The only group to see a decline in childlessness was women ages 45 to 50 — from 16.7% in 2014 to 14.9% in 2024. This suggests that more women had children as they entered their late 40s.

The decline in this age group contrasts with gains among younger groups, reflecting broader demographic, social and economic shifts such as women’s rising educational attainment and participation in the labor force.

Among potential reasons?

Young adults are delaying achieving key milestones to adulthood, including having children, according to a recent Census Bureau working paper. Findings suggest that young adults today prioritize economic security over starting a family, reflecting the rising burden of housing, food, gas and other costs.

While most women still go on to have children later in life, these new data suggest that some are waiting even longer than in the past.

All comparative statements have undergone statistical testing and, unless otherwise noted, all comparisons are statistically significant at the 90% confidence level.

All data are subject to error arising from a variety of sources, including sampling error, non-sampling error, modeling error, and any other sources of error. More information about the Current Population Survey Fertility Supplement is available here.