Health Insurance

How US and State Fertility Rates Have Changed Since 2005

Maggie Davis
Written by Maggie Davis
Published
Western states experienced the biggest declines, while Southern states generally experienced the smallest.
A pregnant woman caresses her stomach while looking at an ultrasound.
A pregnant woman caresses her stomach while looking at an ultrasound. Source: Getty Images

Methodology

ValuePenguin researchers analyzed Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) fertility rate data from 2005 through 2023. States were ranked based on percentage changes in fertility rates during this period. We also analyzed fertility rate changes between 2022 and 2023.

The fertility rate is defined as the number of births per 1,000 women ages 15 to 44.

Analysts also used CDC data compiled by KFF to compare the number of deaths to births by state in 2022 — the latest available year for both data points.

About the Author
Portrait of Maggie Davis

Maggie Davis

Writer, Consumer Research

Maggie Davis is a staff writer at ValuePenguin. She primarily focuses on breaking down complex data and research about the financial lives of Americans into digestible content through our studies and surveys. Her reporting has been featured in numerous publications, such as Forbes and USA Today.

Education

  • BA, Journalism, Pepperdine University

Editorial note: The content of this article is based on the author's opinions and recommendations alone. It has not been previewed, commissioned or otherwise endorsed by any of our network partners.

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