In 2011, the USDA (United States Department of Agriculture) released its latest "Expenditures on Children by Families" report. The report analyzes the average cost of raising a child in America to the age of 17
(beginning from 2011). The study revealed the following statistics:
- Middle income parents of a child born in 2011 can expect to spend about $234,900 (or $13,800 per year) for food, shelter, and other necessities to raise a child over the next 17 years.
- Kids get more expensive as they get older. Teenagers cost about $1,270 more per year. (A
toy car for a 4-year-old is cheaper than car insurance for your 16-year-old.)
- Additional housing costs (extra bedrooms and bathrooms) account for the largest expense.
- Children are subject to "economies of scale," also called the "cheaper by the dozen" factor. In other words, expenses per child decrease as a family has more children.
The report failed to mention that children are also a blessing from the Lord. How important is it that God's people help children in becoming responsible and loving Christians? Priceless!
"Lo, children are an heritage of the Lord: and the fruit of the womb is his reward. As arrows are in the
hand of a mighty man; so are children of the youth." Psalm 127:3-5
