About 3.6 million babies were born, with roughly 53 births per 1,000 women, down 1% from 2024|Brian Roberts|CC BY-NC-SA 2.0
The United States recorded its lowest fertility rate on record in 2025, continuing a decades-long decline, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
About 3.6 million babies were born, with roughly 53 births per 1,000 women, down 1% from 2024 and nearly 20% lower than two decades ago.
Experts say the drop reflects major social shifts. Women are choosing to have children later, with birth rates rising slightly among those over 30 but falling more sharply among younger groups. Delayed marriage, financial concerns, and the search for stable partnerships are key factors.
Researchers also link the trend to greater reproductive control and changing life priorities. Concerns about the economy, climate change, and rising costs of parenting are influencing decisions.
Economists warn that a sustained decline could slow workforce growth and strain systems like Social Security, though the impact will build gradually over time.