Institute for Family Studies

American women are having children later in life, with birth rates hitting record lows, and a divide between red and blue states is becoming more stark. The average age of first-time mothers has risen to 27.5, with Washington, D.C. having the highest average age at 30.8 and Mississippi having the lowest at 24.7. This trend is closely tied to education, economic opportunities, and access to reproductive healthcare.

American women are having children later than ever, with birth rates hitting record lows and a divide between red and blue states becoming more stark, Washington, D.C., and Mississippi being emblematic of trends among first-time mothers. The average age of first-time mothers rose from 21 in 1972 to 27.5 in 2024. The top ten states with the highest average age of first-time moms all turned blue in the past five presidential elections.

The U.S. recorded an all-time low birth rate in 2025, prompting calls for urgent pro-family policies. President Trump's One Big Beautiful Bill (OBBB) expands the Child Tax Credit and introduces Trump Accounts to support families financially and build generational wealth.

A 2026 Family Structure Index by the Center for Christian Virtue and Institute for Family Studies highlights geographic divides in family stability, with red states like Utah leading in marriage rates and economic mobility, while blue states like New Mexico lag. The report links family structure to economic outcomes and criticizes government programs for failing to replace strong family institutions.

A 2026 study by the Center for Christian Virtue and Institute for Family Studies ranks states based on family stability, marriage rates, and economic factors, highlighting red states as more favorable for family life compared to blue states. The report notes declining belief in the American Dream and criticizes government programs for failing to address family structure issues.