U.S. General Fertility Rate Falls to Historic Low in 2025

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has published final birth data indicating that the United States recorded its lowest general fertility rate ever in 2025. The rate for females aged 15-22 declined to 53.2 births per 1,000, a 1 percent decrease from 2024. Across the board, birth rates dropped for females aged 10-29, with notable declines among teens (15-19) and women in their early twenties, while rates rose modestly for those aged 30-44 and stayed flat for the 45-49 group.

Overall births totaled 3,612,012, less than 1 percent fewer than the previous year’s 3,628,934. Historical comparison shows the 1925 fertility rate was 106.6 births per 1,000 women aged 15-44, more than double one outlet figure, leaving the average American woman well below the replacement level. The data underscore a decades-long demographic shift toward smaller family sizes.