U.S. Births Fall for Fourth Straight Year

by Nate Wooley | October 3, 2012 12:53 pm

In 2011, the U.S. saw just 4 million births, the lowest number since 1998 and the fourth year in a row of declines. Births fell by 1% last year, according to the Associated Press[1]. But the downtrend appears to be leveling off because prior years had seen the decline in the 2% to 3% range.

The weak economy is shouldering some of the blame, with experts speculating that couples are leery about starting or expanding a family with an uncertain economic outlook.

The report, put out by the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention, showed fewer births across demographic groups. Some facts:

• Births to single mothers declined 3%
• Births to Hispanic women dropped 6%
• Birth rates for women in their early 20s dropped 5%

Other interesting baby news from InvestorPlace.com:

• For First Time, Majority of Births Are Nonwhite[2]
• 6 Things to Know About Jessica Simpson Giving Birth[3]
• Survey: Birth Order Can Influence Financial Decisions[4]

Source URL: http://investorplace.com/2012/10/u-s-births-fall-for-fourth-straight-year/
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