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Mapped: Where Birth Rates Are Highest in the U.S.

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Mapped: Where Birth Rates Are Highest in the U.S.

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Key Takeaways

  • Utah ranks first for babies born per capita, reflecting its younger population and family-oriented culture.
  • Western and Southern states dominate the top of the rankings, while much of the Northeast falls behind.

Birth rates in the U.S. have been declining for decades, but that decline has hit some states faster than others.

The projections in this visualization are from SmartAsset, who analyzed results from U.S. Census Bureau’s 2024 1-Year American Community Survey. The number shown for each state represents births per 1,000 people, and is based on most recent fertility rate data and state demographics.

Utah’s Demographic Advantage

Utah ranks first in the nation, with an estimated 9.7 babies born per 1,000 people each year. The state’s relatively young population plays a major role, as younger adults are more likely to be in childbearing years. Cultural and religious influences also contribute, with larger family sizes remaining more common than in many other states.

Rank State Babies Born per Year Babies per 1K (2025)
1 Utah 34,119 9.7
2 Colorado 54,758 9.2
3 North Dakota 7,131 9.0
4 Texas 278,232 8.9
5 Massachusetts 63,418 8.9
6 Washington 70,008 8.8
7 California 344,395 8.7
8 New York 172,797 8.7
9 Georgia 97,122 8.7
10 Alaska 6,426 8.7
11 Tennessee 62,290 8.6
12 Arizona 65,206 8.6
13 Rhode Island 9,551 8.6
14 North Carolina 94,761 8.6
15 Illinois 108,268 8.5
16 Indiana 58,520 8.5
17 Oklahoma 34,549 8.4
18 Michigan 84,608 8.3
19 Kansas 24,778 8.3
20 Missouri 52,014 8.3
21 Nevada 27,188 8.3
22 Nebraska 16,680 8.3
23 Virginia 73,022 8.3
24 Idaho 16,537 8.3
25 Oregon 35,188 8.2
26 Alabama 42,365 8.2
27 Kentucky 37,683 8.2
28 Louisiana 37,731 8.2
29 Ohio 97,391 8.2
30 New Mexico 17,435 8.2
31 Arkansas 25,154 8.1
32 Iowa 26,390 8.1
33 Connecticut 29,915 8.1
34 Mississippi 23,909 8.1
35 Maryland 50,618 8.1
36 Wisconsin 48,031 8.1
37 South Carolina 44,076 8.0
38 New Jersey 76,381 8.0
39 Minnesota 46,316 8.0
40 Pennsylvania 104,399 8.0
41 Delaware 8,212 7.8
42 Montana 8,862 7.8
43 Hawaii 11,216 7.8
44 Florida 180,880 7.7
45 New Hampshire 10,856 7.7
46 South Dakota 7,080 7.7
47 Wyoming 4,491 7.6
48 West Virginia 13,400 7.6
49 Vermont 4,884 7.5
50 Maine 10,436 7.4

Large States, Strong Numbers

Texas and California rank near the top both in absolute and relative terms. California is projected to see more than 340,000 births per year, while Texas exceeds 278,000. On a per-capita basis, both states are driven by younger populations and higher shares of immigrants.

Where Birth Rates Lag

States in the Northeast and parts of the Midwest tend to rank lower. Maine, Vermont, and West Virginia sit near the bottom, with fewer than eight babies born per 1,000 people annually. Older populations, higher living costs, and delayed family formation all play a role.

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