Decline in Families with Children Becoming More Common in Europe
In the heart of Europe, Italy is experiencing a significant demographic transformation, mirroring trends observed across the continent. This shift is marked by smaller family sizes, a rise in childlessness, and an increase in single-person households.
According to recent data, approximately 370,000 children were born in Italy in 2024, a stark contrast to the 526,000 births recorded in 1995. This decline is reflective of the shrinking population of women of childbearing age, which fell from 14.3 million in 1995 to 11.4 million in 2025.
The fertility rate, a key indicator of a nation's demographic health, has also taken a hit. In 2024, Italy's fertility rate stood at 1.18 children per woman, a record low. This figure varies across regions, with the South of Italy recording a fertility rate of 1.20 and the North slightly higher at 1.19.
The decline in birth rates is contributing to Italy's anticipated population decline. By 2080, Italy's population is expected to shrink by 22%, a trend driven by low birth rates, high life expectancy, and evolving family structures.
The Italian family structure is also undergoing change, with the rise of "beanpole" families becoming more common. These families are multi-generational but have fewer siblings per generation, reflecting more vertical family relations but fewer horizontal ones.
In Europe, Italy ranks low in the proportion of families with resident children, with less than a quarter of families having children living with them. Furthermore, the proportion of families with three or more children is less common, accounting for just 7.6% of Italian families.
The transformation in the European Union's social structure is not limited to Italy. Across the EU, there has been an increase in childless families, a rise in single-parent households, and more people living alone. Eurostat's latest report shows a decrease in families with children in the EU, with only 23.6% of European families including at least one child in 2024.
This shift in family structures and demographic trends raises concerns about the future of Italy and the EU. The decline in birth rates and the rise in childlessness could lead to long-term population declines and changes in household composition, potentially impacting economic growth, social stability, and the provision of public services.
Science and health-and-wellness sectors should closely monitor the declining birth rates and increasing childlessness in Italy, as these demographic trends could have long-term implications for the nation's socio-economic stability. In line with the EU's broader transformation, Italy's shift in family structures could also affect the region's economic growth and capability to provide public services.
