Housing Costs Force Families to Consider Smaller Families or No Children, Report Finds

October 31, 2025

Cheyenne, Wyoming – The American Dream of a large family is evolving as financial realities increasingly weigh on the decisions of young adults. Across the nation, and particularly starkly in the Mountain West, rising costs for basic necessities-especially housing-are leading individuals to reassess their plans for children, with some opting for smaller families or delaying parenthood altogether.

Financial Strain Drives Arduous Choices

Twenty-one-year-old Grace Moreno, a resident of Cheyenne, Wyoming, embodies this trend. While initially envisioning a large family, Moreno recently decided to undergo a tubal ligation just six weeks after giving birth to her son. The decision, she explained, was prompted by the overwhelming financial burden of parenthood. “I was kind of like, ‘Oh my gosh, my mom was right. This is too expensive,'” she recalled.

The Moreno family relocated to Wyoming from Texas seeking better employment opportunities, but the cost of living proved substantially higher than anticipated. Monthly rent has nearly doubled, escalating from $800 to $1,775, and weekly grocery bills exceed $300, with an additional $100 allocated for infant formula. These expenses, combined with car payments and outstanding hospital bills, created an unsustainable financial strain, prompting Moreno to limit her family to one child.

Regional Trends and Economic Factors

Emily Harris, a senior demographer at the Kem C. Gardner Policy Institute at the University of Utah, confirms that Wyoming is experiencing a lower-than-replacement fertility rate, mirroring a national trend, especially pronounced in the Mountain West. According to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, birth rates in the region have steadily declined over the past two decades.

furthermore, a surge in population growth in states like Wyoming is driving up housing costs, exacerbating the financial challenges faced by prospective parents. Harris notes that changing societal values and the rising cost of childcare also play a role in individuals’ decisions regarding family size. “we have this idea of, like, the nuclear family,” she stated. “You need to get married, and then you buy a home and then you have children …  and really over the last decade or two, that kind of timeline has been halted and kind of rearranged.”

Policy responses and Ongoing Challenges

Some states are exploring legislative measures to address housing affordability, however, Wyoming has yet to implement any significant policies in this area. State Representative Trey Sherwood has advocated for a state fund to support affordable housing progress, but these efforts have faced resistance from the Republican majority, who favor a limited government approach to the housing market. Senator Bob Ide expressed concerns that government intervention would “gum up the wheels of the free market.”

Reesie Lane and Sean Thornton, a couple residing in Wyoming, illustrate the ongoing struggle. They initially envisioned a large family but have now scaled back their plans due to financial constraints, compounded by Lane’s ovarian syndrome, which poses challenges to conception. They have chosen to focus their resources on providing a comfortable life for their current pets.

Here’s a rapid look at the key factors affecting family size decisions:

Factor	Impact
Housing Costs	Significantly increasing financial burden on families.
Childcare Expenses	Rising costs make raising children more expensive.
Economic Uncertainty	Makes long-term financial planning difficult.
Societal Shifts	Changing values and priorities surrounding family size.

The Long-Term Impact of Declining Fertility Rates

Declining fertility rates have far-reaching consequences for economies and societies. A shrinking population can lead to labor shortages, slower economic growth, and increased demands on social security and healthcare systems. Governments and policymakers are increasingly focused on understanding these trends and developing strategies to mitigate their potential effects.

Did You know? The United States fertility rate fell to a record low of 1.64 births per woman in 2023, well below the replacement rate of 2.1.

Pro Tip: Exploring financial planning resources and budgeting tools can help individuals and couples make informed decisions about family planning.

Frequently Asked Questions About Fertility Rates & Financial Strain

• what is a replacement fertility rate? A fertility rate of 2.1 births per woman is generally considered the replacement rate,meaning the population will remain stable.
• How do housing costs affect family planning? High housing costs make it more difficult for families to afford children, leading some to delay or forego parenthood.
• Are declining fertility rates a global trend? Yes, declining fertility rates are observed in many countries around the world, particularly in developed nations.
• What is the role of government policy in addressing this issue? Governments can implement policies to support families,such as affordable childcare,housing assistance,and parental leave programs.
• How does economic uncertainty influence decisions about having children? Economic uncertainty can make peopel hesitant to have children, as it creates financial instability.
• What are the potential long-term consequences of declining fertility rates? Potential consequences include labor shortages, slower economic growth, and increased strain on social security and healthcare systems.
• What resources are available for financial planning for families? Numerous financial planning resources and budgeting tools are available online and through financial advisors.

What factors are influencing your own family planning decisions? Share your thoughts in the comments below and join the conversation.

How might declining birth rates linked to housing costs impact future labor markets?

The Rising Cost of Raising a Family

Recent reports indicate a disturbing trend: escalating housing costs are significantly impacting family planning decisions. More and more prospective parents are delaying or forgoing having children altogether, or opting for smaller families than they initially desired.This isn’t simply a matter of lifestyle choice; it’s a direct result of economic pressures, notably the increasingly unattainable dream of affordable housing. The impact extends beyond individual families, potentially contributing to long-term demographic shifts and economic challenges. Family size is becoming intrinsically linked to financial stability.

The Financial Burden of Parenthood: Beyond Childcare

While childcare costs often dominate the conversation, the financial implications of parenthood are far broader.Housing represents the largest single expense for most families.

Here’s a breakdown of the key financial considerations:

* Mortgage/Rent: The primary driver of the issue. Soaring property values and rental rates are making it difficult for families to secure adequate housing.

* Property Taxes: Increasing annually, adding to the overall cost of homeownership.

* Utilities: Larger families naturally consume more energy and water.

* Healthcare: Prenatal care, delivery, and ongoing pediatric care are considerable expenses.

* Education: From preschool to college, education costs continue to rise.

* Food & Clothing: Expenses increase with each additional child.

* Transportation: Larger families often require larger, more expensive vehicles.

These costs, when combined, create a notable financial barrier, particularly for younger generations burdened with student loan debt and stagnant wages. Cost of living is a major factor.

Geographic Disparities in Family Planning

The impact of housing affordability on family size isn’t uniform across the country. Metropolitan areas with particularly high housing costs – such as san Francisco, New York City, and London – are experiencing the most pronounced effects.

* California: A 2024 study by the California Housing Partnership found that over 50% of renters are considered “housing cost burdened,” meaning they spend more than 30% of their income on housing. This directly correlates with lower birth rates in the state.

* New York: Similar trends are observed in New York City, where the median home price exceeds $1 million. Manny young couples are delaying parenthood or choosing to remain child-free.

* International Comparisons: Countries like Canada and Australia, also grappling with severe housing crises, are seeing similar declines in fertility rates.

Conversely, areas with more affordable housing markets tend to have higher birth rates. This suggests a strong correlation between housing costs and family planning decisions. Real estate market conditions are crucial.

The Psychological Impact: Stress and Anxiety

The financial strain associated with raising a family in an expensive housing market isn’t just about numbers; it also takes a significant psychological toll.

* Increased Stress: Constant financial worry can lead to chronic stress and anxiety.

* Delayed Parenthood: Couples may postpone having children untill they feel financially secure, potentially impacting their fertility.

* smaller Family Size: Even when couples do decide to have children,they may limit the number to what they can realistically afford.

* Impact on Mental health: the pressure to provide for a family can exacerbate existing mental health conditions.

Government Policies and Potential Solutions

Addressing this issue requires a multi-faceted approach involving government intervention and innovative housing solutions.

1. increase Housing Supply: Zoning reforms to allow for greater density and the construction of more affordable housing units.
2. Rent Control Measures: Implementing or strengthening rent control policies to protect tenants from excessive rent increases. (Note: the effectiveness of rent control is debated among economists).
3. Financial Assistance Programs: Expanding access to down payment assistance programs and affordable mortgage options.
4. Childcare Subsidies: increasing subsidies for childcare to alleviate the financial burden on working parents.
5. Tax credits: Offering tax credits for families with children to offset the cost of raising a family.
6. Investment in Public Transportation: Reducing transportation costs by investing in efficient and affordable public transportation systems.

Case Study: Vienna, Austria

Vienna offers a compelling example of a city that has successfully addressed housing affordability. Through a combination of social housing programs, rent controls, and robust public transportation, Vienna has maintained relatively affordable housing costs, even in a major European capital. This has contributed to a higher quality of life and a more stable population. social housing is a key component.

The Long-Term Consequences

The trend of families delaying or forgoing parenthood due to housing costs has far-reaching implications.

* Aging Population: Lower birth rates will lead to an aging population, potentially straining social security systems and healthcare resources.

* Labor Shortages: A shrinking workforce could lead to labor shortages and slower economic growth.

* Demographic Shifts: Changes in family size and structure could alter the social fabric of communities.

* Economic Stagnation: Reduced consumer spending due to financial constraints could hinder economic growth.

Addressing the affordable housing crisis is not just a matter of economic policy; it’s a