A growing number of women in the United States are delaying marriage, having children later or choosing to remain single, a trend that could have significant implications for the country’s workforce and economy.
A Morgan Stanley analysis projects that 45% of U.S. women between the ages of 25 and 44 could be single by 2030, compared with 41% recorded in 2018.
The financial services company described the projected share as potentially the highest on record, drawing on historical data from the U.S. Census Bureau alongside its own forecasts.
Why are more women remaining single?
Morgan Stanley identified several factors contributing to the changing pattern, including women postponing marriage, deliberately choosing single life, and divorce occurring later in life.
The report also points to changes in family planning, with women increasingly postponing childbirth or having fewer children than previous generations.
The shift could have broader economic consequences as the number of single women in the workforce continues to rise.
Morgan Stanley estimates that the population of single women could increase by about 1.2% annually between 2018 and 2030, compared with an estimated 0.8% annual growth rate for the overall U.S. population.
Potential impact on women’s careers
The changing approach to marriage and parenthood could also create more opportunities for women to remain in full-time employment and focus on career development.
According to Morgan Stanley, greater participation by women in the labour force could contribute to higher earnings for women while also supporting increased consumer spending.
The report highlights the growing economic role of women in the United States. Figures cited by Morgan Stanley indicate that women contribute approximately $7 trillion to the U.S. economy annually and serve as the primary shoppers in about 72% of U.S. households.
The financial firm also expects the spending patterns of single women with rising incomes to influence several consumer sectors, including clothing, footwear, personal care, restaurants, and automobiles.
Being single does not necessarily mean being child-free.
Morgan Stanley’s projection should not be interpreted as suggesting that 45% of women aged 25 to 44 will choose to remain child-free.
The 45% figure specifically refers to women who are expected to be single by 2030. Some of these women may still have children or may choose to have them later.
Instead, the projection reflects broader changes in the way women are approaching marriage, careers, and family planning.
From an economic perspective, Morgan Stanley believes the growing number of single working women could influence the U.S. labour market, household spending patterns, and the wider economy in the years ahead.