The Rise of Gig Economy Services Among Households with Children

Chicago, May 7, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — The gig economy has transformed the way Americans access services, and recent findings from TransUnion reveal a significant trend: households with children are emerging as the most active users of these services. This article delves into the implications of this trend, exploring how families are leveraging gig economy platforms to meet their diverse needs.

A Growing Dependence on Gig Services

According to TransUnion’s 2025 Gig Economy Consumer Report, households with children utilize gig services at a rate nearly 50% higher than those without children. This trend highlights the growing reliance on platforms such as ridesharing, food delivery, and freelance services to manage the complexities of family life.

Spending Patterns

The report reveals that 23% of households with children spend $500 or more per month on gig services, a staggering figure compared to just 5% of households without children. This disparity underscores the financial commitment families are making to ensure convenience and efficiency in their daily routines.

Weekly Usage Statistics

The frequency of gig service usage among families is noteworthy. The report indicates that:

Food Delivery: 61% of households with children use this service weekly, compared to 40% of those without children.
Grocery/Retail Delivery: 54% vs. 33%
Ridesharing: 53% vs. 36%
Online Freelancing: 39% vs. 19%
Vehicle Sharing: 38% vs. 21%
In-person Contracting: 31% vs. 15%

These statistics reveal a clear trend: families are not just occasional users but are integrating gig services into their weekly routines.

The Appeal of Emerging Gig Services

Interestingly, the gap widens when it comes to emerging gig services. Households with children are twice as likely to engage in digital freelancing or in-person contract work, such as babysitting or home repairs. This suggests that families are not only outsourcing tasks but also seeking specialized services that cater to their unique needs.

Digital Freelancing

The rise of digital freelancing indicates a shift in how families manage their professional and personal lives. Many parents are outsourcing parts of their day jobs, allowing them to balance work and family responsibilities more effectively.

Key Motivators for Usage

The report highlights several factors driving the increased use of gig services among families:

Wide Selection of Providers: 43% of households with children appreciate the variety of options available, compared to 25% of those without children.
Ease of Finding Services: 51% of families cite the convenience of locating the services they need as a primary motivator.

These insights suggest that gig platforms can enhance their offerings by focusing on variety and accessibility.

The Importance of Promotions and Loyalty Programs

Families are also more likely to prioritize promotions and loyalty programs when selecting gig services. This presents an opportunity for platforms to differentiate themselves by creating attractive offers that enhance consumer satisfaction and foster long-term loyalty.

Trust and Safety Concerns

While the convenience of gig services is appealing, trust and safety remain paramount. The report indicates that 83% of respondents are satisfied with the trust and safety features available. However, over half of the users would discontinue using a platform if they experienced scams or felt threatened.

Addressing Fraud and Safety

Nearly 40% of users express concerns about encountering fraud. To mitigate these fears, 67% of respondents advocate for verification of worker identity, while 58% support background checks and biometric verification. This highlights the need for gig platforms to implement robust safety measures to maintain user trust.

Conclusion

The findings from TransUnion’s 2025 Gig Economy Consumer Report illustrate a significant trend: households with children are not just participating in the gig economy; they are driving its growth. As families increasingly rely on these services for convenience and efficiency, gig platforms must adapt to meet their unique needs. By focusing on trust, safety, and customer engagement, these platforms can cultivate loyalty among this vital consumer segment.

For more insights and detailed findings, you can access the full report here.

About TransUnion

TransUnion is a global information and insights company dedicated to making trust possible in the marketplace. With over 13,000 associates operating in more than 30 countries, TransUnion provides innovative solutions that extend beyond credit into areas such as marketing, fraud prevention, and advanced analytics. For more information, visit TransUnion’s website.