A recent study by Cornell University reveals a significant decline in New York State’s childbirth rate, with women choosing to have children later in life.
The data shows that the number of babies born in the state dropped by 13% from 241,312 in 2011 to 210,742 in 2021. The total fertility rate (TFR) also decreased from 1.85 in 2009 to 1.55 in 2021, which is below the U.S. average of 1.71 and well beneath the “replacement” rate of 2.1.
The study further highlights that New York women are opting to start families later, with the average age of first birth rising from 27.2 in 2011 to 28.9 in 2021.
While the fertility rate for women aged 35-44 has seen an increase, it is not enough to compensate for the decline in younger women’s childbirths. This trend is also observed in other Northeastern states, signaling potential impacts on policy and infrastructure.
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