Child Support Data
Child Support Statistics
Comprehensive data on child support payments, compliance rates, and trends across the United States. Data sourced from U.S. Census Bureau and Office of Child Support Enforcement.
Parents Owed Child Support
13.4Mcustodial parents
Child Support Due
$34.5Bannually
Average Monthly Payment
$477per month
Collection Rate
62%of support due
Child Support Payment Compliance
Not all child support owed is actually received. Here's the breakdown of payment compliance among custodial parents owed support:
Key Finding
Nearly 1 in 3 custodial parents receive no child support payments at all, despite having a court order. This represents approximately 4.1 million parents and their children.
Child Support by Custodial Parent Gender
Custodial Mothers
% of Custodial Parents80.4%
% Receiving Payment63.4%
Average Due$5,760/yr
Custodial Fathers
% of Custodial Parents19.6%
% Receiving Payment56.8%
Average Due$4,320/yr
While 80% of custodial parents are mothers, custodial fathers receive support at a slightly lower rate (56.8% vs 63.4%).
Child Support by State
Child support amounts vary significantly by state based on income guidelines, cost of living, and state-specific formulas.
| State | Avg Monthly Payment | Compliance Rate | Active Cases |
|---|---|---|---|
| California | $650 | 68% | 1.2M |
| Texas | $420 | 61% | 980K |
| Florida | $380 | 58% | 750K |
| New York | $580 | 65% | 680K |
| Pennsylvania | $450 | 70% | 520K |
| Illinois | $490 | 63% | 480K |
| Ohio | $410 | 64% | 450K |
| Georgia | $390 | 56% | 420K |
| North Carolina | $360 | 59% | 380K |
| Michigan | $430 | 62% | 360K |
Child Support by Income Level
A custodial parent's income level significantly affects both the likelihood of receiving support and the amount received.
| Custodial Parent Income | % Receiving Support | Avg Amount Received |
|---|---|---|
| Below Poverty Line | 41% | $2,200/yr |
| $15,000 - $30,000 | 55% | $3,800/yr |
| $30,000 - $50,000 | 67% | $5,200/yr |
| $50,000 - $75,000 | 74% | $6,400/yr |
| Above $75,000 | 82% | $8,100/yr |
Impact on Poverty
For custodial parents below the poverty line, child support represents an average of 40% of household income when received. Non-payment directly contributes to child poverty rates.
Child Support Collection Trends
| Year | Total Due | Amount Collected | Collection Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2015 | $33.7B | $28.0B | 83% |
| 2017 | $33.6B | $28.9B | 86% |
| 2019 | $34.0B | $29.6B | 87% |
| 2021 | $34.2B | $21.3B | 62% |
| 2023 | $34.5B | $21.4B | 62% |
COVID-19 Impact
The 2020-2021 period saw a significant drop in collection rates due to pandemic-related job losses and court closures. Rates have stabilized but remain below pre-pandemic levels.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average child support payment?
The average child support payment in the U.S. is approximately $477 per month or $5,760 per year. However, this varies significantly by state, income level, and number of children.
What percentage of parents actually pay child support?
About 62% of child support owed is actually received. 43.5% of custodial parents receive full payment, 25.8% receive partial payment, and 30.7% receive nothing despite having a court order.
Which state has the highest child support?
California has the highest average child support payments at around $650/month, followed by Massachusetts and New York. States with higher costs of living generally have higher support amounts.
How is child support calculated?
Each state uses its own formula, but most consider: both parents' income, number of children, custody arrangement, healthcare costs, and childcare expenses. Use our calculator for an estimate based on your state's guidelines.
Cite This Page
Splitifi. "Child Support Statistics: Payments, Compliance & Trends." Splitifi.com, February 2026, https://www.mysplitifi.com/statistics/child-support-statistics