United States
Based on the most recent published official birth records (and Birthgap harmonisation where noted).
The the US saw a slight decline in its total maternal rate to 63.5% in 2024, continuing a gradual downward trend from previous years. While the average number of children per mother remains the highest globally at 2.52, it has shown minimal change compared to 2023. Notably, life expectancy experienced a significant drop of nearly 3.7 years, an unusual and concerning development.
- Lifetime childlessness grew to 36.5%, slightly higher than in 2023 and well above the 1970s level.
- The average maternal age increased marginally to 28.0 years, continuing a steady rise over the last five years.
- The generational birthgap index rose to 22.7%, reflecting a modest increase in birth spacing compared to previous years.
In 2024, maternal and fertility rates in the United States show slight declines and generally low rankings despite minor increases in some birth figures.
- Total maternal rate slightly declined, ranking 20th globally
- Children per mother highest globally at 2.52
- Mean maternal age is low, ranked 34th out of 38
- Lifetime childlessness rate rising, mid-ranked at 19th
- Societal Half-Life remains one of the longest, ranked 3rd globally
Key fertility indicators — The The United States
| Total Maternal Rate (TMR) | 63.5% |
| Childlessness Rate (TCR) | 36.5% |
| Children per Mother (CPM) | 2.52 |
| Birthgap Indicator (TFG) | 22.7% |
| Societal Half-Life (SHL) | 80.7 years |
| TGI (great-grandchildren per 100 parents) | 46 |
Motherhood prevalence (TMR)
In 2024, the total maternal rate (TMR) is 63.5%. It is marginally lower than 2023 (down 0.5pp). Over the past five years, TMR has been falling; the 2020–2024 average is 63.6%. Compared with the 1970s norm (73.2%), today’s level is lower by about 9.7pp. The lowest point was in the late 1990s (1997–1999), averaging 81.6%.
Globally, the US ranks 20 out of 38 countries.
| Year | TMR | Year | TMR |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1970 | 85.4% | 2010 | 76.7% |
| 1980 | 75.6% | 2020 | 62.9% |
| 1990 | 86.1% | 2023 | 64.0% |
| 2000 | 82.7% | 2024 | 63.5%* |
Source: Human Fertility Database. *Measure estimated by Birthgap.org based on partial data from NCHS.
Children per mother (CPM)
In 2024, the US’s children per mother (CPM) is 2.52. This is broadly flat versus 2023 (little change). Across the most recent five-year window, CPM is falling with an average of 2.57. Compared with the 1970s norm (2.61), today’s level is lower by about 0.10.
Globally, the US has the highest CPM (ranked 38/38).
| Year | CPM | Year | CPM |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1970 | 2.87 | 2010 | 2.51 |
| 1980 | 2.40 | 2020 | 2.60 |
| 1990 | 2.39 | 2023 | 2.53 |
| 2000 | 2.48 | 2024 | 2.52* |
Source: Human Fertility Database. *Measure estimated by Birthgap.org based on partial data from NCHS.
Average maternal age (AMA)
The US’s mean age at childbearing is 28.0 in 2024. It has edged up slightly (+0.1 years). Over the past five years, AMA has been rising, averaging 27.8 years. It is now 5.2 years higher than the 1970s average.
Globally, the US has one of the lowest average maternal ages (ranked 34/38).
| Year | BIRTH | Year | BIRTH |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1970 | 22.43 | 2010 | 26.06 |
| 1980 | 23.44 | 2020 | 27.51 |
| 1990 | 24.33 | 2023 | 27.85 |
| 2000 | 25.20 | 2024 | 27.98* |
Source: Human Fertility Database. *Measure estimated by Birthgap.org based on partial data from NCHS.
Birthgap Generational Indicator (TFG)
In 2024, the Birthgap Generational Indicator (TFG) is 22.7% (equivalent to a TFR of 1.60). It is marginally higher than 2023 (up 1.0pp). Looking at the last five years, the TCR has been rising (average 21.0% across 2020–2024). Relative to the 1970s average (10.0%), the US is now higher by about 12.7pp. The lowest TFG was in the mid 2000s (2006–2008), averaging 0.0%.
Globally, the US has one of the lowest TFG levels (ranked 36/38).
| Year | TFG | Year | TFG |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1970 | n/a | 2010 | 7.1% |
| 1980 | 12.3% | 2020 | 20.9% |
| 1990 | 0.5% | 2023 | 21.7% |
| 2000 | 1.1% | 2024 | 22.7%* |
Source: Human Fertility Database. *Measure estimated by Birthgap.org based on partial data from NCHS.
Societal Half-Life (SHL)
In 2024, the US’s Societal Half-Life (SHL) is 80.7 years. It has decreased by 3.7 years compared with 2023. Over the past five years, SHL has been falling, averaging 87.5 years. Compared with the 1970s average (163.2 years), SHL is now shorter by about 82.6 years.
Globally, the US has one of the longest SHL values (ranked 3/38).
Triple Generation Impact (TGI)
With this Birthgap (TFG) for every 100 people of fertility age in the US, there would be 46 great-grandchildren, representing a -54.0% drop from the current generation.
Globally, the US has one of the lowest TGI drops (ranked 36/38).
Birth trajectory
Milestones Years: - Births down 50% in 2105 - Births down 75% in 2185 - Births down 90% in 2292
Based on the 2024 birth pattern, total births would fall by half from 3,628,934 in 2024 to 1,814,467 in 2105, and by 90% to 362,893 in 2292 (ignoring migration).
Childlessness rate (TCR)
The US’s lifetime childlessness rate (TCR) is 36.5% in 2024. It has edged up from 2023 (up 0.5pp). Looking at the last five years, the TCR has been rising (average 36.4% across 2020–2024). Compared with the 1970s norm (26.8%), today’s level is higher by about 9.7pp.
Globally, the US ranks 19 out of 38 countries.
| Year | TCR | Year | TCR |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1970 | 14.6% | 2010 | 23.3% |
| 1980 | 24.4% | 2020 | 37.1% |
| 1990 | 13.9% | 2023 | 36.0% |
| 2000 | 17.3% | 2024 | 36.5%* |
Source: Human Fertility Database. *Measure estimated by Birthgap.org based on partial data from NCHS.
Total births
Total births in the US were 3,628,934 in 2024. It is up 35,900 from 2023. Over the past five years, total births have been falling, averaging 3,631,786 per year. Compared with the 1970s average (3,319,069), total births are now higher by 309,865 births (9.3% increase).
| Year | Births | Year | Births |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1970 | 3.72M | 2010 | 3.99M |
| 1980 | 3.60M | 2020 | 3.61M |
| 1990 | 4.15M | 2023 | 3.59M |
| 2000 | 4.05M | 2024 | 3.63M* |
Source: Human Fertility Database. *Measure estimated by Birthgap.org based on partial data from NCHS.
Birthgap Retirement Indicator (BRI)
The Birthgap Retirement Indicator (BRI) for the US stands at 6.9% (2024). It fell compared with 2023 (down 3.6pp). Across the most recent five-year window (2020–2024), BRI has been rising with an average of 12.1%. Against the 1970s baseline (-40.9%), the current rate is higher by about 47.7pp.
Globally, the US has the lowest BRI value (ranked 35/35).
| Year | BRI | Year | BRI |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1970 | -58.2% | 2010 | 12.3% |
| 1980 | -56.7% | 2020 | 14.2% |
| 1990 | -71.5% | 2023 | 10.5% |
| 2000 | -7.2% | 2024 | 6.9%* |
Source: Human Fertility Database. *Measure estimated by Birthgap.org based on partial data from NCHS.
