The birth rate across the United States has been on the decline since 2007.

The birth rate in the United States is on the decline. 24/7 Wall St. reports that, since 2007, the birth rate has been falling to the point that the population will not be maintained because of things like women waiting longer to have kids as well as reluctance to reproduce during the pandemic.

How does the birth rate in North Dakota compare to the birth rate in the United States?

24/7 Wall St. determined each state's birth rates per 1,000 people from July 1, 2020, to July 1, 2021. And, while the national birth rate average is 10.8 births per 1,000 people, North Dakota's birth rate is above average with 12.6 births per 1,000 people. That actually means that North Dakota comes in at number three in the nation for birth rate, behind Alaska with 12.7 births and Utah with 13.8 births.

Is it really that big of a deal that millennials are not having kids at the same rate generations before did?

24/7 Wall Street suggests that falling birth rates will impact things like economic growth negatively. But as someone who is 30 and childless, I can personally relate to some main reasons why millennials are not just birthin' 'em like the generations that came before us did. There are several reasons I (and other millennials) do not have kids. And not rushing to have them has nothing to do with holding off until "the right time." Those reasons include:

  • It is expensive to have kids. How can one afford everything for a kid when the prices of food, rent, gas, and everything else are always on the rise?
  • Having children is not necessarily a life goal. While it would probably be awesome to have a miniature version of yourself, a person can pursue other goals and passions in this day and age.
  • There are plenty of kids who need to be adopted. Why should we focus on having biological children to replenish the population when there are plenty of kids without homes who need loving families?

How do you feel about falling birth rates in the United States?

KEEP READING: Here are the most popular baby names in every state

Using March 2019 data from the Social Security Administration, Stacker compiled a list of the most popular names in each of the 50 states and Washington D.C., according to their 2018 SSA rankings. The top five boy names and top five girl names are listed for each state, as well as the number of babies born in 2018 with that name. Historically common names like Michael only made the top five in three states, while the less common name Harper ranks in the top five for 22 states.

Curious what names are trending in your home state? Keep reading to see if your name made the top five -- or to find inspiration for naming your baby.

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