Austria
Based on the most recent published official birth records (and Birthgap harmonisation where noted).
Austria's demographic patterns in 2024 show notable stability with subtle shifts. The total maternal rate has slightly declined from the previous year, continuing a longer-term downward trend that reflects broader European patterns. Meanwhile, the average maternal age at childbirth continues to rise, now reaching 30.4 years, reinforcing a trend toward later motherhood.
- The total maternal rate fell by 1 percentage point to 63.4%, remaining below both the European average and its 1980s level.
- Childlessness has edged up slightly to 36.6%, marking a modest increase over 2023 and rising relative to historic averages.
- The average age of mothers at birth increased by half a year to 30.4, surpassing the European average and continuing a decades-long increase.
- Austria's completed parity metric remains steady at 2.06 children per mother, reflecting little change from last year though slightly below 1980s levels.
In 2024, Austria experiences a modest decline in maternal rates and total births, with continuing trends of rising maternal age and childlessness.
- Total maternal rate falls to 63.4%, ranked 19th in Europe
- Average maternal age rises to 30.4 years, 10th highest in Europe
- Childlessness rate increases to 36.6%, ranking 13th in Europe
- Total fertility gap (TFG) at 36.8%, 11th highest in Europe
- Births projected to decrease by half by 2073 if trends hold
Key fertility indicators — Austria
| Total Maternal Rate (TMR) | 63.4% |
| Childlessness Rate (TCR) | 36.6% |
| Average Maternal Age (AMA) | 30.4 years |
| Societal Half-Life (SHL) | 49.0 years |
| TGI (great-grandchildren per 100 parents) | 25 |
Motherhood prevalence (TMR)
The total maternal rate (TMR) in 2024 stands at 63.4%, showing a slight decrease of 1.0 percentage point from the previous year. Over the span of the past five years, this rate has been on a downward trend, averaging 67.5% between 2020 and 2024. Compared to the average observed in the 1980s of 67.0%, the TMR has declined by approximately 3.6 percentage points. Historical lows were seen in the mid-1980s, specifically from 1985 to 1987, when the average TMR was 66.5%. On an international scale, Austria holds the 21st position out of 38 countries, and within Europe, it is placed 19th out of 31.
| Year | TMR | Year | TMR |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1970 | n/a | 2010 | 69.1% |
| 1980 | n/a | 2020 | 69.4% |
| 1990 | 67.1% | 2023 | 64.4% |
| 2000 | 65.1% | 2024 | 63.4% |
Source: Eurostat; Human Fertility Database.
Children per mother (CPM)
The number of children per mother in Austria stands at 2.063 in 2024, showing a slight increase from 2.044 in 2023. Over the past five years, this figure has experienced a gradual decline, averaging 2.0566 during that period. When compared to the average from the 1980s, which was 2.179, the current rate is about 0.12 lower. The three-year minimum value of 2.047 occurred between 2022 and 2024, while the highest value of 2.206 was recorded during 1984 to 1986.
| Year | CPM | Year | CPM |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1970 | n/a | 2010 | 2.09 |
| 1980 | n/a | 2020 | 2.07 |
| 1990 | 2.17 | 2023 | 2.04 |
| 2000 | 2.09 | 2024 | 2.06 |
Source: Eurostat; Human Fertility Database.
Average maternal age (AMA)
The average maternal age (AMA) at birth in 2024 stands at 30.42 years, marking an increase of 0.52 years from 2023. Throughout the last five years, the AMA has steadily climbed, with an average of 29.97 years during this period. This figure reflects a significant rise of nearly 6 years compared to the 1980s average of 24.5 years. Austria's position on the global stage places it 15th out of 38 countries, while within Europe, it ranks 10th among 31 nations.
| Year | BIRTH | Year | BIRTH |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1970 | n/a | 2010 | 28.23 |
| 1980 | n/a | 2020 | 29.71 |
| 1990 | 24.97 | 2023 | 29.90 |
| 2000 | 26.39 | 2024 | 30.42 |
Source: Eurostat; Human Fertility Database.
Birthgap Generational Indicator (TFG)
The Birthgap Generational Indicator (TFG) in Austria reached 36.8% in 2024, corresponding to a total fertility rate of 1.31. This figure remains nearly unchanged from 2023's value of 36.5%. Over the past five years, the TFG has shown an upward trend, averaging 32.9% from 2020 to 2024. When compared to the 1980s average of 29.4%, the current rate is approximately 7.4 percentage points higher. The lowest three-year average occurred between 2015 and 2017, at 27.3%. Between 2022 and 2024, Austria achieved its highest three-year average of 35.1%. Austria ranks 16th among 38 countries worldwide and holds the 11th position within Europe out of 31 countries.
| Year | TFG | Year | TFG |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1970 | n/a | 2010 | 30.3% |
| 1980 | n/a | 2020 | 30.7% |
| 1990 | 29.6% | 2023 | 36.5% |
| 2000 | 34.1% | 2024 | 36.8% |
Source: Eurostat; Human Fertility Database.
Societal Half-Life (SHL)
In 2024, Austria’s Societal Half-Life (SHL) is 49.0 years. It is essentially unchanged from the previous year. Over the past five years, SHL has been falling, averaging 56.1 years. Compared with the 1980s average (52.9 years), SHL is now shorter by about 3.9 years.
Globally, Austria ranks 24 out of 38 countries.Within Europe, it ranks 22 out of 31.
Triple Generation Impact (TGI)
With this Birthgap (TFG) for every 100 people of fertility age in Austria, there would be 25 great-grandchildren, representing a -75.0% drop from the current generation.
Globally, Austria ranks 16 out of 38 countries. Within Europe, it ranks 11 out of 31.
Birth trajectory
According to the birth trends observed in 2024, the number of births is expected to decline significantly over time. By 2073, the total births will decrease by 50%, dropping from 77,238 in 2024 to 38,619. Looking further ahead, by 2122 births are projected to fall by 75%, and by 2187, the total will have declined by 90%, reaching just 7,724. This forecast does not take migration into account.
Childlessness rate (TCR)
Austria's lifetime childlessness rate (TCR) reached 36.6% in 2024, marking a slight increase of 1.0 percentage point from the previous year. The rate has shown an upward trend over the last five years, with an average of 32.5% between 2020 and 2024. This figure is approximately 3.6 percentage points higher than the average observed in the 1980s, which stood at 33.0%. The lowest recorded rates occurred during 2015–2017, averaging 27.4%. Among 38 countries worldwide, Austria is positioned 18th, and within Europe, it holds the 13th rank out of 31 nations.
| Year | TCR | Year | TCR |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1970 | n/a | 2010 | 30.9% |
| 1980 | n/a | 2020 | 30.6% |
| 1990 | 32.9% | 2023 | 35.6% |
| 2000 | 34.9% | 2024 | 36.6% |
Source: Eurostat; Human Fertility Database.
Total births
In 2024, Austria recorded 77,238 total births, showing a slight decrease of 333 births compared to 2023. Birth figures have trended downward over the last five years, with an average annual total of 81,413. When compared to the 1980s average of 87,808 births, the recent totals reflect a decline of 10,570 births, representing a 12.0% decrease.
| Year | Births | Year | Births |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1970 | n/a | 2010 | 78.7k |
| 1980 | n/a | 2020 | 83.6k |
| 1990 | 90.4k | 2023 | 77.6k |
| 2000 | 78.3k | 2024 | 77.2k |
Source: Eurostat; Human Fertility Database.
Birthgap Retirement Indicator (BRI)
Austria's Birthgap Retirement Indicator (BRI) reached 35.6% in 2024, marking a decrease of 3.0 percentage points from 2023. The indicator has been on a downward trend over the last five years, with an average of 37.1% between 2020 and 2024. When compared to the 1980s average of -13.7%, the current BRI is approximately 49.3 percentage points higher. Austria holds the 19th position among 35 countries globally and ranks 16th out of 30 within Europe.
| Year | BRI | Year | BRI |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1970 | n/a | 2010 | 37.8% |
| 1980 | n/a | 2020 | 40.2% |
| 1990 | 23.0% | 2023 | 38.6% |
| 2000 | 23.5% | 2024 | 35.6% |
Source: Eurostat; Human Fertility Database.
