NCHS Data Briefs

Data Brief, No. 323. Trends in Fertility and Mother’s Age at First Birth Among Rural and Metropolitan Counties: United States, 2007–2017

This report shows declines in the total fertility rate and increases in the mean age of mothers at first birth for rural, small or medium metro, and large metro counties in the United States from 2007 through 2017. It also demonstrates differences in total fertility rates and mean age at first birth between rural and metro counties. The total fertility rate in rural counties was higher and the mean age at first birth lower compared with small or medium metro counties and large metro counties. The differences in total fertility rates and mothers mean age at first birth between rural and metro areas widened over the study period. Declines in total fertility rates and increases in mean maternal age were also observed for women of each race and Hispanic-origin group, non-Hispanic white, non-Hispanic black, and Hispanic, by urbanization level from 2007 to 2017. The mean age at first birth was lower for each race and Hispanic-origin group in rural counties than in small or medium metro counties, or in large metro counties, with the differences widening over the study period. The differences in total fertility rates between rural and metro areas are consistent with previous research describing differences in childbearing behaviors and a higher average number of children in rural areas compared with metro areas.

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