Annual and State-Level Data on U.S. Total Fertility Rates, 1931–Present
Description
This dataset reconstructs U.S. fertility trends with state-level Total Fertility Rates (TFR) from 1931 to the present, calculated annually. Birth data by maternal age and race (white and non-white) were digitized from the “Vital Statistics of the United States.” TFR calculations use interpolated census data on women aged 14–49. The dataset highlights regional shifts in fertility during the Baby Boom, later declines, and recent fluctuations, influenced by socio-economic and cultural factors. It provides a valuable tool for researchers and policymakers analyzing fertility determinants and their broader implications.
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Steps to reproduce
The dataset was transcribed using ABBYY OCR software, with rigorous verification to ensure accuracy. Birth counts across maternal age groups were cross-checked to match state totals, which were further aligned with national figures. The raw fertility data comprises 105,840 matrix cells, covering 49 states, 90 years (1931–2020), seven maternal age groups, and totals for total, white, and non-white populations. The TFR dataset includes 13,230 cells, featuring TFR values for the same states, years, and population categories.