New data shows a clear link between family stability and economic prosperity—will policymakers take action?
HARRISBURG, PA – Pennsylvania, a state with vast economic resources, ranks a troubling 34th in the nation for family stability, according to the newly released Family Structure Index. The findings expose a concerning decline in marriage and intact families, signaling long-term consequences for Pennsylvania’s children, workforce, and economic future.
The Family Structure Index, developed by Brad Wilcox, Professor of Sociology at the University of Virginia, in partnership with the Center for Christian Virtue and The Institute for Family Studies, measures key indicators of family health:
- The percentage of married adults aged 25 to 54
- The average number of lifetime births per woman (Total Fertility Rate)
- The percentage of teens (ages 15-17) living with their married parents
Pennsylvania’s Family Structure Index score of 53.4 places it behind states with fewer resources and smaller economies—such as Nebraska (#3), South Dakota (#4), and Wyoming (#5)—all of which have a significantly higher percentage of intact families. While Pennsylvania’s 56% of prime-aged adults are married, its Total Fertility Rate is only 1.58, and just 56.4% of teenagers are raised in intact homes—well below many stronger-performing states.
“Pennsylvania should be a national leader in family stability, yet we are shockingly underperforming,” said Michael Geer, President of the Pennsylvania Family Institute. “The data proves that family structure is a key driver of economic well-being, and our state is failing to provide the conditions for strong, stable marriages and families. If we continue down this path, we will see increased poverty, declining social mobility, and long-term damage to Pennsylvania’s communities.”
A State with Resources, But Lagging Behind
What makes Pennsylvania’s ranking especially concerning is that it trails behind some similarly situated, large-population staA State with Resources, But Lagging Behind
What makes Pennsylvania’s ranking especially concerning is that it trails behind some similarly situated, large-population states like Texas (#9), North Carolina (#17), Virginia (#17), and even Ohio (#29). And states like Nebraska, South Dakota, and Idaho—all ranked in the top five—have smaller populations and less economic infrastructure, yet they boast significantly higher rates of marriage and intact families. Pennsylvania, by contrast, has a larger economy, major metropolitan hubs, and extensive social programs—but still is falling behind in building an environment where families can thrive.
The Family Structure Index highlights urgent policy changes needed to reverse Pennsylvania’s decline:
- Eliminate Marriage Penalties: Pennsylvania’s lawmakers should review and remove harmful government programs and benefit structures that create financial disincentives for marriage.
- Require Public Schools to Teach the Success Sequence: Research shows that individuals who graduate high school, secure a job, and marry before having children are significantly less likely to experience poverty. Pennsylvania should mandate that public schools teach this proven path to success.
- Reduce Planned Parenthood’s Influence in Schools: State policymakers must take action to limit Planned Parenthood’s presence in public schools, ensuring that schools promote marriage and family stability.
“States that support strong family structures reap the rewards of lower poverty rates, better educational outcomes, and economic prosperity,” said Tom Shaheen, Vice President of Policy for the Pennsylvania Family Institute. “Pennsylvania must take immediate action to strengthen marriage and family life or risk further decline.”
A Call to Action
The Family Structure Index exposes the stark reality that Pennsylvania is falling behind in family stability—an issue that will only worsen without decisive leadership. Unsurprisingly, the link between strong families and economic prosperity is undeniable, and seven of the top ten states in the index also rank among the top ten in the 2024 ALEC-Laffer State Economic Outlook Rankings, which assess states with the lowest tax and regulatory policies. Pennsylvania must take action now to protect its families, strengthen marriages, and ensure a stronger future for generations to come.
For more information on the Family Structure Index and how Pennsylvania can strengthen families, visit [PA Family Institute Website] or ccv.org/familyindex.
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About Pennsylvania Family Institute
Pennsylvania Family Institute is a non-profit organization dedicated to strengthening families by advocating for foundational values essential to the well-being of society. As the only full-time, professionally staffed pro-family organization in the state Capitol, we work to promote respect for life, marriage, and religious liberty through policy advocacy, media engagement, and community support.
To arrange an interview, contact Josue Sierra at jsierra@pafamily.org or by calling 202-430-0282.
