What does this measure?

The number of babies born to females between ages 15 and 19, expressed as a rate per 1,000 females in this age range.

Why is this important?

Pregnancy can derail a young woman's life, preventing her from furthering her education or growing up to be self-sufficient. Babies born to teen mothers are at higher risk of having a low birth weight and of infant mortality compared to babies born to older mothers. They are also at risk of lower cognitive development, poor educational outcomes and living in poverty.

How is our county performing?

In 2019, Berks County's teen birth rate was 19 per 1,000, down 53% from 41 per 1,000 in 2000. Pennsylvania saw a similar drop during this period, while the nation's teen birth rate declined by a slightly larger margin, or 65%. The statewide teen birth rate was lower than in Berks County, at 13 per 1,000, but the national rate was similar.

The lowest teen birth rates in neighboring counties were found in Chester and Montgomery (at 5 and 6 per 1,000, respectively). Lebanon, Lehigh and Schuylkill counties had teen birth rates that were similar to Berks County. Lancaster was lower, at 12 per 1,000. All the comparison counties saw declines in their teen birth rates since 2000, ranging from 41% in Schuylkill County to 76% in Chester County.

Notes about the data

Rates do not represent a unique count of births as a female may have more than one pregnancy within a given year.

There may be additional research available on this topic. Click on Reports and Resources to learn more.