In the demographic landscape of the United States, there is one state that stands out above the rest when it comes to the birth rate: Utah. According to 2020 Census data, this region in the western part of the country maintains the highest birth rate, a trend that has been sustained for decades.
One of the aspects that influences the high birth rate in this state is the strong presence of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (Mormons), the majority religion in the state. The teachings of this community emphasize the importance of family and motherhood, which encourages many couples to have more children compared to other states in the United States.
According to demographic studies, families in Utah tend to be larger, with an average of 2.1 children per woman, a significantly higher figure than the national average, which is around 1.6. This difference reinforces Utah's position as the state with the highest population growth through births in the country.
In addition to cultural influence, the cost of living in Utah is another factor that allows families to have more children compared to other parts of the United States. Despite urban growth in cities like Salt Lake City, the state remains more affordable in terms of housing and education compared to places like California or New York.
Utah also has one of the lowest unemployment rates in the country, providing economic stability to young families. This, combined with favorable policies for families, such as tax incentives and access to good public education, makes it more viable to have multiple children.
The contrast with other states
While the state leads in births, other states in the United States are facing a decline in birth rates. In places like Vermont, Maine, or Rhode Island, the combination of high living costs and changes in family trends has led to considerably lower birth rates.
The population growth is mainly driven by births and not by migration, which remains a unique demographic phenomenon within the United States. This state continues to defy the declining birth rate trend that impacts much of the country, establishing itself as an exception in the American population landscape.