Figure 2.3: U.S. Population: 2 vs. 3-Child Family

The population of the United States passed the 100-million mark in 1915 and reached 200 million in 1968. If families average two children in the future, growth rates will slow, and the population will reach 300 million in the year 2015. At the 3-child rate, the population would reach 300 million in this century and 400 million in the year 2013. (Projections assume small future reductions in mortality, and assume future immigration at present levels.) Sources: Prior to 1900-U.S. Bureau of the Census, Historical Statistics of the United States, Colonial Times to 1957, 1961. 1900 to 2020-U.S. Bureau of the Census Current Population Reports, Series P-25. 2021 to 2050-unpubiished Census Bureau projections. Beyond 2050-extrapolation.