Jamaicans now having smaller households and fewer children, survey shows

Jamaica’s households are shrinking, with fewer children and couples living under one roof than a decade ago, according to the latest Survey of Living Conditions (JSLC) 2023. The survey, conducted by the Planning Institute of Jamaica (PIOJ), was tabled in the House of Representatives recently and provides a comprehensive snapshot of household structures, consumption patterns, and social indicators across the island.

The JSLC 2023 shows that the average household size has fallen from three persons in 2017 to 2.6 today. The decline is largely attributed to fewer children living in households, with the average dropping to 0.5 children per household from 0.8 in 2017. While the number of adults per household has remained relatively stable—around one adult male and just over one adult female—the proportion of single-person households has risen sharply to 35.3 percent, up from 29 percent in 2017.

Larger households, particularly those with four or more members, are on the decline, falling from 33.6 percent to 24.4 percent. Male-headed households are especially likely to consist of a single member, with 44 percent reporting just one resident, while 25.5 percent of female-headed households are now single-person homes. Nearly half of both male- and female-headed households had no spouse or children, highlighting the shift away from traditional family structures. Among female-headed households, having at least one child but no spouse was the next most common arrangement, while male-headed households most commonly included a spouse but no children.

The survey also provides broader demographic context. Children aged 0–14 now account for 22.1 percent of the population, while those aged 65 and older make up 9.5 percent. Working-age adults (15–64 years) constitute 68.4 percent, yielding a dependency ratio of 46.2 dependents for every 100 working-age persons. Dependency was highest in rural areas (51.3 per 100) and female-headed households (52.7 per 100).

Beyond household composition, the JSLC 2023 reveals that average per capita consumption expenditure increased by 5.3 percent in real terms compared with 2021, while poverty rates declined sharply from 16.7 percent to 8.2 percent. Inequality also improved, with the Gini coefficient falling from 0.3991 in 2021 to 0.3560 in 2023.

Health and education indicators saw mixed results. One in four Jamaicans reported having at least one non-communicable disease, with prevalence highest among the elderly. Gross school enrolment remained high for children aged 3–16 years at over 95 percent, though attendance for older students declined slightly. Access to recommended textbooks improved to 79.8 percent, up from 67.2 percent in 2021.

JSLC 2023 Executive Summary:

• Sample Size: 4,442 individuals from 1,719 households; data collected via Computer Assisted Personal Interviews (CAPI) from July 2023 to March 2024.
• Household Size & Composition: Average household size 2.6 (down from 3.0 in 2017); 35.3% single-person households; fewer children (0.5 per household) and fewer couples overall.
• Demographics: Children (0–14 yrs) 22.1%, elderly (65+) 9.5%, working-age 68.4%; dependency higher in rural areas and female-headed households.
• Consumption & Poverty: Mean per capita consumption $545,249; poverty fell to 8.2%; Gini coefficient 0.3560.
• Health: 23.6% with at least one NCD; elderly 60+ years, 62.7% affected; 20.1% health insurance coverage.
• Education: Gross enrolment 95% for ages 3–16; full attendance 80.7%; textbook access 79.8%; improvements in certification among those 14+ years.

The survey highlights the ongoing demographic and social shifts in Jamaica, illustrating a trend toward smaller, more individual-focused households alongside improvements in economic and educational outcomes.