Is Virginia Becoming Less Family-Friendly? New Data Reveals Concerning Trends And Why Strong Families Matter More Than Ever

Virginia is moving in the wrong direction, even if it’s just one spot.

This week, the second annual Family Structure Index (FSI) was released, and Virginia slipped from 17th to 18th in the nation for family strength and stability. While the drop may seem small, it reflects a troubling trend in the health of our families.

Developed by Dr. Brad Wilcox, Professor of Sociology at the University of Virginia, in partnership with the Center for Christian Virtue and the Institute for Family Studies, the 2026 Index underscores the critical role strong families play in securing the future of our state and nation.

The table below shows the FSI trends in Virginia:

States with higher rankings tend to see lower child poverty, greater economic mobility, and more thriving communities. In fact, seven of the top ten states in the Family Structure Index also rank among the best for economic outlook.

“Not every red state performs well on the FSI—Louisiana, for instance, ranks third from last. And not every blue state struggles—Minnesota ranks ninth. But the overall pattern is clear: red states are losing less ground on fertility and gaining ground on marriage and family stability.”

While ranking 18th is certainly above average, we at The Family Foundation are not satisfied until Virginia becomes the most family-friendly state in the nation.

Stronger families don’t happen by accident. According to the data they are supported by:

• Affordable housing

• Better job opportunities

• Lower taxes

• More education choices

Notice that what truly supports stronger families does not include unrestricted abortion, the promotion of hypersexualized public school curricula, lax laws that allow dangerous illegal immigrants into our schools and communities, or the expansion of recreational marijuana and gambling.

Strong families are the foundation of a thriving society. When marriages are stable and children are raised in intact homes, communities flourish. Now is the time for policymakers, church leaders, and citizens to champion policies that protect and support the family.

Click here or the button below to read more about the Family Structure Index and what it means for Virginia.