DINK and SINK Households Reshape US Spending as Fertility Rate Falls 1%

1 articles · Updated · ABC15 Arizona in Phoenix · May 21

57% of adults under 50 who say they are unlikely to have children cite simply not wanting kids, a shift helping redirect spending toward travel, dining, concerts, savings and pets.
Pew data shows married DINK couples in their 30s and 40s rose to 12% in 2023 from 8% in 2013, while the CDC said the US fertility rate slipped another 1% in 2025 and is down 23% from 2007.
Pet spending is becoming a major outlet for that discretionary income: US dog-owning households spend about $2,500 a year on average, and more than $10,000 in the luxury segment.
Hotels, restaurants and travel companies are being pushed to adapt to child-free, pet-focused consumers; Datcha.Dog says dog owners who feel welcome stay 20% longer, spend 30% more and return 75% more often.
Bankrate said the extra flexibility does not guarantee security, urging child-free consumers to use lower family costs to build emergency savings, cut high-interest debt and boost retirement investing early.

As pets replace kids in household budgets, what major industries beyond pet care will be the next to transform?

Is the growing childfree lifestyle a solution to economic pressures or a future threat to our aging society?