In 2015, the birthrate in the United States dropped to a historic low, despite the large and increasing number of women who are entering into childbearing age. The decreased rates have, according to a study from the University of New Hampshire, resulted in about 3.4 million fewer births since 2008, The Orange County Register reports.
As the total number of households has grown, by almost 6 million between 2005 and 2014, the number of households with their own children has decreased from 35 million to 33 million.
A falling birthrate can have major impact on the future, a future in which wealth will be concentrated among older, aging individuals and the rate of entrepreneurship will continue to decline, leading to a less vibrant grassroots economy.
Politics could be especially affected, as those without children have already proven more likely to reside on the left side of the political spectrum. Additionally, single women in their 40s who have never had children were seen to overwhelmingly vote for Barack Obama in 2012 while most married women voted for Mitt Romney.
The baby bust, if it continues, is likely to reshape a number of aspects regarding the United States as a whole in the future.