FastFact: Increase in Women of Childbearing Age to Impact Birth Rate

April 13, 2015  by in Economic News, Industry   

A significant variable in predicting the future of the youth furniture market is the expected population of females of childbearing age. Childbearing age is considered between 18 and 44 years of age.

The birth rate (calculated by the number of births per 1,000 women) continues to decline and will likely see a 3.2 percent decrease between 2015 and 2025. On the contrary, the population of women in the childbearing age group is projected to see an increase of 6.5 percent in the next 10 years. This increase will lead to an increase in the birth rate.

As children of the Baby Boomers age into the 35-to-44 age group resulting in a 12 percent increase, this will also spur an increase in those entering the prime furniture purchasing years over the next decade. According to the National Center of Health Statistics, the number of women 35 and over who are having their first child has multiplied by nine since 1970. These women are giving birth well into their 30s.

The younger portion of the childbearing population will also see an increase in head count. Ages 25 to 34 are expected to increase 7 percent by 2025. The youngest group, however, ages 18 to 24 will decrease due to some children of the Baby Boomers moving into the next group.

The complete FastFact is available online.