The 21 U.S. States With the Largest Average Families

Although total family sizes in the U.S. have been declining for many years now, some states have larger family sizes than others. Using data from the U.S. Census, we can identify which states have the largest families. Ranking average family sizes in the U.S. means including households with two or more people related by marriage, birth, adoption, or other means. 

Most U.S. states have an average family size of 3 or higher, although two states fall below that margin. Maine and Vermont are the two states with the smallest family sizes, at 2.96 and 2.95 respectively. If you have a large family, you may wonder how your state ranks against the rest of the U.S. Check our list of the 21 U.S. states with the largest average families to find out!

Honorable Mentions: #11-21:

New York, Illinois, Louisiana, Maryland, Florida, Mississippi, Idaho, Delaware, Virginia, Connecticut, and Washington are all worth mentioning, earning the 11th through 21st-place spots, respectively. Now let’s delve into the top 10 states with the largest families. 

#10: New Jersey

New Jersey earned the 10th-place spot with an average family size of 3.39. One of the best-rated towns for families in the state is Princeton Junction. It’s known for great schooling, plenty of green spaces, and a safe environment.

#9: Arizona

Arizona has an average family size of 3.40, ranking just below Georgia in 9th place. Some good cities in Arizona for families include Scottsdale, Gilbert, and Chandler.

#8: Georgia

The average family in Georgia consists of 3.41 members, ranking it 8th on our list. The population of the entire state has grown significantly over the past 20 years, with most of Georgia’s residents living within the metropolitan area of Atlanta.

#7: New Mexico

At an average family size of 3.42, New Mexico ranks 7th in terms of largest families. Some places in the state are better for raising families, like Los Alamos, Albuquerque, and White Rock. 

#6: Nevada

Nevada ranks 6th with an average family size of 3.46. Despite the state having such large families, Nevada comes in near the bottom when it comes to the well-being of children. Both finding and affording childcare are difficult for residents.

#5: Alaska

Although Alaska’s population is on the smaller side, its family sizes are not. The average family in Alaska consists of 3.49 members, earning the state 5th place overall. One possible reason that family sizes are larger in Alaska is that each person in the state (both adult and child) receives an annual dividend simply for living there. It’s usually around $1,000, but in 2022 it reached a record high of $3,284.

#4: Texas

They say ‘everything’s bigger in Texas’, and when it comes to family sizes, that’s 100% true. At an average of 3.51 people per family, Texas ranks 4th in the U.S. One reason might be that Texas has a pretty large median house size, with the average home being 1,714 square feet. With so many large homes, it only makes sense to fill the space!

#3: California

As surprising as it may be with their high housing costs, California ranks 3rd in terms of the largest average families. One reason for this may be that people in the state are waiting longer to have children. Then, by the time they start, there aren’t as many financial or other barriers, leading to couples having more children. The average family size in California is very close to the top 2 states, at 3.67.

#2: Utah

It was a close one between Hawaii and Utah, with Utah coming in at 3.71 people per family. Utah has the highest population of Latter-Day Saints or Mormons. For a long time, the Church of Latter-Day Saints discouraged the use of birth control and encouraged large family sizes. While their stance on birth control has changed, large families are still embraced and encouraged within Mormon theology.

#1: Hawaii

The winner in the largest average families is Hawaii at 3.73 people per family. This number may be higher than in other states because the cultural norm in Hawaii is for many relatives to live under the same roof. Often, families are comprised of children, parents, and grandparents living together.

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