(KADN) — Fertility rates in the US just hit an all-time record low but there are pros and cons within this latest report by the CDC.
Starting with the historical data, the birth rate peaked with the Baby Boomers between 1946 and 1964, and there has been a steady decline ever since. Contributing events include birth control in the 1960s, the recession in 2007, and COVID in 2020.
From the baby boom to the present, there has been a 48% drop in the birth rate, an all-time low, and another 5% drop is predicted by 2030.
Louisiana is about average at 6.2 births per 100 women. The US average is 5.8. The highest is South Dakota at 6.7, the lowest is Vermont at 4.4, and Mississippi is in between at 6.
Some very interesting trends explain why the birth rate is dropping.
More women continue education after high school, going from 5.2% in 1950 to 37% today. With that comes increased job opportunities and waiting later to have children, the average age has gone from 23 to 27. And finally, having fewer children, averaging 3.5 in 1950 and 1.7 today.
There are pros and cons to this lower birth rate.
On the positive side: a decreased population places decreased demand for resources like food and energy, and an ease on the housing crisis, and, of course, it’s less expensive.
Fun Fact: It costs an average of $230,000 to raise one child in the US.
However, there is a downside to a decreased birth rate. The population will age, and with that comes higher costs for the elderly. Also, without younger workers to replace us, the retirement age will increase. So, I will be around a bit longer.
