Third child becomes status symbol for wealthy families in America

CNN Central News & Networks / ITDC India ePress / ITDC News /Agencies/ Bhopal: CNN Central News & Networks / ITDC India ePress / ITDC News / Agencies, Bhopal:

In America, family size now appears to be increasingly linked to economic status. While middle- and regular-income families are limiting households to two children because of rising inflation and the costs of childcare and education, the trend of having three or more children appears relatively higher among the country’s wealthiest families. According to a new analysis, having a third child is becoming a symbol of financial capacity and social prestige for affluent families.

An analysis of data from the US Federal Reserve’s Survey of Consumer Finances from 2013 to 2025 found that 49 percent of the country’s top one percent highest-earning families have at least three children. Among families in the rest of the top 10 percent income group, the figure is about 40 percent. By wealth, nearly 50 percent of the richest one percent of families have three or more children.

According to the analysis, the financial burden on a family rises significantly with a third child. Spending increases particularly on daycare, education, healthcare and the need for a larger home. The average annual cost of childcare in America is stated to be $13,184 per child. In urban areas, this expense can exceed $20,000 a year. In such a situation, affluent families are more capable of arranging additional support and facilities for childcare.

Economist Mike Konczal’s analysis included data on families aged 45 to 64. Biological, adopted and stepchildren were also counted. Some experts have cautioned that remarriage and stepchildren could affect the interpretation of the figures.

Interestingly, the number of Americans who want larger families is also not small. According to the 2025 Gallup survey, 42 percent of Americans ideally want three or more children. In reality, however, women have an average of 1.6 children, while the average ideal family preference is 2.7 children. The main reasons for this gap include the rising cost of raising children, expensive housing and the challenges of working life. According to experts, family size is no longer just a matter of personal choice but is becoming deeply linked to economic resources.

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