This study examines family stress across normative, moderate risk, and high-risk samples. A 3-factor model of family stress– including interpersonal tension, financial problems, and child-related difficulties–was developed using confirmatory factor analysis. Factor scores were computed across four samples considered to be at varying degrees of risk for family stress. Analyses of these scores revealed consistent differences across samples in levels of family stress, with higher stress in higher-risk samples. Results are discussed and implications for intervention and prevention are considered.