Annual Median and Average Monthly Income of Single Unwed Parents in Past Four Years

Mr Louis Ng Kok Kwang asked the Minister for Social and Family Development in the past four years, what has been the annual median and average monthly income of single unwed parents (i) below 35 years old (ii) between 35 and 36 years old and (iii) 36 years old and above, respectively.

The average monthly income for citizen mothers with non-marital births, which we have computed by dividing annual income from work by 12, has increased over the years. For those below 35 years old, it rose from $1,800 in 2017 to $2,500 in 2020. For those aged 35 and older, it rose from $5,600 in 2017 to $5,900 in 2020. Similarly, the median for those below 35 years old rose from $600 in 2017 to $700 in 2020, whereas for those 35 years old and above, it remains at $3,400. The data for 2021 is not yet available.

Incomes for those below 35 years old is lower as they also include young mothers who may work in part-time jobs, or only for a few months of the year. Wage information for the single age band of 35 to 36 years is not available due to small population size.