NEW YORK, July 24, 2025 – The U.S. fertility rate fell to a historic low in 2024 – an average of 1.599 children per woman – according to newly released data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. This continues a steady decline that began after the 2007 financial crisis and puts the U.S. well below the replacement level of 2.1 children needed to maintain a stable population without immigration.
While the fertility rate fell, the overall number of births in 2024 rose slightly to approximately 3.62 million, up from 3.6 million the year before. Experts attribute this increase to demographic shifts, particularly among Hispanic and Asian American women, who saw notable rises in birth rates. In contrast, birth rates declined among Black and Native American women, with the most significant drop – 4% – among Black women.
Teenage birth rates continued their long-term decline, reaching the lowest level ever recorded. Meanwhile, birth rates for women aged 40 to 44 increased by 2%, marking the first time in U.S. history that births in this older age group outpaced those among teenagers. Women in their late 30s and early 40s are now contributing more significantly to overall birth numbers, reflecting changing patterns in education, career planning, and reproductive choices.
The continued decline in fertility rates reflects a range of cultural and economic factors. Many younger adults are delaying or forgoing parenthood due to rising housing costs, student debt, economic uncertainty, and the high cost of childcare. At the same time, changing gender roles and greater access to education and career opportunities for women are shifting life priorities.
Demographers note that these trends are in line with other wealthy countries, particularly in Western Europe and East Asia, where fertility rates have dropped below replacement levels. However, unlike countries such as France and Sweden that have implemented generous parental leave and subsidized childcare, the United States continues to lack a coordinated national policy to support families.
In response to growing concern about population decline, some U.S. policymakers have proposed measures like expanded IVF coverage, “baby bonuses,” and paid parental leave. Still, experts argue these piecemeal solutions are unlikely to reverse the downward trend without broader systemic changes, including affordable childcare, flexible work arrangements, and robust family support programs.
The CDC emphasized that while the fertility rate is an important metric for understanding population trends, it is influenced by complex and evolving factors. Without a clear reversal, the U.S. may face long-term implications for its labor force, economy, and social safety nets as the population continues to age and the birth rate remains low.