How Strong are Families in Virginia?
The only way to make America great again, is by making families great again.
Today, a new national Family Structure Index was released that ranks Virginia 17th in the country for family strength and stability. Developed by Dr. Brad Wilcox, Professor of Sociology at the University of Virginia, in partnership with the Center for Christian Virtue and the Institute for Family Studies, the Index highlights the importance of strong families for the future of our state and nation.
The Index measures:
The percentage of adults (ages 25-54) who are married.
The average number of lifetime births per woman.
The percentage of children (ages 15-17) living with their married birth or adoptive parents.
Healthy families help reduce poverty, improve educational outcomes, and create safer communities. Research consistently shows that children thrive best in stable family environments. Unfortunately, some of recent policies passed by the Virginia General Assembly has unintentionally made it harder for families to stay together. Changes to marriage definitions and divorce laws (among other societal trends) make it easier to break up families instead of helping them stay together.
States with higher rankings tend to see lower child poverty, greater economic mobility, and thriving communities. In fact, seven of the top ten states in the Family Structure Index also rank among the best for economic outlook.
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States with higher rankings tend to see lower child poverty, greater economic mobility, and thriving communities. In fact, seven of the top ten states in the Family Structure Index also rank among the best for economic outlook.
The good news is that positive change is possible—but it requires action from our leaders and communities. Here are some key ways Virginia can support strong families:
Enact a Working Family Child Tax Credit – A well-designed family tax credit system, combined with a lower tax framework, that can provide tax relief that incentivizes marriage, encourages family growth, and supports parents making long-term investments in their communities.
Expand Adoption Tax Credits – Adoption costs can range from $20,000 to $50,000, creating a significant barrier for families looking to adopt. A robust adoption tax credit would help remove financial obstacles, making it easier for families to provide loving homes to children in need, including those in the foster care system.
Expand Educational Freedom – School choice is a major factor for families deciding where to live and raise children. Virginia should expand options such as education savings accounts, charter schools, and homeschooling support to ensure parents can choose the best education for their children. States leading in school choice have seen stronger family migration and greater satisfaction among parents.
By prioritizing these policies, Virginia can build a stronger foundation for families and create a culture that values marriage, children, and long-term community investment. While ranking 17th is certainly above average, we here at The Family Foundation are not satisfied until we see Virginia become the most family-friendly state in the nation.
Strong families are the foundation of a thriving society. When marriages are stable and children are raised in intact homes, communities flourish. Now is the time for policymakers, church leaders, and citizens to champion policies that protect and support the family.
Read more about the Family Structure Index and what it means for Virginia.
