Based on data from 2022 regarding intercountry adoptions involving the United States, the age range with the highest number of adoptions was 5-12 years.
Understanding the age distribution of internationally adopted children can be helpful for prospective parents and organizations involved in the process. While infants and toddlers are often perceived as the typical age for adoption, statistics show a significant number of older children are also adopted internationally.
2022 US Intercountry Adoption Data by Age
According to data compiled by Statista based on reports from the U.S. Department of State, the distribution of intercountry adoptions involving the United States in 2022 by age was as follows:
| Characteristic | Number of adoptions |
|---|---|
| 1-2 years | 380 |
| 3-4 years | 259 |
| 5-12 years | 593 |
| 13-17 years | 217 |
Source: Statista - Intercountry adoptions involving the U.S. 2022, by age
As the table clearly shows, the age category of 5-12 years accounted for the largest share of intercountry adoptions involving the U.S. in 2022, with 593 children adopted within this age group. This number is higher than the combined total of adoptions for children aged 1-2 years and 3-4 years.
Insights into Adoption Ages
The data from 2022 highlights that while younger children are frequently adopted, children in the school-age range (5-12) represent a significant portion of the intercountry adoption population. Teenagers (13-17) also represent a smaller but still notable group.
This distribution can vary slightly year by year and depends on various factors, including:
- Policies in sending countries
- Specific needs of children waiting for adoption
- Preferences and qualifications of adoptive parents
However, the 2022 data strongly indicates that most internationally adopted children arriving in the U.S. are between the ages of 5 and 12.
