The U.S. fertility rate dropped to an all-time low of roughly 1.6 births per woman, falling well below the 2.1 replacement level needed to naturally sustain the population. About 3.6 million babies are born annually, representing a crude birth rate of 10.6 per 1,000 population. [1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6]

U.S. Birth Statistics at a Glance

• Total Births: \(\sim \)3.6 million babies annually
• General Fertility Rate: 53 to 54 births per 1,000 women (ages 15–44)
• Crude Birth Rate: 10.6 per 1,000 population
• Mean Age at First Birth: 27.5 years [1, 2, 3]

Key Demographic Trends

• Generational Delay: Women under 30 are having fewer children, while birth rates for women in their early 30s to early 40s are on the rise. [1]
• Teens & Young Adults: The teen birth rate has plummeted by roughly 79% since 1991, reflecting improvements in sex education and contraception. [1]
• Historical Comparison: Overall births and fertility rates are down about 20% compared to just two decades ago. [1]

For granular breakdowns by state, demographics, or exact monthly data, consult the CDC Centers for Disease Control and Prevention or the FRED Economic Data.