2023 Birth Statistics in England and Wales: Key Insights from ONS Data

The Office for National Statistics (ONS) has recently published its annual report on birth statistics for England and Wales, shedding light on important trends and changes in fertility, parental age, and birth outcomes. The 2023 data provides a vital snapshot of evolving family dynamics and challenges across demographics, from overall birth numbers to fertility rates and stillbirth occurrences. Here’s a closer look at the key insights.

Birth Rates and Fertility Decline to Historic Lows

In 2023, England and Wales recorded 591,072 live births—the lowest number since 1977. This marks a decrease of 14,407 births compared to 2022, illustrating a continued decline after a brief increase in 2021, likely influenced by the COVID-19 pandemic. This is also the first time in over two decades that annual births fell below the 600,000 mark, emphasising a long-term trend towards lower birth rates in the region.

The total fertility rate (TFR) in England and Wales reached a historic low of 1.44 children per woman, a level not seen since record-keeping began in 1938. Notably, the North West of England and Wales experienced the steepest declines in fertility rates. In contrast, London, the North East, and the West Midlands had slightly less significant decreases.

Rising Parental Age and Shifting Fertility Patterns

Average parental ages have been steadily increasing over recent decades. In 2023, the average age of mothers remained stable at 30.9 years, while the average age of fathers rose slightly to 33.8 years. Age-specific fertility rates (ASFRs) reveal further insights into this trend, showing decreased birth rates across most age groups. The most significant declines have been seen in younger age groups, with women aged 20-24 experiencing a 79% decrease in fertility rates from 1964 to 2023.

Interestingly, ASFRs for parents over 40 have remained relatively stable, though the ASFR for women in this age group dipped to 14.9 in 2023—the lowest since 2014. These figures suggest that parents today are, on average, almost a year older than a decade ago when they have children, underscoring broader societal trends such as delayed parenthood.

Stillbirths: Mixed Trends Across Demographics

The overall stillbirth rate for England and Wales in 2023 remained at 4.0 stillbirths per 1,000 total births, consistent with the 2022 rate. However, there are notable differences at the national level: England’s rate held steady at 3.9, while Wales saw a slight decrease from 4.4 to 4.0. This is a positive indicator for Wales, suggesting possible improvements in maternal health and prenatal care.

Differences in stillbirth rates are also evident across ethnic groups. Encouragingly, rates declined among Black, Mixed or multiple, and White ethnic groups. However, Asian ethnic groups and the “Any other ethnic group” category saw increased rates, underscoring the need for targeted healthcare interventions and support.

Birth Date Patterns: Boxing Day Remains the Least Popular Birth Date

The distribution of birth dates in 2023 remained consistent with previous years. September 28 was the most common day for births, likely aligning with conception patterns around the holiday season. Meanwhile, Boxing Day (December 26) retained its status as the least popular birth date for the 11th consecutive year, reflecting patterns around scheduled and spontaneous births.

The 2023 birth statistics for England and Wales highlight a landscape of shifting fertility trends, with fewer births, older parents, and evolving challenges around maternal health across demographics. These trends have broad implications for social policy, healthcare, and family planning services. With a record-low TFR and significant declines in fertility across younger age groups, understanding these patterns will be essential to supporting families and addressing the unique health and social needs of diverse communities in the coming years.