Institute for Family Studies Warns U.S. Population Could Peak at 351 Million in 2050s
Updated
Updated · Fox News · Jul 9
Institute for Family Studies Warns U.S. Population Could Peak at 351 Million in 2050s
3 articles · Updated · Fox News · Jul 9
Summary
A new IFS report says the U.S. could hit peak population in the 2050s at 351 million before entering decline if fertility keeps falling.
The warning centers on a wide gap between desired and actual family size: Americans say they want about 2.4 children, while fertility has dropped below 1.6 per woman.
Lyman Stone, who co-authored the report, argues delayed marriage is the main driver, saying people who marry early are far more likely to reach their intended family size.
The report also points to social environment: Americans under 30 with supportive friend groups wanted roughly 2.8 children, versus 1.7 among those with the least supportive peers.
IFS says stabilizing fertility could delay population decline until the 2080s and is urging policies such as ending marriage penalties and expanding family-friendly housing.