Demographics: Nearly Half of U.S. Women Could Be Single and Childless by 2030

New demographic data shows a significant shift in how Americans are planning family life, according to “The Guardian”.

The number of women who do not yet have children is growing, especially among younger age groups.

A Pew Research Center survey shows that a considerable share of Americans who do not have children and do not expect to become parents say the main reason is that they simply do not want children.

Others cite finances, the desire to focus on other priorities, and concerns about the future.

This trend is unfolding in parallel with changes in marriage and the age at which people become parents.

About 45% of American women aged 25 to 44 are expected to be single by 2030, according to an analysis by “Morgan Stanley”, a major U.S. financial services company, marking an increase from 41% in 2018.

The forecast is based on historical U.S. Census Bureau data and “Morgan Stanley” projections.

The analysis describes this as a significant demographic shift in the U.S.

According to “Morgan Stanley”, the rise is linked to several social trends: women are delaying marriage, more often choosing to stay single or marrying later, while childbearing is also being postponed and families on average are having fewer children.

These changes are also affecting economic life.

“Morgan Stanley” estimates that the number of single working-age women will grow faster than the overall U.S. population.

Women are also taking an increasingly large role in household income and spending decisions.

The latest Census Bureau data also shows that childbearing is being pushed toward older ages.

In 2024, about 40% of U.S. women aged 30–34 did not yet have children, while the percentage was even higher among the 25–29 age group.

According to “Morgan Stanley”, the change in these family patterns and the growing number of women living and working independently could have a significant impact on the U.S. labor market, income and consumption.