A new survey shows a growing number of young Americans are delaying marriage and having children because of high housing and living costs.
The average age for first marriage and first child continues to rise.
Many cite student debt, rent, and uncertainty about the economy as main reasons.
This trend is expected to have long-term effects on population and housing demand. Young people putting off marriage and kids because everything is too expensive is a big shift.
This is not just a personal choice anymore, it’s becoming an economic reality.
We are going to feel the effects of this for decades.
Fact Check Team: Why is the birthrate falling below replacement level across the US?
The birthrate in the United States has been steadily declining for years, and demographers say the trend now sits well below the level needed to keep the population stable.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the U.S. total fertility rate fell to 1.62 births per woman in 2023, down from roughly 2.1 births per woman in 1990, the level generally considered necessary for a population to replace itself from one generation to the next.
Researchers say the decline is being driven by a mix of economic pressures and shifting social trends.
One of the most frequently cited factors is the rising cost of raising children. Housing prices, childcare, and healthcare expenses have all increased significantly for younger adults. Childcare alone can cost well over $10,000 per year in many parts of the United States, making it difficult for many families to afford larger households.