"The U.S. birth rate hit an all-time low in 2024, attributed in part to soaring housing costs. The declining fertility rate has been a trend for the past two decades, with women delaying childbirth due to various factors, including financial constraints. Experts point to the significant impact of rising home prices on family planning decisions, with housing costs outpacing wage growth, limiting space for larger families."
"While high housing prices deter some couples from having children, existing homeowners may be encouraged to expand their families due to increased home equity. Factors such as geography also influence family planning, with expensive housing markets leading women to delay having children to focus on careers. Despite concerns over the low birth rate, researchers suggest it is part of a broader trend of fertility delay, influenced by factors like financial worries and changing societal norms."
U.S. fertility declined to an all-time low in 2024, with housing costs cited as a major contributor. Fertility decline has unfolded over two decades as many women delay childbirth for financial and other reasons. Rapidly rising home prices have outpaced wage growth, constraining living space and reducing the affordability of larger families. High housing costs deter some couples from starting or expanding families, while rising home equity encourages some current homeowners to have more children. Geographic variation matters: expensive housing markets correlate with delayed childbearing as women prioritize careers. Broader financial worries and changing social norms further drive fertility postponement.
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