Dive Into Information About Teen Birth Rates in Tucson, Arizona MSA

How are we doing?

In 2024, the Tucson Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA) had a teen birth rate of 14.1 births per 1,000 females age 15-19. That ranked Tucson fifth among peer western MSAs. Portland reported the lowest rate at 8.5, while El Paso reported the highest at 25.7 births per 1,000 females age 15-19. Tucson’s teen birth rate has declined substantially over the past two decades. In 2024, Tucson remained below both the state and national rates, marking the second consecutive year that Tucson’s teen birth rate was lower than Arizona's and the U.S.

Why is it important?

Teen birth rates are associated with a variety of health, educational, and economic outcomes for both parents and children. Research has found that teen parents are more likely to face challenges related to educational attainment and income, which can affect long-term economic opportunities. Tracking teen birth rates can help communities better understand trends that affect family well-being, educational outcomes, and economic mobility.

How do we compare?

Pima County, which is the same geographic boundary as the Tucson MSA, reported a teen birth rate of 14.1 births per 1,000 females ages 15-19 in 2024. Among Arizona counties, Pima County had the second-lowest teen birth rate. Coconino County reported the lowest rate at 8.9, while La Paz County had the highest rate at 38.4. Arizona’s teen birth rate of 16.2 ranked eighth among the 10 western states. To view additional state and county-level data, visit the Teen Birth Rate Comparison Page.

In the Tucson MSA, Hispanic or Latino teens reported the highest birth rate among the races and ethnicities reported in 2024, at 20.0 births per 1,000 females age 15-19. The teen birth rate was 14.7 for Black or African Americans and 6.6 for white teens. Among the 12 western MSAs, Las Vegas reported the highest teen birth rate for the Black or African American population, Austin reported the highest rate for the Hispanic or Latino population, and El Paso had the highest rate for the white population. San Diego posted the lowest teen birth rate for all races and ethnicities reported.

What are the key trends?

Teen birth rates have steadily declined in Tucson, Arizona, and the nation over the past two decades. In 2006, the teen birth rate was 54 births per 1,000 females ages 15 to 19 in Tucson and 63 births per 1,000 females ages 15 to 19 statewide. By 2024, those rates had fallen to 14.1 and 16.2, respectively. National teen birth rate data are available beginning in 2011, when the U.S. rate was 38 births per 1,000 females ages 15 to 19. By 2024, the national rate had declined to 14.6. Since 2006, teen birth rates have declined by 73.9% in Tucson and 74.3% statewide. Since 2011, the national teen birth rate has declined by 61.6%.

How is it measured?

The teen birth rate is the number of live births to mothers aged 15 to 19 per 1,000 females. The source is the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), National Vital Statistics System, as made available through the County Health Rankings which calculates the rates based on population estimates from the U.S. Census Bureau.