More than a quarter of low-income Hispanic children lives with an unrelated adult

More than one in four of all low-income Hispanic children in the United States (27 percent) lives in a household with an unrelated adult, according to research by the Center. This proportion is similar to that of low-income white children (28 percent), and it exceeds that of low-income black children (15 percent). Overall, most unrelated adults in the households are cohabiting partners of the resident parent.
The presence of unrelated adults in households can be a source of support to, or strain on, family resources. Employment, child care, and housework contributed by other household members can help provide needed resources to children and parents. Alternatively, the presence of other unrelated adults can signal that families are doubling up to secure housing or help ends meet. In fact, about six percent of low-income Hispanic children live in another family’s household. Learn more about the family and household arrangements of low-income Hispanic children.