The number of married couples with two incomes and no children, often known as DINKs, has grown sharply in the United States over the last decade. According to Pew Research Center data, 12 percent of married couples aged 30 to 49 now belong to this group, compared to eight percent in 2013.
Demographers note a gradual redefinition of the American family, with more couples delaying or opting out of parenthood for financial flexibility and lifestyle freedom. While the share of dual-income couples with children has slightly increased, single-income families with children have declined significantly since 2013.
Education and Employment Drive DINK Dynamics
Highly educated couples dominate this trend. Data shows that 58 percent of DINKs have both spouses holding at least a bachelor’s degree, compared with 43 percent of dual-income couples raising children. Additionally, 81 percent of DINK spouses work full-time, versus 68 percent among those with children.
Stronger Incomes but Smaller Wealth Pools
Interestingly, DINK households earn more but hold less overall wealth than families with children. The median DINK household income reached 193,900 dollars in 2023, surpassing the 151,900 dollars earned by dual-income families with kids. Yet, DINKs report a median wealth of 214,700 dollars, well below the 361,500 dollars held by their counterparts.
Home Ownership and Wealth Gaps
One explanation lies in home ownership patterns. While 71 percent of DINKs own homes, this share rises to 79 percent among couples with children. Moreover, homeowners without kids possess less average home equity—165,000 dollars compared to 222,000 dollars—highlighting why DINKs tend to accumulate less wealth despite higher earnings.
Age, Assets, and Evolving Priorities
Age also shapes these differences. Many DINKs are younger, with a median age of 36 for the older spouse, compared with 43 among dual-income couples with kids. As wealth typically builds over decades, the age gap suggests DINKs may eventually close the wealth divide as they grow older.
The Broader Shift in American Family Life
This growing DINK demographic underscores changing values around work, lifestyle, and family formation. As more couples focus on careers and personal goals before — or instead of — parenting, the American home and economy continue to evolve in step with cultural shifts.