Record Low Birth Rate as More Parents Delay Starting Families

The trend of delaying family formation in Australia has reached a new peak, with parents increasingly starting families later in life. More individuals are prioritizing career stability, financial security, and personal goals before considering parenthood.
Record Low Birth Rates and Rising Parental Age
As of 2024, the median age for mothers stands at 32.1 years, while fathers average 33.9 years. This rise in parental age reflects significant social and economic changes affecting family planning. Factors like prolonged education and increased female workforce participation have shifted how Australians approach starting families.
Changing Family Dynamics
- More parents are choosing to have fewer children.
- A growing segment of the population is opting to remain childless.
- Economic considerations heavily influence decisions about starting a family.
Domenica Calarco, who had her first child at 32, highlighted the challenges many face as they delay family life. She noted that raising children in today’s economy comes with substantial expenses that impact family size and dynamics.
Economic Factors Influencing Birth Rates
Pelin Akyol, the research manager for the e61 think tank, identified three key factors driving Australia’s declining fertility rate:
- Later parenthood.
- Smaller family sizes.
- Increased proportions of individuals without children.
Concerns over the rising costs of raising children and job security have become increasingly pivotal in the decision-making process for both men and women. Moreover, heightened worries regarding childcare availability and affordability, along with the demands of career advancement, particularly affect young women contemplating motherhood.
Decline in Birth Registrations Nationwide
Recent data indicates that from 2023 to 2024, registered births have decreased across most Australian states and territories. Western Australia experienced the largest drop at 4.7 percent, while Victoria noted a 12.9 percent increase attributed to improved birth registration processes following prior delays.
New South Wales recorded its lowest birth figures in two decades, falling from 90,000 births in 2023 to just under 87,000 in 2024. Meanwhile, the Australian Capital Territory reported the highest median maternal age at 32.8 years, and Victoria had the highest median paternal age at 34.4 years.
The ongoing trends point toward a significant shift in how Australians navigate family planning, reflecting broader changes in societal norms and economic realities. As more individuals delay starting families, the implications for future population growth and social structures remain to be fully understood.