. Ms. Grist connects media to an informal speakers bureau of hundreds of AtMP members who are willing to share personal stories, as well as a broad range of relevant academics and practitioners.

What’s on the Minds of Unmarried Voters

Annotated campaign flyer submitted by an AtMP member, C. K. of Camp Hill, PA

“What should candidates be saying to recognize or attract unmarried voters?”

From September 30 – October 3 and November 3 - 4, 2008, AtMP conducted an informal survey of members who had pledged to vote. The questionnaire elicited detailed comments from over 50 people in at least 23 states. Only 17% said they believe that the presidential candidates recognized the importance unmarried voters.

We recommend journalists:

-Include more than one "expert" perspective, especially when the subject is a new research finding or statistic. Expert opinions vary widely about how to interpret such research.

- Note that people who are legally "single" or "unmarried" are often still part of relationships and families. For instance, 40% of the first babies of "single mothers" are born to cohabiting couples -- two parent families where the couple is not married.

- Specify the size of the difference when they provide statistics comparing two groups of people (for instance, married couples and cohabitors). Some statistical differences that are reported are surprisingly small.

- Include the perspectives of real unmarried people, not just "experts" talking about them. (Yes, we can do our best to help you get in touch with people to interview in your area.)

How We Can Help You

We are pleased to work with journalists. We can:

give interviews and information about timely topics
provide current statistics and research about unmarried couples, cohabitation, domestic partner benefits, and related topics (including the latest Census data on cohabitation for any city, state, or region)
often provide phone numbers and email addresses for unmarried people around the country who are willing to be interviewed, from our database of members in all fifty states
put you in touch with other experts in the field of marriage, cohabitation, and family diversity
provide an alternative perspective to the marriage movement.

You can reach AtMP's staff, founders, and spokespeople through the Alternatives to Marriage Project here. If you get voicemail, leave a message and we'll return your call promptly. Let us know if you are on a deadline.

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