Social & Demographic Trends

In a Down Economy, Fewer Births

October 12, 2011

A sharp decline in fertility rates in the United States that started in 2008 is closely linked to the souring of the economy that began about the same time, according to a new analysis of multiple economic and demographic data sources by the Pew Research Center.

The year 2007 marked a record high number of births in the U.S.-- 4,316,233. Since that time, births have been declining, even as the U.S. population continues to grow. Preliminary data for 2009 indicate that the number of births dropped to 4,131,018 -- the lowest number since 2004. Provisional data show that in 2010 births numbered just over 4 million (4,007,000).

A state-level look at fertility illustrates the strength of the correlation between lower birth rates and economic distress. States experiencing the largest economic declines in 2007 and 2008 were most likely to experience relatively large fertility declines from 2008 to 2009, the analysis finds. States with relatively minor economic declines were likely to experience relatively small declines.

Read the full report for more on the decline in fertility rates and the impact it has had on different demographic groups.

See also related Pew Research reports on the impact of the recession on Americans: 

• Fighting Poverty in a Bad Economy, Americans Move in with Relatives
• Wealth Gaps Rise to Record Highs Between Whites, Blacks, Hispanics
• Childhood Poverty Among Hispanics Sets Record, Leads Nation
• No Consensus About Whether Nation Is Divided Into 'Haves' and 'Have-Nots'
• Two Years of Economic Recovery: Women Lose Jobs, Men Find Them
• How the Great Recession Has Changed Life in America