U.S. Adoption Statistics
According to Lifelong Adoptions 2022
The first modern adoption law was passed in Massachusetts in 1851. Called the Adoption of Children Act, it was the first to focus on the best interests of the child rather than adult interests. Since then, adoption has grown tremendously into what it is today.
U.S. Adoption Statistics
1 in 35 children in the United States is adopted
More than 50,000 children are adopted through foster care every year
An estimated 100,000 children are adopted through all adoption types every year
Around 700,000 children are living with adoptive parents
More than 1.2 million children are living with at least one adoptive parent
Adoption Types in the United States
Private Domestic Adoption: 38%
Adoption through private providers like adoption agencies, adoption attorneys, adoption facilitators, and other adoption professionals
Foster Care Adoption: 37%
Adoption through the Child Welfare System
International Adoption: 25%
Adoption through agencies and other providers in countries around the world
About Adopted Children
The following are general statistics representative of all adopted children in the United States.
Gender
Male: 49%
Female: 51%
Race/Ethnic Origin
White: 37%
Black: 23%
Hispanic: 15%
Asian: 15%
Other: 10%
Age
Age 0-2: 5%
Age 3-4: 9%
Age 5-9: 30%
Age 10-12: 19%
Age 13-14: 14%
Age 15-17: 23%
About Adoptive Parents
The following are general statistics representative of all adoptive families in the United States.
Average Age
44 years old
Median Household Income
$73,378 per year
Educational Level
Less than high school: 9%
High school graduate: 20%
Some college: 32%
Bachelor’s degree: 22%
Graduate or professional school degree: 17%
Reasons for Adopting a Baby
To provide a permanent home for a child: 81%
A desire to expand family: 69%
Inability to have a biological child: 52%
Wanted sibling for another child: 24%
Had previously adopted the child’s siblings: 7%
Credit: Lifelong Adoptions