U.S. Fertility Hits Record Low as Young Women Delay or Decline Motherhood

Key points

• The CDC reports the general fertility rate dropped 1% in 2025, marking a new historical low.
• Birth rates for women aged 20 to 24 fell by 6%, while those in their late teens saw a 7% decline.
• Conversely, birth rates for women aged 30 to 45 increased significantly as they prioritize career stability.
• The U.S. population under age 18 has dropped by over 1 million since 2010.
• The median age of the U.S. population reached 39.4 years in 2025.

Background

This trend aligns with earlier reports showing a widening generational divide in wellbeing, where young adults report lower thriving rates than older generations. Additionally, the recent freeze in the housing market, with pending sales hitting record lows due to high mortgage rates, exacerbates the financial barriers many young people face when considering family expansion.

Why it matters

The shift toward delayed or reduced childbearing impacts long-term economic growth, workforce demographics, and public services. As fewer young people enter the population, states like Vermont face challenges maintaining schools and local economies, while rising median ages strain healthcare and social support systems.

What to watch

Policymakers may need to address affordability barriers, including housing, childcare, and healthcare, to support those who wish to have children. Continued monitoring of fertility trends will be crucial for understanding the long-term demographic and economic implications of this generational shift.