US fertility rate hits record low in 2025

The US fertility rate record low 2025 marks a new milestone in a decades-long decline that is reshaping the country’s demographic and economic outlook.

About 3.6 million babies were born in the United States in 2025, according to provisional data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. That equals roughly 53 births per 1,000 women of reproductive age — down 1% from 2024 and nearly 20% lower than two decades ago.

The continued drop reflects a profound shift in how and when Americans choose to have children.

Americans are having children later

Birth rates increased slightly among women over 30 last year. However, that rise did not offset sharper declines among women under 30.

Experts describe the trend as part of a broader social transformation. People are delaying major life milestones, including marriage and parenthood, while prioritizing education, careers and financial stability.

Access to reproductive health care has also reduced unintended pregnancies, giving individuals more control over family planning decisions.

At the same time, many people say they are waiting for the right partner or more stable economic conditions before having children.

Economic uncertainty shapes family decisions

Beyond personal choices, broader concerns are influencing fertility trends.

Potential parents cite rising costs of living, housing pressures, health care access and uncertainty about the future. Climate change and the rapid development of artificial intelligence are also part of the equation.

Experts say these factors make family planning more deliberate — and often delayed.

A long-term drag on economic growth

While falling birth rates have little immediate economic impact, economists warn of long-term consequences.

A smaller population growth rate can slow workforce expansion, reduce consumer demand and strain public systems.

The shift becomes more significant when combined with declining immigration. Population growth fell sharply to about 0.3% in 2025, down from above 1% in previous years.

That slowdown could weigh on economic growth, which is already trending below 2%.

Pressure on Social Security and the workforce

Demographic changes also affect the sustainability of programs like Social Security.

Fewer births mean fewer future workers contributing to the system, while the number of retirees continues to rise.

Current projections suggest fertility rates will recover only slowly, delaying any demographic rebound and widening long-term funding gaps.

A generational turning point

For now, delaying childbirth does not necessarily mean fewer people will have children overall. But the outcome remains uncertain.

A key group to watch is people born in the 1990s, now entering their peak reproductive years. Their decisions will help determine whether birth rates stabilize or continue to fall.

If that generation does not “catch up” with higher birth rates later in life, the U.S. could face a sustained period of low population growth.