Why Massachusetts Residents Are Having Fewer Babies

The number of live births in Massachusetts isn't what it used to be. Despite a slight increase in births during the COVID-19 pandemic, Bay Staters are making fewer kids.

According to a U.S. Census report released in December 2023, the Massachusetts population grew slightly last year following years of decline.

State House News Service says, "The Massachusetts population was estimated at 7,001,399 in the latest 'Vintage 2023' population estimates from the Census Bureau, an increase of 18,659 people (or 0.27 percent) between July 2022 and July 2023."

That is a slight increase for the commonwealth after "shedding about 7,700 people between July 2021 and July 2022."

Massachusetts experienced 68,387 births and 61,404 deaths between July 1, 2022, and July 1, 2023. The net inflow to Massachusetts was slightly higher than the net outflow, meaning that for the first time in a while, more people came here than left.

According to Mass.gov, "In 2021, there were 69,127 births to Massachusetts residents, an increase of 4.0% from 66,422 in 2022 and a decline of 25.2% since 1990."

Again, 2020 and 2021 saw many folks spend more time at home due to the pandemic.

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The Wall Street Journal reported in May 2023, "The U.S. birthrate is down sharply from 15 years ago, as women report that economic and social obstacles are causing them to have fewer children than they want."

The Journal says, " The number of babies born in the U.S. started plummeting 15 years ago and hasn't recovered since."

The Mass.gov report provides charts, tables, and statistics about Massachusetts birth trends since 1970. Trigger alert: the report refers to new mothers as "birthing people."