The Fact
No. Census defines a household as everyone occupying a housing unit regardless of relationship. A family requires two or more people related by birth, marriage, or adoption.
What This Means
Household statistics can include people living alone, roommates, and unrelated people; family statistics do not describe the same population.
Sources
- U.S. Census Bureau, Income FAQ. https://www.census.gov/topics/income-poverty/income/about/faqs.html Accessed October 2, 2026.
