Neighborhood Ministries

The population of the U.S. is facing a serious crisis and its not overpopulation, it’s declining population, because Millennials, who are now in their prime childbearing age, are delaying marriage and having fewer children. The birth rate was estimated to be 1.7655 in 2017 (a 30 year low) and is currently 1.07 (2026). It is estimated that it takes 2.1 births per woman of childbearing age to sustain the population (She must replace both her and the father because men don’t have children. It needs the extra .1 because some babies die as children and do not reach childbearing age).  The birth rate overall is dropping, mainly for those under 40 though it is rising slightly for those over 40. Many women in this age group are deciding to delay childbearing due to several factors. Due to our struggling economy, many young couples are struggling to find steady work. Many couples are also seeking to better themselves financially and are concentrating on building their career which saddles them with massive college debt. Either way, leaves many feeling that it will cost too much to raise kids. In addition, the increasing number of children growing up as an only child leaves many not wanting to have kids because they feel they are a nuisance and they don’t want to be burdened with them.