The U.S. general fertility rate reached a new record low in 2025, according to final data released this week by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

The rate stood at 53.2 births per 1,000 females ages 15–44, down 1 percent from 53.8 the prior year. Total births numbered 3,612,012, a decline of less than 1 percent from 3,628,934 in 2024.

The drop continues a two-decade trend of falling fertility. The general fertility rate has declined 23 percent since 2007. Rates declined among women under 30, with the steepest drops for those in their early 20s and teens. The birth rate for women ages 20–24 fell 6 percent to 52.3 per 1,000, while the rate for ages 25–29 dropped 4 percent to 85.7. Teen births ages 15–19 decreased 7 percent to a record low of 11.7.

In contrast, fertility rose among older women. Rates increased 3 percent for ages 30–34, 2 percent for 35–39, and 1 percent for 40–44. These shifts reflect more women delaying childbearing into their 30s.

The latest figures come amid broader demographic concerns. The U.S. population continues to grow slowly, supported in part by immigration, but sustained low fertility raises questions about future workforce size and long-term economic pressures. Provisional data earlier in the year had already signaled the downward trajectory, and the final numbers confirm the pattern.

Public health officials noted successes in reducing teen pregnancies, a long-standing policy goal achieved through greater access to contraception and education. At the same time, surveys and economic analyses indicate many younger adults view current housing costs, student debt, and labor market conditions as unfavorable for starting families.

The decline has drawn attention from policymakers focused on family formation. Efforts to encourage higher birth rates have included discussions of tax incentives and workplace supports. Demographers emphasize that the trend spans multiple administrations and reflects deep social changes, including greater educational and career opportunities for women.

Compared with the 2007 peak of 4.3 million births, 2025 saw roughly 710,000 fewer children born despite a larger overall population. Experts project continued pressure on entitlement programs and economic growth if fertility remains near current levels without offsetting increases in productivity or immigration.