Average Number of Children per Family in the Netherlands: Trends and Statistics

The average number of children per family in the Netherlands has been steadily declining over the past decades. Like many Western European countries, the Netherlands is experiencing lower birth rates and smaller family sizes compared to the mid-20th century.

Current Fertility Rate

The total fertility rate — meaning the average number of children a woman is expected to have over her lifetime — is currently around 1.4 children per woman (2023–2024 data). This is well below the replacement level of 2.1 needed to maintain population size without migration.

According to Statistics Netherlands (CBS), fertility in 2010 was approximately 1.8 children per woman. Since then, the rate has gradually declined, reaching one of the lowest levels ever recorded in the country.

Family Size Distribution

Looking at household data rather than lifetime fertility gives additional insight:

• About 42% of families with children have one child
• Roughly 42% have two children
• Around 16% have three or more children

This means that most Dutch families today have one or two children, with larger families being less common.

Historical Perspective

In the 1950s, Dutch women had on average more than three children. From the 1970s onward, family sizes began to shrink significantly. Factors influencing this shift include later parenthood, higher education levels, career priorities, housing costs, and changing social norms.

What This Means

While the Netherlands continues to grow in population, this growth is increasingly supported by migration rather than natural birth rates. Smaller families are now the norm, reflecting broader demographic trends across Europe.