Greenwich has recorded the most dramatic fall in fertility rates in England and Wales over the past 15 years, with the average number of children per woman dropping from 2.17 in 2010 to just 1.18 today. The London borough now has the lowest fertility rate in the country, according to new data covering all regions of England and Wales.
The figures show that every region of the country recorded fewer newborns than 15 years ago. A total of 585,396 live births were registered across England and Wales last year, the lowest number since 1977 and a sharp decline from the 21st-century peak of 729,674 in 2012.
National fertility rate falls to 1.39
The total fertility rate, which measures the average number of children women have over their lifetimes, stood at 1.39 babies per woman in England and Wales in 2025. This is a marginal decrease from 2024's figure of 1.41 babies per woman, and more than half a child lower than the 1.92 babies per woman recorded in 2010.
No region in the country has escaped the downward trend, according to the data. The interactive chart published by MyLondon allows users to explore the figures for each London borough and across the country.
South London boroughs see steepest declines
Southwark, also in South London, experienced a dramatic decrease from 1.80 to 0.97 children per woman over the same period. Elsewhere in the country, substantial decreases were recorded in North Somerset, falling from 2.19 to 1.33, Salford from 2.06 to 1.22, and East Lindsey from 2.20 to 1.39.
At the other end of the scale, Pendle in Lancashire holds the highest fertility rate in the country, averaging 1.93 children per woman, though this too has fallen from a high of 2.3 per woman in 2010. Luton follows closely with a rate of 1.93 children per woman, with Oldham recording 1.87, Bradford 1.84, and Barking and Dagenham 1.83.
Parents getting older across the UK
The average age at which people become parents has been steadily rising since the 1970s. In 2025, mothers gave birth at an average age of 31.1 years, while fathers averaged 33.9 years. This marks a notable shift from 2010, when the average age for mothers stood at 29.5 years.
The figures continue to climb when cast further back: 28.5 years in 2000, 27.7 years in 1990, and 26.9 years in 1980 – itself a rise from the record low of 26.4 years recorded in 1975. The data, which covers all of England and Wales, highlights a long-term demographic shift with implications for public services and the economy.
