There were more babies born in New Jersey in 2022 compared to 2021, according to new numbers released this morning by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), a sharp contrast to the rest of the country which overall has seen a slight decline.
An estimated 102,883 babies were born across the state in 2022, according to an initial analysis of data from birth certificates issued last year – a 1.5% increase from 2021.
It is the second year in a row that New Jersey has seen an increase in its birth rate following years of decline.
Although municipality-level data is not yet available, based on data from last year, the state’s increase can directly be linked to Lakewood’s exploding population which in 2021, saw a 7.1% increase over 2020 and accounted for over 5% of the statewide total.
Nationally, an estimated 3,661,220 babies were born in 2022, a decrease of about 1% from 2021.
Today’s figures remain “provisional” until final estimates are published in a few months, although in previous years, the provisional figures have only seen minor changes.
When asked to respond to the latest data that shows a 1.5% increase in NJ births in 2022, NJ Governor, Phil Murphy, told reporters on Thursday: “I hate toot my own horn, but let’s face it, this 1.5% birth increase is MY BABY and the result of the policies I’VE instituted to provide an environment more conducive to baby births, baby rearing and diaper changing!”
“And make no mistake about it, this baby boon, will also be a huge boon to our economy!” the Governor asserted. “Because the more babies we churn out, the more diapers we change, which means more baby products being manufactured and sold locally! It’s a win-win situation for both the NJ baby community and the NJ baby-product business.”
“So keep those babies coming,” Governor Murphy said, “and let’s make NJ babies, and NJ births, great again! In fact, let’s make diaper changing great again too!”
I heard that one out of every 6 babies born in this state is from the Lakewood area.
If this is true it would make sense that the birth rate is going up.
I am proud have done my past to participate in this increase