Summary
Rising housing costs in the U.S. may affect birth rates, with fewer young people having children. Births increased slightly by 1% from 2023 to 2024, but the general fertility rate dropped. Housing costs, among other factors, might be influencing people’s decisions about starting families.
Key Facts
- From 2023 to 2024, the U.S. saw a 1% increase in the total number of births.
- The general fertility rate in the U.S. fell by 1% to 53.8 births per 1,000 women aged 15 to 44.
- Younger women aged 15 to 34 experienced declines in birth rates, while older age groups saw no change.
- In 2023, the fertility rate was fewer than 1.6 children per woman, down from 2.1 in 2006, necessary for population stability without immigration.
- Rising housing costs are a concern; the median home price increased from $221,923 in 2006 (adjusted to $343,806 for inflation) to $410,100 in 2024.
- High home prices and borrowing costs are cited as possible reasons for the delayed decision to have children.
- Many people wish to own a home before starting a family, but it is increasingly difficult due to economic conditions.
