This fact sheet takes a demographic look at cohabitation. Also provided is a list of the characteristics of cohabitors and of their relationships, some of which includes (1) the least educated are the most likely to be cohabiting; (2) one reason for the popularity of cohabitation is the perception that it is easier to end a cohabiting relationship than to end a marriage; and (3) children living in cohabiting households are more likely to be officially poor than those living in married couple households. Pub No. 98-23.