National Survey of America's Families

The National Survey of America's Families provides a comprehensive look at the well-being of adults and children and reveals sometimes striking differences among the 13 states studied in depth. The survey provides quantitative measures of the quality of life in America. It pays particular attention to low-income families.

The survey is representative of the noninstitutionalized, civilian population of persons under age 65 in the nation as a whole and in 13 states: Alabama, California, Colorado, Florida, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, New Jersey, New York, Texas, Washington, and Wisconsin. Together, these states are home to more than half the nation's population and represent a broad range of fiscal capacity, child well-being, and approaches to government programs.

First results from the 1997 and 1999 survey rounds are available as Snapshots of America's Families.

Information regarding survey design and the survey instrument can be found under Methodology Reports. A brief overview of the methods used to conduct the 1997 and 1999 NSAF can be found under 1997 and 1999 Survey Methods and Data Reliability

To use the survey data, go to either the NSAF CrosstabMaker or Public Use Data. Westat carries out the survey under subcontract with the Urban Institute. The survey incorporates ways of measuring changes in child well-being designed by Child Trends.