How many babies are born in the US per year?

The United States recorded approximately 3,591,328 births in 2023 (CDC/NCHS provisional data). This represents a slight decline from 3,661,220 births in 2022 and continues the long-term downward trend from the post-Great Recession peak of 4,316,233 in 2007. In 2024, preliminary estimates suggest approximately 3.55-3.60 million births. The U.S. averages approximately 9,800-10,000 births per day, or about 1 birth every 9 seconds.

What state has the most births in the US?

California has the most total births of any U.S. state with approximately 420,000-440,000 births annually, followed by Texas (~400,000), Florida (~230,000), New York (~210,000), and Georgia (~140,000). However, by birth rate (births per 1,000 population), South Dakota, North Dakota, Utah, and Nebraska typically rank highest. Utah consistently has one of the highest birth rates of any state, reflecting its demographics and religious composition. Vermont and Maine typically have the lowest birth rates.

What is the teen birth rate in the US?

The U.S. teen birth rate (ages 15-19) fell to approximately 13.2 births per 1,000 females in 2023 — a 78% decline from the 1991 peak of 61.8. Teen birth rates have declined dramatically due to increased contraceptive use (particularly long-acting reversible contraceptives), delayed sexual initiation, and public health campaigns. The U.S. teen birth rate, while still higher than most Western European peers, has fallen faster than in most comparable countries. Births to teenagers now account for approximately 5% of all U.S. births, down from 13% in 1991.

What percentage of US births are C-sections?

The cesarean section (C-section) rate in the United States was approximately 32.8% in 2023, meaning nearly 1 in 3 U.S. births is by C-section. This rate has risen from approximately 5% in 1970 to 21% in 1996, to 32.8% today. The C-section rate varies significantly by state — from approximately 22% in Utah to 40%+ in Louisiana and Mississippi. The WHO recommends a C-section rate of 10-15%. The high U.S. rate reflects a combination of medical factors, liability concerns, maternal age, and healthcare system incentives.

What is the US birth rate by race and ethnicity?

U.S. birth rates by race/ethnicity (2023, births per 1,000 women): Hispanic or Latina women have the highest birth rate at approximately 65.7; Black or African American: approximately 57.5; American Indian/Alaska Native: approximately 55.0; White (non-Hispanic): approximately 54.5; Asian: approximately 55.0. Hispanic women account for approximately 24% of all U.S. births. The overall fertility rate is highest among Hispanic women (TFR ~1.96) and lowest among non-Hispanic white women (TFR ~1.54) and Asian women (TFR ~1.47).

What is the average age of first-time mothers in the US?

The average age of first-time mothers in the United States reached 27.2 years in 2023, up from 21.4 years in 1970 — an increase of nearly 6 years in five decades. Women are increasingly delaying childbearing for educational attainment, career establishment, financial stability, and relationship milestones. The percentage of first births to women aged 35+ has more than doubled since 2000. In contrast, teen birth rates have fallen dramatically. The trend toward later childbearing is associated with higher rates of multiple births (due to assisted reproduction), higher C-section rates, and higher rates of gestational complications.

What is the US preterm birth rate?

The U.S. preterm birth rate (births before 37 weeks gestation) was approximately 10.4% in 2023 — meaning approximately 1 in 10 U.S. babies is born preterm. The U.S. preterm birth rate is higher than most comparable high-income countries. Preterm birth rates vary by race: Black infants have the highest preterm birth rate (approximately 14.4%), followed by American Indian/Alaska Native (11.6%), Hispanic (9.7%), White (9.4%), and Asian (8.2%). The March of Dimes gives the U.S. a 'D' grade for its preterm birth rate.

What is the US infant mortality rate?

The U.S. infant mortality rate was approximately 5.6 deaths per 1,000 live births in 2022/23 — higher than most comparable wealthy nations (UK: 3.7, Canada: 4.3, Germany: 3.2, Japan: 1.8). The U.S. infant mortality rate varies significantly by race: Black infants have a rate of approximately 10.9 deaths per 1,000 (nearly 2× the national average), while Asian infants have the lowest rate at approximately 3.2. The main causes of infant mortality are birth defects (21%), preterm birth complications (16%), and SIDS (7%).

What are the birth trends in the US for 2024 and 2025?

Preliminary data for 2024 suggests U.S. births continued their gradual decline to approximately 3.50-3.55 million. The trend reflects persistent economic headwinds (high housing costs, childcare costs, student debt), cultural shifts toward delayed or foregone childbearing, and demographic aging of the prime childbearing-age population (millennials). Some analysts noted a modest 'COVID baby boom' in 2021 (+1% vs 2020), but this was short-lived. The Congressional Budget Office projects U.S. births to remain in the 3.4-3.7 million range through 2030, depending primarily on immigration levels and economic conditions.

U.S. Birth Statistics & Facts - Every Number, CDC Data 2026

Q: What is the US birth rate in 2024?

The U.S. crude birth rate in 2023 was approximately 10.7 births per 1,000 population — the lowest recorded since modern tracking began. The birth rate has declined from 23.7 in 1960 (baby boom peak) to 14.6 in 2000 to 11.8 in 2010 to 10.7 in 2023. Preliminary 2024 data suggests approximately 10.4-10.6 births per 1,000. This decline reflects falling fertility rates, later average age at first birth, higher childlessness rates, and economic factors including housing costs, student debt, and childcare expenses.

Q: What is the US total fertility rate?

The U.S. total fertility rate (TFR) was approximately 1.62 children per woman in 2023, down from 1.64 in 2022 and well below the replacement level of 2.1. The TFR peaked at 3.77 during the 1957 baby boom. It dropped below replacement in 1972 and has been trending downward since 2007 (when it was 2.12, the last time it was at replacement). The 2023 figure is a historic low for the United States. Without immigration, the U.S. population would begin declining within a generation.

Q: How many births are there per day in the US?

With approximately 3.59 million births annually (2023), the United States averages approximately 9,840 births per day, or about 410 births per hour, or roughly 1 birth every 8-9 seconds. The most common day to be born is Tuesday, followed by Monday and Wednesday. The fewest births occur on weekends and federal holidays — a reflection of scheduled C-sections and induced labors. August and September are the most common birth months in the U.S. (corresponding to November-December conceptions).

Q: What percentage of US births are outside of marriage?

Approximately 40.5% of all U.S. births in 2023 occurred to unmarried mothers — a dramatic increase from 5% in 1960 and 18% in 1980. The non-marital birth rate varies significantly by race/ethnicity: approximately 70% of Black births, 52% of Hispanic births, 30% of White (non-Hispanic) births, and 12% of Asian births occur outside of marriage. The rise in non-marital births reflects changing social norms, declining marriage rates, and the increasing economic independence of women, rather than a simple measure of family instability.

Total Births & Birth Rate

How Many Babies Are Born in the U.S. Each Year?

The United States recorded approximately 3,591,328 births in 2023 (CDC/NCHS final data) and approximately 3,550,000 births in 2024 (CDC preliminary), with 2025 estimates pointing to approximately 3.48–3.52 million. This continues a downward trend from the post-recession peak of 4,316,233 births in 2007, representing an 18% decline in 18 years. At the current 2024 pace, the U.S. averages approximately 9,726 births per day — around 405 per hour, or 1 birth every 8–9 seconds. The U.S. population context, including how births interact with immigration to drive overall growth, is analyzed in our U.S. demographic and wealth analysis.

9,726Births per Day (2024E)

405Births per Hour (2024E)

~1Birth Every 9 Sec

AugPeak Birth Month

TueMost Common Birth Day

98.5%Hospital Births

2023 total births: 3,591,328 (CDC/NCHS final data) · down from 3,661,220 in 2022
2024 births (preliminary): ~3,550,000 (CDC preliminary) · birth rate ~10.4/1,000
2025 estimate: ~3.48–3.52M (BusinessStats Research projection based on CDC trend)
Birth rate trend: 10.7/1,000 (2023) → 10.4/1,000 (2024E) → 10.2/1,000 (2025E) — each year a new record low
Peak births: August and September are the most common birth months (November–December conceptions)
Weekday effect: Tuesday is the most common birth day; Sunday has the fewest births due to fewer scheduled procedures
California leads by volume: ~420,000–440,000 births annually; followed by Texas (~400,000)
Hospital births: 98.5% of all U.S. births occur in hospitals; home births ~1.2%; birthing centers ~0.3%

Historical Trend 1950–2025

U.S. Birth Rate per 1,000 Population — 1950 to 2025

CDC / NCHS National Vital Statistics · BusinessStats Research · April 2026

10.2E

2023 — Record Low

Source: CDC/NCHS National Vital Statistics Reports · BusinessStats Research · April 2026

The long-term trajectory of the U.S. birth rate is unmistakably downward. From a baby boom peak of 25.3 births per 1,000 in 1957, the rate has declined almost every decade since. The sharpest single-era drop came in the 1960s and early 1970s, when the oral contraceptive pill became widely available and women entered the workforce in large numbers. A modest stabilization occurred in the 1980s–1990s before the post-2007 recession decline accelerated the downward trend to today's record low of 10.7. The economic factors driving birth rate decisions — wages, housing costs, student debt — are covered in our U.S. financial markets analysis.

Total Fertility Rate

U.S. Total Fertility Rate (TFR) — 1.58 in 2025, Historic Low

The U.S. total fertility rate (TFR) of 1.62 children per woman in 2023 is the lowest ever recorded in U.S. history — falling well short of the replacement rate of 2.1 needed to maintain population stability without immigration. The TFR has been below replacement continuously since 1972. The last time the U.S. was at or above replacement was 2007 (TFR: 2.12). Each year since, the TFR has set a new low (with a minor 2021 uptick from COVID rebound). The 2025 estimate of 1.58 continues the decline. At current rates, without immigration, each new generation of Americans is approximately 23% smaller than the previous one. This demographic shift has profound implications for Social Security, Medicare, and economic growth — topics analyzed in our global GDP trends report.

Total Fertility Rate Trend

U.S. Total Fertility Rate (TFR) — 1950 to 2025

CDC/NCHS · World Bank · BusinessStats Research · April 2026

1.58E2025E TFR

3.771957 Peak

Source: CDC/NCHS · World Bank WDI · BusinessStats Research · April 2026

1957 baby boom peak TFR: 3.77 — nearly every woman had 4 children on average
1972 crossover: TFR first fell below replacement (2.1) as birth control became widespread
2007 high (modern era): 2.12 — last time U.S. was at replacement level
2020 COVID effect: TFR fell to 1.64 as pandemic delayed births
2021 rebound: Minor uptick to 1.66 — the "COVID baby bump"
2023: TFR 1.62 · 2024 preliminary: TFR ~1.60 · 2025 estimate: TFR ~1.58 — each year a new historic low

Why the Fertility Rate Keeps Falling

Housing Costs, Student Debt, and Childcare: The $300,000 Question

Raising a child in the United States from birth to age 17 costs approximately $300,000 (USDA estimate, 2023 dollars) — before any college expenses. Add average student loan debt of $37,717 per borrower, median home prices exceeding $400,000, and annual childcare costs of $25,000–$35,000 in major metro areas, and the economic math of having children has become significantly harder for younger generations. Surveys consistently show that Americans want more children than they are having — the "ideal" family size is typically cited as 2–3 children, while the actual TFR is 1.62. The gap between desired and actual fertility is driven primarily by economic constraints and delayed life milestones, not a fundamental change in the desire for parenthood. This connects to broader wealth and inequality trends tracked in our U.S. wealth statistics.

Births by Mother's Age

U.S. Births by Age of Mother — Older Mothers, Fewer Teen Births

The age composition of U.S. births has shifted dramatically over the past 50 years. The average age of first-time mothers rose from 21.4 years in 1970 to 27.2 years in 2023 — an increase of nearly 6 years in five decades. Meanwhile, teen birth rates have collapsed: from 61.8 per 1,000 in 1991 to approximately 13.2 per 1,000 in 2023 — a 78% decline. Births to women aged 35+ have more than doubled as a share of all births since 2000. This demographic shift toward later childbearing is consistent with trends seen across all high-income countries and is reflected in the content younger demographics consume — tracked in our Instagram statistics, YouTube analysis, and social media report.

Births by Mother's Age Group

U.S. Births by Age Group of Mother 2023

CDC/NCHS National Vital Statistics Reports 2023 · BusinessStats Research · April 2026

Under 20 (teen births): ~169,000 births (4.7%) · rate 13.2/1K females · down 78% since 1991
20–24 years: ~573,000 births (16.0%) · declining fastest among all age groups
25–29 years: ~922,000 births (25.7%) · largest single age group · "peak fertility" demographic
30–34 years: ~1,039,000 births (28.9%) · surpassed 25–29 as #1 group for first time in 2016
35–39 years: ~606,000 births (16.9%) · growing consistently since 2000
40–44 years: ~123,000 births (3.4%) · growing fastest in percentage terms (+120% since 1990)
45+ years: ~9,000 births (0.3%) · mostly via assisted reproductive technology (ART/IVF)

Teen Birth Rate Trend

U.S. Teen Birth Rate (Ages 15–19) per 1,000 — 1991 to 2023

CDC/NCHS · BusinessStats Research · April 2026

13.22023 Rate

−78%Since 1991

Source: CDC/NCHS National Vital Statistics Reports · BusinessStats Research · April 2026

US birth statistics 2024 total births birth rate fertility rate TFR age trends history chart data

U.S. Birth Statistics 2024 (BusinessStats Research · CDC/NCHS): 3.59M births in 2023 · Birth rate 10.7/1,000 · TFR 1.62 (historic low, below replacement 2.1) · Average first-birth age 27.2 · Teen birth rate 13.2 (down 78% from 1991 peak of 61.8) · Births to women 30–34 now the largest age group (28.9%). Source: CDC/NCHS NVSR · April 2026.

Births by State

U.S. Births by State — Total Births and Birth Rate Ranked

Birth data varies dramatically by state — reflecting differences in population size, age structure, immigration patterns, and religious and cultural composition. California and Texas together account for approximately 24% of all U.S. births purely due to their massive populations. But by birth rate (births per 1,000 population), the rankings are very different: Utah and South Dakota consistently top the rate rankings, while Vermont, Maine, and New Hampshire have the lowest birth rates of any U.S. states. The state-level demographic divergence has major implications for economic growth and political representation — and for retail and consumer companies like Amazon whose baby product sales are heavily concentrated in high-birth-rate states, tracked in our Amazon statistics and economic analysis.

U.S. Births by State — Top 20 States Ranked (2023) Click column to sort ↕

Rank	State	Total Births	Birth Rate /1K	TFR Est.	Change vs 2022
1	California	~433,000	11.0	1.61	−1.2%
2	Texas	~399,000	13.3	1.85	−0.8%
3	Florida	~228,000	10.5	1.60	−0.5%
4	New York	~211,000	10.9	1.47	−1.5%
5	Georgia	~141,000	13.0	1.82	+0.3%
6	Illinois	~131,000	10.3	1.62	−1.1%
7	Ohio	~133,000	11.4	1.68	−0.7%
8	Pennsylvania	~134,000	10.5	1.63	−0.9%
9	North Carolina	~118,000	11.1	1.70	+0.4%
10	Arizona	~87,000	11.8	1.72	−0.6%
11	Virginia	~90,000	10.5	1.58	−1.0%
12	Michigan	~96,000	9.6	1.62	−1.3%
13	Washington	~85,000	11.0	1.64	−0.8%
14	Utah	~47,000	14.2	2.10	−1.5%
15	Colorado	~63,000	10.8	1.65	−0.7%
16	Tennessee	~82,000	11.9	1.77	+0.2%
17	Minnesota	~65,000	11.5	1.73	−0.5%
18	South Carolina	~60,000	11.4	1.72	+0.1%
19	Indiana	~81,000	12.0	1.81	−0.4%
20	Missouri	~72,000	11.8	1.74	−0.6%

Highest birth rate: Utah (14.2/1K, TFR ~2.10) — only state near replacement level · strong LDS religious community influence
Highest birth rate (runner-up): South Dakota (13.8), North Dakota (13.5), Nebraska (13.2)
Lowest birth rate: Vermont (~8.5/1K), Maine (~9.0), Rhode Island (~9.1), Connecticut (~9.2)
Most births total: California + Texas together = ~832,000 births, or 23% of U.S. total

By Race & Ethnicity

U.S. Birth Rate by Race and Ethnicity

Birth rates and fertility differ significantly across racial and ethnic groups in the United States — reflecting differences in age structure, cultural norms, socioeconomic factors, and immigration composition. Hispanic or Latino women have the highest fertility rate (TFR ~1.96) and account for approximately 24% of all U.S. births despite representing approximately 19% of the female population. Non-Hispanic White women have the lowest TFR among major groups (~1.54), reflecting older average age and lower birth rates in each age bracket. These trends connect directly to the long-term shift in U.S. racial and ethnic composition documented in our social media demographics analysis.

Births by Race & Ethnicity 2023

U.S. Births by Race/Ethnicity 2023 — Share of Total Births

CDC/NCHS National Vital Statistics Reports 2023 · BusinessStats Research · April 2026

Fertility Rate by Race

U.S. Total Fertility Rate (TFR) by Race/Ethnicity 2023

CDC/NCHS · BusinessStats Research · April 2026 (Replacement = 2.1)

Hispanic/Latina TFR: ~1.96 — highest of all major groups · significant immigrant population effect
American Indian/Alaska Native TFR: ~1.70 — second highest
Black/African American TFR: ~1.64 — near national average
White (non-Hispanic) TFR: ~1.54 — below national average
Asian TFR: ~1.47 — lowest of all major groups · highly educated, urban concentration
Hispanic share of births: ~24.4% in 2023, up from 14% in 1990
Preterm birth disparities: Black infants: 14.4% preterm rate vs White infants: 9.4%

US births by state race ethnicity age group 2023 statistics CDC NCHS data fertility rate birth rate demographics

U.S. Births by Demographics 2023 (BusinessStats Research · CDC/NCHS): California #1 state (~433K) · Texas #2 (~399K) · Utah highest birth rate (14.2/1K, TFR 2.10) · Vermont lowest rate (~8.5/1K) · Hispanic TFR 1.96 (highest) · Asian TFR 1.47 (lowest) · Hispanic share of births 24.4%. Source: CDC/NCHS NVSR · April 2026.

C-Sections & Medical Data

C-Section Rate, Preterm Births & Birth Outcomes

Medical data on U.S. births reveals both progress and persistent challenges. The C-section rate of 32.8% means nearly 1 in 3 American babies is born by cesarean — far above the World Health Organization's recommended rate of 10–15% and significantly higher than peer nations such as the UK (26%), Canada (27%), or the Netherlands (17%). The preterm birth rate of 10.4% means approximately 1 in 10 U.S. babies is born before 37 weeks — a rate higher than most comparable wealthy nations and with significant racial disparities. The infant mortality rate of 5.6 per 1,000 remains higher than most peer countries. The U.S. healthcare system that delivers these births is one of the world's most expensive — covered in our U.S. financial markets analysis. The major healthcare companies that manufacture birth-related medical devices and pharmaceuticals — including Johnson & Johnson, Abbott, and Becton Dickinson — are ranked in our global company valuations report.

C-Section Rate by State Category

U.S. Cesarean Section Rate — by State Quintile 2023 (%)

CDC/NCHS · BusinessStats Research · April 2026 · WHO recommended rate: 10–15%

National C-section rate 2023: 32.8% — 1 in 3 births · up from 5% in 1970 · peaked at 32.9% in 2009
Highest C-section states: Louisiana (~40%), Mississippi (~38%), Alabama (~36%), New Jersey (~35%)
Lowest C-section states: Utah (~22%), Alaska (~23%), New Mexico (~24%)
Preterm birth rate 2023: 10.4% (before 37 weeks) — 1 in 10 babies born preterm
Preterm by race: Black infants 14.4% · AIAN 11.6% · Hispanic 9.7% · White 9.4% · Asian 8.2%
Infant mortality rate: ~5.6 per 1,000 live births — higher than UK (3.7), Germany (3.2), Japan (1.8)
Twin birth rate 2023: ~32.1 per 1,000 births — elevated vs historical average due to older mothers and ART
Low birth weight (<2,500g): ~8.5% of births — higher among Black infants (14.5%) vs White (6.8%)

Key Data Point

U.S. Maternal Mortality: 22.3 per 100,000 — 3× Higher Than Peer Nations

The U.S. maternal mortality rate is approximately 22.3 per 100,000 live births (2022, CDC) — nearly 3× higher than comparable wealthy nations such as the UK (8.8), Canada (8.4), Germany (4.6), and Australia (3.3). The U.S. rate is also characterized by dramatic racial disparities: Black women face a maternal mortality rate of approximately 49.5 per 100,000 — more than 2.5× the rate for White women (19.0). This maternal mortality crisis is one of the most significant public health challenges in contemporary U.S. healthcare and has become a major focus of obstetric research, policy advocacy, and hospital quality improvement programs. The concentration of healthcare wealth and its distribution connects to the U.S. wealth inequality analysis.

US C-section rate preterm births infant mortality maternal mortality birth outcomes statistics 2023 2024 data by race state

U.S. Birth Outcomes 2023 (BusinessStats Research · CDC/NCHS): C-section rate 32.8% (1 in 3 births; WHO recommends 10–15%) · Louisiana highest (~40%), Utah lowest (~22%) · Preterm rate 10.4% · Black preterm rate 14.4% · Infant mortality 5.6/1K · Maternal mortality 22.3/100K (Black women: 49.5/100K) · Twin rate 32.1/1K. Source: CDC/NCHS · April 2026.

Key Statistics

U.S. Birth Statistics — Key Numbers at a Glance

3.55M

Total U.S. Births 2024 (Preliminary)

CDC/NCHS preliminary data. 2023 final: 3,591,328. 2024 preliminary: ~3,550,000. 2025 estimate: ~3.48–3.52M. All-time U.S. peak: 4,316,233 (2007). Averaging ~9,726 births/day in 2024. Decline of ~18% from 2007 peak.

10.4

U.S. Birth Rate per 1,000 (2024E)

2024 preliminary: ~10.4/1,000. 2023 final: 10.7. 2025 estimate: ~10.2. Each year a new record low. Down from 23.7 (1960 baby boom), 16.7 (1990), 14.6 (2000), 13.0 (2010), 10.7 (2023).

1.58E

U.S. Total Fertility Rate — 2025 Estimate

2025 estimate: ~1.58 · 2024 preliminary: ~1.60 · 2023 final: 1.62 — each year a new record low. Well below replacement (2.1). Below 2.1 every year since 1972. Last at replacement: 2007 (TFR 2.12). Baby boom peak: 3.77 (1957).

27.2

Average Age of First-Time Mothers (Years)

Up from 21.4 years in 1970. Nearly 6-year increase in 5 decades. Women aged 30–34 are now the largest birth age group (28.9% of all births) for the first time. Births to women 40+ grew 120% since 1990.

−78%

Teen Birth Rate Decline Since 1991

From 61.8/1,000 (1991 peak) to 13.2/1,000 (2023). One of the largest sustained declines of any public health metric in U.S. history. Driven by increased contraceptive use, delayed sexual initiation, and public health campaigns. Teens now account for ~4.7% of all U.S. births, down from 13% in 1991.

32.8%

U.S. Cesarean Section Rate

~1 in 3 U.S. births is by C-section. Up from 5% (1970), 21% (1996). WHO recommends 10–15%. Highest by state: Louisiana (~40%), Mississippi (~38%). Lowest: Utah (~22%). Elevated by older maternal age, liability concerns, and healthcare system structure.

40.5%

Births to Unmarried Mothers

40.5% of all U.S. births occur outside of marriage (2023). Up from 5% (1960), 18% (1980). By race: ~70% of Black births, ~52% of Hispanic births, ~30% of White births, ~12% of Asian births. Reflects declining marriage rates and changing social norms.

10.4%

U.S. Preterm Birth Rate

~1 in 10 U.S. babies born before 37 weeks gestation. Black infants: 14.4% preterm (highest). Asian infants: 8.2% (lowest). March of Dimes gives U.S. a 'D' grade for preterm birth rate. Higher than most peer high-income nations.

5.6

U.S. Infant Mortality Rate (per 1,000)

Higher than UK (3.7), Canada (4.3), Germany (3.2), France (3.6), Japan (1.8). Black infant mortality rate: ~10.9/1,000 (nearly 2× average). Main causes: birth defects (21%), preterm complications (16%), SIDS (7%), accidents (6%). Rate has declined from 26.0 in 1960.

1.96

Hispanic/Latina TFR — Highest of Major Groups

TFR 1.96 vs national average 1.62. Hispanic women account for ~24.4% of all U.S. births. Significant immigrant population effect (first-generation immigrants tend to have higher fertility that converges over generations). Largest and fastest-growing major demographic group in U.S. births.

14.2

Utah — Highest State Birth Rate (per 1,000)

Only state with TFR at or near replacement (2.10). Strong LDS (Mormon) religious community influence promotes larger families. Followed by South Dakota (13.8), North Dakota (13.5), Nebraska (13.2). Vermont lowest: ~8.5/1,000.

22.3

U.S. Maternal Mortality Rate (per 100,000)

2022 CDC data. Highest of any high-income nation — nearly 3× UK (8.8), Germany (4.6), Australia (3.3). Black women: 49.5/100K (2.5× White rate of 19.0/100K). Major racial disparity in maternal health outcomes despite similar income and education levels.

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions — U.S. Birth Statistics

The United States recorded approximately 3,591,328 births in 2023 (CDC/NCHS provisional data). This is a slight decline from 3,661,220 in 2022 and continues the long-term downward trend from the peak of 4,316,233 in 2007. Preliminary 2024 data suggests approximately 3.50–3.55 million births. The U.S. averages approximately 9,840 births per day, or about 410 per hour, or roughly 1 birth every 8–9 seconds. August and September are the most common birth months. Tuesday is the most common day to be born.

The U.S. crude birth rate in 2023 was approximately 10.7 births per 1,000 population, the lowest since modern tracking began. It has declined from 23.7 in 1960 to 14.6 in 2000 to 11.8 in 2010 to 10.7 in 2023. Preliminary 2024 data suggests approximately 10.4–10.6 births per 1,000. The decline reflects falling fertility rates, later average age at first birth, higher childlessness rates, and economic factors including housing costs, student debt, and childcare expenses.

The U.S. total fertility rate (TFR) was approximately 1.62 children per woman in 2023 — the lowest in U.S. history, well below the replacement level of 2.1. The TFR peaked at 3.77 during the 1957 baby boom. It dropped below replacement in 1972 and has been trending downward since 2007 (when it was 2.12, the last time it was at replacement level). The 2023 figure is a historic low. Without immigration, the U.S. population would begin declining within a generation.

California has the most total births of any U.S. state with approximately 420,000–440,000 births annually, followed by Texas (~400,000), Florida (~228,000), New York (~211,000), and Georgia (~141,000). By birth rate (births per 1,000 population), Utah leads at 14.2/1,000 with a TFR near replacement (2.10), followed by South Dakota (13.8), North Dakota (13.5), and Nebraska (13.2). Vermont and Maine typically have the lowest state birth rates (~8.5–9.0/1,000).

The U.S. teen birth rate (ages 15–19) was approximately 13.2 births per 1,000 females in 2023, a 78% decline from the 1991 peak of 61.8. This is one of the largest sustained declines of any public health metric in modern U.S. history. The decline is driven by increased use of long-acting reversible contraceptives (LARCs), delayed sexual initiation, and public health education. Teen births now account for approximately 4.7% of all U.S. births, down from 13% in 1991. Despite this progress, the U.S. teen birth rate remains higher than most Western European peer nations.

The cesarean section (C-section) rate in the United States was approximately 32.8% in 2023, meaning nearly 1 in 3 U.S. births is by C-section. This rate rose from approximately 5% in 1970 to 21% in 1996. The WHO recommends a rate of 10–15%. State variation is significant: Louisiana (~40%) and Mississippi (~38%) have the highest rates, while Utah (~22%) and Alaska (~23%) have the lowest. The high U.S. rate reflects a combination of maternal age factors, liability concerns, hospital incentive structures, and patient preferences.

With approximately 3.59 million births annually (2023), the United States averages approximately 9,840 births per day, or about 410 births per hour, or roughly 1 birth every 8–9 seconds. The most common day to be born is Tuesday, followed by Monday and Wednesday. The fewest births occur on Sundays and federal holidays — a reflection of fewer scheduled C-sections and induced labors on those days. August and September are the most common birth months in the U.S., corresponding to November–December conceptions.

U.S. Total Fertility Rate (TFR) by race/ethnicity (2023): Hispanic/Latina: ~1.96 (highest); American Indian/Alaska Native: ~1.70; Black/African American: ~1.64; White (non-Hispanic): ~1.54; Asian: ~1.47 (lowest). Hispanic women account for approximately 24.4% of all U.S. births despite representing ~19% of the female population. All racial/ethnic groups are below the replacement rate of 2.1. Convergence is occurring as immigrant group fertility rates decline toward the national average across generations.

The average age of first-time mothers in the United States was 27.2 years in 2023, up from 21.4 years in 1970 — an increase of nearly 6 years in five decades. Women are delaying childbearing for education, career, financial stability, and relationship development. Women aged 30–34 are now the largest birth age group (28.9% of all births) — surpassing the 25–29 age group for the first time in 2016. Births to women aged 40+ have grown 120% since 1990, largely due to assisted reproductive technology (ART/IVF).

Approximately 40.5% of all U.S. births in 2023 occurred to unmarried mothers — up dramatically from 5% in 1960 and 18% in 1980. The non-marital birth rate varies significantly by race: approximately 70% of Black births, 52% of Hispanic births, 30% of White (non-Hispanic) births, and 12% of Asian births occur outside of marriage. The rise reflects declining marriage rates, changing social norms, and the economic independence of women. Many non-marital births occur to cohabiting couples in stable relationships.

The U.S. preterm birth rate (births before 37 weeks gestation) was approximately 10.4% in 2023, meaning roughly 1 in 10 U.S. babies is born preterm. Preterm birth rates vary significantly by race: Black infants: 14.4% (highest), American Indian/Alaska Native: 11.6%, Hispanic: 9.7%, White: 9.4%, Asian: 8.2% (lowest). The March of Dimes gives the U.S. a 'D' grade for its preterm birth rate, which is higher than most comparable high-income countries. Preterm birth is the leading cause of infant mortality in the U.S.

U.S. birth trends since the baby boom: Baby boom peak (1957): 4.3 million births, TFR 3.77. 1970s decline: TFR fell below replacement (2.1) in 1972 as birth control became widely available and women entered the workforce. 1980s–2000s: Relative stability around 3.5–4.0M births. Echo boom (late 1980s–early 1990s): Slight uptick as baby boomers had children. Post–Great Recession decline (2008–present): Births fell from 4.32M (2007) to 3.59M (2023), a 17% decline in 16 years. The TFR has fallen nearly every year since 2007, reaching a historic low of 1.62 in 2023.

The U.S. infant mortality rate was approximately 5.6 deaths per 1,000 live births in 2022/23 — higher than most comparable wealthy nations (UK: 3.7, Canada: 4.3, Germany: 3.2, Japan: 1.8). The rate varies significantly by race: Black infants: ~10.9 deaths per 1,000 (nearly 2× the national average); Asian infants: ~3.2 (lowest). The main causes of U.S. infant mortality: birth defects (21%), preterm birth complications (16%), SIDS (7%), accidents (6%). The U.S. infant mortality rate has declined dramatically from 26.0 in 1960 but remains an outlier among peer nations.

The U.S. TFR of 1.62 (2023) is below replacement (2.1) but higher than most Western and East Asian peers. Comparisons: South Korea (0.72, world's lowest), Japan (1.20), Italy (1.24), Spain (1.12), Germany (1.46), UK (1.49), Australia (1.58), Canada (1.40), France (1.68). The U.S. rate is higher than most comparable economies, partly due to higher Hispanic fertility rates (TFR ~1.96) which elevate the national average. The U.S. also has significantly higher immigration which helps sustain population growth despite below-replacement fertility.

Preliminary data for 2024 suggests U.S. births continued their gradual decline to approximately 3.50–3.55 million. The trend reflects persistent economic headwinds (high housing costs, childcare costs of $25,000–$35,000/year in major metros, student debt), cultural shifts toward delayed or foregone childbearing, and demographic aging of prime childbearing-age population (millennials). The 2021 "COVID baby bump" (+1% vs 2020) was short-lived. The Congressional Budget Office projects U.S. births to remain in the 3.4–3.7 million range through 2030, depending primarily on immigration levels and economic conditions.

Data Sources & References

Primary: CDC/NCHS National Vital Statistics Reports — Births: Final Data (annual) · Provisional births data 2023 · Birth rate, fertility rate, birth characteristics

Primary: NCHS Data Brief — Births in the United States 2023 · Birth rate, fertility rate, TFR, C-section rate, preterm rate, infant mortality

Supporting: March of Dimes — Premature Birth Report Cards · State-level preterm birth rates, racial disparities, maternal health indicators

Supporting: World Bank — Fertility Rate (Births per Woman) — United States · Historical TFR series for international comparison

All U.S. birth statistics from CDC/NCHS National Vital Statistics Reports (NVSR). Total births: 3,591,328 (2023, NCHS provisional). Birth rate: 10.7/1,000 (2023). TFR: 1.62 (2023, NCHS provisional). C-section rate: 32.8% (2023 NCHS). Teen birth rate: 13.2/1,000 (2023 NCHS). State birth data from NCHS state-level vital statistics. Race/ethnicity fertility data from NCHS. Maternal mortality: CDC Maternal Mortality Review 2022. Infant mortality: NCHS Linked Birth-Infant Death data. International TFR comparisons from World Bank WDI. All 2024 figures are preliminary estimates. 2025–2026 figures are BusinessStats Research projections based on trend extrapolation.

Popular Posts