Why the falling US fertility rate matters to population growth


By AGENCY
The fertility rate in the US dropped to 1.6 kids per woman in 2024. Photo: ERIC GAY/AP

The fertility rate in the United States dropped to an all-time low in 2024 with less than 1.6 kids per woman, new data shows.

The US was once among only a few developed countries with a rate that ensured each generation had enough children to replace itself – about 2.1 kids per woman. But it has been sliding in America for close to two decades as more women are waiting longer to have children or never taking that step at all.

Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel for breaking news alerts and key updates!

Next In Family

Starchild: What Valentine's Day means to Malaysian children
These Malaysian families celebrating CNY view superstitions as a tool for unity
How to deal with your child who comes home telling exaggerated stories
How time in the saddle supports neurodivergent children
Why Malaysian kids are excited to welcome the Year of the Horse
Microplastics carried by fathers tied to diabetes risk in offspring
Is your child going through puberty early? Here's everything you need to know
Why younger Malaysians are swapping house visits for holidays this Chinese New Year
Skipping tradition: Malaysian family chooses an outstation getaway for Chinese New Year
How today's Malaysian grandparents are raising happier, healthier families

Others Also Read