Utah, historically known for its large families, has experienced a significant decline in its birthrate, marking the steepest drop in fertility among all U.S. states. After reaching a peak in 2007, the state’s fertility rate has fallen by more than 37 percent, moving Utah from the nation’s highest-ranking state for fertility to sixth place. This shift reflects broader demographic changes occurring across the United States and other developed countries, where women are increasingly postponing childbirth or opting to have fewer children.

Several factors contribute to this trend in Utah, a state long influenced by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church), whose members traditionally favor larger families. Estimates suggest that church members make up about half of Utah’s population, providing some sustained demographic influence. Despite this, the fertility decline is pronounced even among this group, indicating a complex interplay between cultural, economic, and social dynamics.

One prominent influence is the changing socioeconomic landscape, including the rising cost of housing. Utah’s housing market ranks as the tenth most expensive in the country, contributing to financial pressures on young families. Many women cited the necessity of dual incomes and financial stability as reasons for delaying or limiting childbearing. Educational attainment has also risen, with the share of babies born to mothers holding a college degree increasing from around 27.5 percent in 2009 to over 39 percent in 2024. This shift aligns with changing personal priorities and life plans, as women pursue longer education and career development before starting families.

Individual stories reflect these broader trends. Some women, raised in large LDS families, now choose to wait until their 30s or later to have children or decide not to have children at all. Experiences of family instability during childhood, personal aspirations, and reflections on readiness all influence these decisions. For example, one Salt Lake City resident expressed gratitude for living in a time when childbearing is a choice rather than an expectation.

Change within the LDS Church itself also factors into the fertility decline. Research shows a generational shift, with fewer young women remaining active in the church compared to older generations. This decline in religious participation may influence traditional family size expectations and decisions surrounding childbearing. The church has publicly expressed concern over falling birthrates; in 2023, church president Dallin Oaks emphasized the importance of valuing children during a major sermon.

Despite these declines, Utah continues to have the largest average family size in the United States, though that too may be evolving. Some younger Utahns who grew up in large families now envision smaller households or different life paths. For instance, while one woman with three children hopes for a fourth, her sister delayed childbearing by over a decade to establish her music career before starting a family.

The extent to which Utah’s fertility decline signals a permanent demographic transformation or a temporary shift remains uncertain. However, the combination of delayed parenthood, economic pressures, changing cultural values, and shifting religious dynamics illustrates the complexity of family formation in a state long associated with high birthrates.