Single Mothers in Utah

According to the U.S. Census Bureau in 2021, 73.3% of single-parent families were headed by single mothers. In Utah, there were 70,647 single-parent families with children in 2021; of these, 69.2% were headed by single mothers. Understanding the unique needs of single mothers nationally and within Utah is an essential step in tailoring programs to help women thrive.

Challenges Faced

Single mothers may disproportionately experience challenges such as economic disadvantages, mental health concerns, work instability, decreased time to devote to their children and their own wellbeing, education barriers, and possible poorer outcomes for their children. Because of the heavy burdens single mothers carry trying to balance work, life, and family, many are discouraged, over- whelmed, and exhausted. These challenges, especially if faced without appropriate communal support, can keep single mothers in a place of everyday survival instead of reaching a place where they can grow, excel, and thrive.

In 2021, one out of every three single mothers in the U.S. lived in poverty. Single mothers do not have the benefit of dual incomes or tend to make less than men. Single mothers typically have less stable employment and that also impacts access to healthcare insurance coverage. Many single mothers struggle with how to fully care for their children and still make ends meet financially.

It is essential for many single mothers to continue with higher education because additional education can greatly increase their earnings over time. However, higher education was not designed with single mothers in mind and may not provide for their needs. Research also suggests that single mothers have more physical and mental health struggles compared to married individuals. Societal attitudes and expectations can create stress associated with cultural alienation, stigma, lack of social support systems, and limited resources for single mothers.

Utah Specific Factors

• Wage Gap: In Utah, adult women who work full-time, year-round earn approximately 72% of what their male counterparts earn (lower than the national percentage of 81%).
• Cost of Childcare: Utah faces shortages of high-quality, affordable childcare. Childcare for one takes 14% of a median family’s income in Utah.
• Cost of Living: The median income among Utah single mothers with children under 18 has largely stayed the same for the last decade, from $33,100 in 2010 to $37,900 in 2020.

How Can Utah Help

• Childcare: Promote childcare reform that caps childcare expenses for single mother families and increase access to affordable childcare with extended operating hours.
• Government and Community Support: Through legislation, strengthen enforcement tools that ensure single mothers receive child support and alimony.
• Education: Provide affordable, on-campus childcare, student family housing, and flexible class schedules for single mothers.
• Employment: Promote programs focused on improving employment stability for single mothers, including workplace family-friendly policies and benefits.
• Mental Health: Invest in services that improve a single mother’s ability to self-care, cope, and grow. Implement innovative policies that empower single mothers’ resilience and self-sufficiency.

Conclusion

Supporting children’s primary caregivers, including single mothers, helps ensures the successful future of our state and nation. Although many challenges are associated with being a single mother in Utah, there are many resources in place to help these individuals; however, the data still shows a need for adjustments and additional programs, services, and policies. Providing intentional and targeted support can help build hope for single mothers and their families, which will positively impact our communities.

To learn more about single mothers in Utah, read the full snapshot.