Self-identified conservatives in the U.S. are having more children on average than liberals, according to research cited by The Atlantic and the Institute for Family Studies (IFS).
The data indicates that conservatives have an average of 1.4 children, compared to 1.09 for liberals. This gap persists even after accounting for various demographic factors such as sex, religion, race, income, age, marital status, and education.
Diverging Priorities
Researchers suggest that this trend may be linked to differing priorities between the two political groups. A Pew Research Center poll indicated that Republicans were more likely than Democrats to consider having children a crucial element of a fulfilling life. Conversely, Democrats were more inclined to view creative activities as highly important.
This suggests that liberals might prioritize career advancement, higher education, travel, or other pursuits over parenthood when these goals compete for attention and resources. The article also points to potential contributing factors for liberals, including heightened concerns about climate change, reproductive healthcare access, and anxieties stemming from family trauma.
The IFS research also found that liberals report higher levels of concern regarding parenting and their own mental health.
Urban Living and Parenting Confidence
Another hypothesis suggests that where individuals live may influence these fertility trends. Ken Burchfiel, an IFS research fellow involved in the study, posited that Democrats' tendency to reside in urban areas could play a role. Living in smaller apartments in major cities might lead individuals to perceive parenting as more stressful and complicated due to increased costs and logistical challenges compared to suburban or rural settings.
Furthermore, Burchfiel suggested that reduced daily exposure to parents and children in urban environments could diminish confidence in one's own ability to parent. This effect may be amplified as urban centers experience a decline in the number of children.
The overall birthrate in the United States and the general fertility rate have been declining, according to the CDC’s National Center for Health Statistics. A provisional CDC report indicated a 1% decrease in U.S. births between 2024 and 2025.
The Trump administration has promoted a pro-family agenda, with initiatives such as a proposed "baby bonus" and an executive order expanding access to in vitro fertilization (IVF).