John Elflein
Research expert covering health and health care
Births in the U.S. - Statistics & Facts
In 2021, there were around 3.66 million live births in the United States. Like many other developed countries, the birth rate in the U.S. has decreased over recent decades, in part due to young adults postponing having children and the use of contraception.
Who has the highest birth rates?
Birth rates differ depending on various factors, including a woman’s age, race or ethnicity, income, and education. Unsurprisingly, birth rates are by far highest among women aged 20 to 34 years, with 84 births per 1,000 women in this age group in 2021. In terms of race or ethnicity, Asian and white women have the lowest birth rates, while the highest rates are found among Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islanders. Following the general decreasing trend in birth rates, teen birth rates have dropped significantly in recent decades. In 2022, there were around 14 teen births per 1,000 women, with the highest rates found among American Indians and Alaska Natives. The states with the highest teen birth rates include Mississippi, Arkansas, and Louisiana.Different types of births
If a birth could possibly put the health of the mother or child at risk, it may be necessary to have a cesarean delivery. Around 32 percent of all live births in the United States are delivered by cesarean section, while a further .5 percent are delivered by forceps, and 2.4 percent by vacuum extraction. Most births in the U.S. occur in hospitals where such procedures are commonplace, but expensive. However, some women in the United States do still give birth at home with over four percent of all live births in the state of Idaho in 2022 occurring at home, the highest rate of any state.
