Singapore’s fertility rate remains at 0.97 in 2024 despite dragon year

Singapore’s total fertility rate (TFR) remained at 0.97 in 2024, unchanged from the record low recorded in 2023, despite a slight rise in the number of resident births.

This marks the second consecutive year that the TFR has fallen below 1.

Minister in the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) Indranee Rajah noted that while previous dragon years saw an increase in births, the effect has been diminishing.

“The dragon year effect has been diminishing over the years, reflecting the generational shifts in attitudes and priorities among young couples,” she said.

Preliminary data showed that there were 30,800 resident births in 2024, up slightly from 30,500 in 2023.

A resident birth refers to a child born to at least one parent who is a Singapore citizen or permanent resident.

Despite this increase, the TFR remained stagnant. The TFR measures the average number of babies each woman is expected to have during her reproductive years.

Speaking in Parliament on 28 February, Ms Indranee highlighted the implications of a low fertility rate on Singapore’s economy and society.

“As our local workforce growth slows, it will be increasingly challenging to sustain economic growth and maintain a dynamic economy. There will be fewer young people to support a growing elderly population,” she said.

Declining fertility trends and shifting generational attitudes

In 2023, Singapore’s TFR dropped below 1 for the first time, reaching 0.97, making it one of the lowest in the world.

A replacement rate of 2.1 is required for a population to sustain itself across generations.

In the past, the dragon year, which is considered auspicious in the Chinese zodiac, led to a rise in births.

This was seen in 1988, 2000, and 2012. However, in 2024, this pattern did not hold.

Meanwhile, the number of resident marriages also declined.

In 2024, there were 24,800 resident marriages, down from 26,500 in 2023.

A resident marriage is one where at least one partner is a Singapore citizen or PR.

Indranee stressed that as Singapore marks its 60th year of independence in 2025, tackling the twin challenges of a low fertility rate and an ageing population remains crucial for the country’s future.

Government support for marriage and parenthood

To encourage marriage and parenthood, the government has introduced measures such as shared parental leave, which will increase paid parental leave by 10 weeks starting 1 April 2025.

Additionally, Prime Minister Lawrence Wong announced the Large Families Scheme in the Budget speech on 18 February, aimed at incentivising families to have more children.

Indranee noted that surveys show that over a third of married couples wish to have three or more children, but many face concerns about time and financial constraints.

Data from the Department of Statistics indicates a decline in families with three or more children.

In 2024, only 18% of ever-married women aged 40-49 had three or more children, compared to 33.5% in 2004.

To support larger families, the government is increasing financial benefits. The Child Development Account First Step Grant will be raised to S$10,000 for third and subsequent children, while the Large Family MediSave Grant will increase to S$5,000 for maternity and healthcare costs.

Families will also receive S$1,000 per year in Large Family LifeSG Credits for essential expenses until the child turns six. Further details on the LifeSG Credits will be shared later this year.

Private sector involvement

As part of a broader societal effort, over 30 companies from various industries will offer deals for families with three or more children.

For example, private-hire platforms Grab and Gojek will provide discounts for bookings on larger vehicles.

The FairPrice Group will introduce “value bundles” to help large families save on essential groceries.

Ms Indranee said, “We want to give greater assurance to couples who want to have larger families.”

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