Content last reviewed: May 2017
Births
The number of births in Central Bedfordshire has been fairly similar for each of the last five years, with an average annual figure of 3,270.
Number of births in Central Bedfordshire, 2011-2015. Source: Office for National Statistics, Vital Statistics
| Number of births | Crude birth rate 1 | General fertility rate 2 | Total fertility rate 3 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2011 | 3,300 | 12.9 | 67.8 | 2.11 |
| 2012 | 3,300 | 12.7 | 66.9 | 2.04 |
| 2013 | 3,204 | 12.1 | 64.5 | 1.95 |
| 2014 | 3,250 | 12.1 | 64.5 | 1.92 |
| 2015 | 3,300 | 12.1 | 64.8 | 1.91 |
- The Crude birth rate shows the number of live births per 1,000 population (all persons and all ages).
- The General Fertility Rate (GFR) is the number of live births per 1,000 women aged 15 to 44.
- The total fertility rate is the average number of live children that a group of women would bear if they experienced the age-specific fertility rates of the calendar year.
Source: Office for National Statistics, Vital Statistics
The total fertility rate showed that in 2011 women had an average of 2.11 children throughout their childbearing years. This declined to 1.91 by 2015, compared to the England average of 1.82 children. A total fertility rate of 2 is generally seen as an indicator of a stable population, with rates below this showing declining and ageing populations, and rates above this showing populations getting bigger and younger.
| Age | Number | Rate per 1,000* |
|---|---|---|
| Under 18 | 25 | 5.5 |
| Under 20 | 90 | 12.8 |
| 20 - 24 | 370 | 55.8 |
| 25 - 29 | 940 | 119.6 |
| 30 - 34 | 1,145 | 123.6 |
| 35 - 39 | 615 | 65.9 |
| 40 - 44 | 130 | 13.0 |
| 45+ | 10 | 0.9 |
| All ages | 3,300 | 64.8 |
* This shows the number of live births per 1,000 women in each age group.
Source: Office for National Statistics, Live births by Area of Usual Residence, 2015
Last updated Friday, 5th May 2017