Recessions and Reproduction

Recessions usually cause birthrates to crater:

One was the Great Depression, when the U.S. fertility rate (the number of children born per woman) fell to about 2.1, and the second was in 1976, when the rate hit a low of 1.7 after the oil crisis and a severe recession.

The fertility rate now is back up to 2.1 and has been stable for a while.

With the declining economy, it’s becoming more difficult for couples to legitimize having more children. For a family making $80,000 a year, an extra child can cost $10,000/year in groceries, diapers, and college fund contributions. For families making more, they can expect to spend $30,000/year per child from expenses like private education, nannies, and tutors.

Let’s hope this brings down the fertility rate to more responsible levels.

Couples consider waiting to have children – Seattle Times

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