Child Support for 1 Child — Calculator & State Rates
Calculate how much child support you will pay or receive for one child based on your state's guidelines. Compare your estimate to the national average and see how income level affects the payment.
| State | 1-Child Rate | At $5,000/mo Income |
|---|---|---|
| Texas | 20% | $1,000 |
| Illinois | 20% | $1,000 |
| Alaska | 20% | $1,000 |
| North Dakota | 28.5% | $1,425 |
| Wisconsin | 17% | $850 |
| Mississippi | 14% | $700 |
| Nevada | 18% | $900 |
| New York | 17% | $850 |
Average Child Support for 1 Child in the U.S.
The national average child support payment for a single child is approximately $500 to $600 per month, or $6,000 to $7,200 per year. This figure comes from Census Bureau survey data and includes orders at all income levels across all states.
However, the "average" can be misleading. Child support amounts are heavily influenced by income. A parent earning $30,000 per year may pay $350-$450 per month for one child, while a parent earning $100,000 per year could pay $1,200-$1,800 per month. The average is pulled down by the large number of lower-income orders.
State-by-state averages also vary. States with higher costs of living (California, New York, Massachusetts, Washington) produce higher average orders. States with lower incomes and simpler formulas (Mississippi, Arkansas, West Virginia) tend to have lower average payments.
State-by-State Percentage Rates for 1 Child
Six states use a straightforward percentage-of-income model where the noncustodial parent pays a flat percentage for one child. These rates provide a clear benchmark:
- Texas: 20% of net resources
- Illinois: 20% of net income (now income shares, but historical 20% reference)
- Alaska: 20% of adjusted income
- North Dakota: 28.5% of net income (highest flat rate)
- Wisconsin: 17% of gross income
- Mississippi: 14% of adjusted gross income (lowest flat rate)
- Nevada: 18% of gross income
- New York: 17% of combined income (income shares hybrid)
In income-shares states (the remaining 41 states plus DC), both parents' incomes are combined and looked up in a schedule. The effective rate for one child typically falls between 15% and 25% of combined income, with each parent responsible for their proportional share. The actual percentage varies based on the income level, with lower-income families generally paying a higher percentage and higher-income families paying a lower percentage.
How the Income Shares Model Works for 1 Child
In the 41 states using the income shares model, child support for one child is calculated through a multi-step process. First, both parents' gross monthly incomes are determined and combined. This combined income is used to look up the basic child support obligation in a state-published table or schedule.
For one child, the schedule typically yields an obligation of 15-25% of combined income. For example, if the combined monthly income is $8,000, the state schedule might set the basic obligation at $1,200 (15%). Each parent then pays their proportional share: if the payor earns $5,000 of the $8,000 combined (62.5%), they would owe $750 per month (62.5% of $1,200).
This base amount is then adjusted for health insurance costs paid for the child, work-related childcare costs, and the custody schedule. States with shared-custody formulas reduce the obligation when the noncustodial parent has the child for a significant number of overnights, typically above 90-110 nights per year. At a true 50/50 split with equal incomes, the net transfer may approach zero.
Frequently Asked Questions
What percentage of income is child support for 1 child?
It depends on your state. In flat-percentage states, the rate for one child ranges from 14% (Mississippi) to 28.5% (North Dakota). Texas uses 20%, Wisconsin uses 17%. In income-shares states, both parents' incomes are combined, and the effective rate for one child is typically 15-25% of combined income. Your individual share depends on what proportion of the combined income you earn. At higher income levels, the effective percentage tends to be lower.
What's the average child support payment for 1 child?
The national average is approximately $500-$600 per month for one child. However, this is a broad average across all income levels. For a parent earning $50,000 per year, expect $600-$900 per month. For a parent earning $75,000 per year, expect $900-$1,300 per month. State averages also vary, with higher-cost states producing higher orders. The best way to get an accurate estimate is to use the calculator above with your specific income and state.
How much child support for 1 child if I make $60,000?
At $60,000 per year ($5,000/month gross), child support for one child typically ranges from $750 to $1,100 per month. In Texas (20% of net resources), expect $830-$1,000 per month. In income-shares states like California or Florida, the amount depends on the other parent's income. If the other parent earns $35,000 per year and you have a standard visitation schedule (every other weekend plus some holidays), expect roughly $800-$1,000 per month. More custody time would reduce the amount.
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