Pew Research: DINKs Are On the Rise — Here’s Why It Matters

A growing number of U.S. couples are choosing a path that defies traditional expectations: two incomes, no children. Known as “DINKs,” these married couples — with at least one spouse between ages 30 and 49 — now make up 12% of their age group, up from 8% in 2013.

Often spotlighted on social media for their financial freedom and lifestyle choices, DINKs tend to be younger, more educated, and more likely to work full time than their dual-income peers with kids. In fact, 81% of DINK couples have both spouses working full time (compared to 68% of couples with kids), and 58% hold bachelor’s degrees or higher (versus 43%).

Financially, DINKs report higher household incomes — a median of $193,900 — but less wealth overall. Why? They’re less likely to own homes (71% vs. 79%) and have less home equity. Age also plays a factor: DINKs tend to be earlier in their wealth-building years.

While Pew’s data focuses only on married couples, this trend is part of a broader shift in how Americans are redefining family, work, and freedom. And although the DINK label may suggest a permanent choice, some of these couples may still choose to have children in the future.

In a time when the cost of living is rising and autonomy is increasingly valued, the growing visibility of DINKs adds a new dimension to our understanding of modern families — and who gets to define them.