The global population reached 8 billion in November 2022 and continues to rise, but the growth isn’t uniform worldwide.
In the U.S., birth rates are at an all-time low, showing a 3 percent drop from 2022 to 2024.
As per the CIA’s World Factbook, the U.S. ranks 131st among 236 countries in terms of population growth, with an annual growth rate of only 0.67 percent. In contrast, South Sudan leads the list, growing at an impressive rate of 4.65 percent annually.
The accompanying map highlights countries experiencing faster growth than the U.S., incorporating both birth rates and net migration data.
“Although fertility rates are declining globally, nations with younger populations will still see significant growth well into the future,” explains experts.
So, what has caused the decline in U.S. population growth?
“Life expectancy had already plateaued before the pandemic and saw a notable drop in 2020 and 2021. While it’s rebounding, it’s not back to pre-pandemic levels. Birth rates are also tapering off, with the total fertility rate—a metric we’ve been monitoring for nearly a century—now at a historic low of 1.6 children per woman.”
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Essentially, the main factors contributing to population growth in the U.S. are currently low. But should we be worried?
Jarosz notes that part of the low fertility rate is due to a decline in teen pregnancies, which many view as a positive trend. “The U.S. is aligning with the global trend of decreasing fertility rates during this historical period,” she says.
However, there are two significant concerns to consider.
“Firstly, if people are struggling to achieve their desired family size—a situation seen in various countries globally. Secondly, if influential leaders in the U.S. prioritize altering low fertility rates instead of adapting to a slower-growing and aging population,” Jarosz warns.
It’s easy to reduce demographics to mere statistics, which can spark anxiety.
“Regardless of fertility rates, focusing on empowering individuals to have the desired number of children and centering their rights is crucial,” Jarosz emphasizes.
“Often, what we perceive as a ‘population problem’ is actually indicative of issues in other sectors. For instance, the pressures on the U.S. Social Security system may seem pronounced due to demographic changes, but changing demographics won’t resolve these issues; a different policy approach is necessary.”