U.S. Fertility Rate Hits Record Low, Births Drop to 3.59 Million in 2023, Lowest Since 1979

Apr 25, 2024, 05:10 AM

In 2023, the United States experienced a significant decline in birth rates, with the total fertility rate dropping to a record low of 1.62 births per woman, marking a 2% decrease from the previous year. This is the lowest level recorded since the government began tracking in the 1930s and the lowest since 1979. Approximately 3.59 million babies were born, reflecting this decline. The trend was particularly notable among teenagers and women aged 20-24. Experts attribute the trend to various factors including career prioritization and increased access to contraception. The general fertility rate also fell to 54.4 births per 1,000 women aged 15-44, a 3% decrease from 2022. This ongoing trend poses potential long-term economic and societal implications.