In 2010, the total fertility rate (TFR) for NSW was 1.87 babies per woman, increasing from 1.83 in 2009.
The 2010 rate was similar to the rate recorded a decade before (1.82 in 2000), and has increased from 2005, when the TFR was 1.79.
Total fertility rates varied substantially between the states and territories in 2010, ranging from 1.75 babies per woman in Victoria to 2.11 babies per woman in the NT. In 2010, NSW, SA, the NT and the ACT recorded increases in TFR from the previous year, with Victoria, Queensland, WA and Tasmania recording decreases.
All states and territories except the NT have recorded an overall increase in the TFR since 2005.
The total fertility rate (TFR) represents the number of children a female could expect to bear during her lifetime if she experienced current age-specific fertility rates at each age of her reproductive life. The TFR is the sum of age-specific fertility rates (live births at each age of mother per 1,000 of the estimated female population of the same age). Reproductive lifetime refers to the age range 15 to 49 years. For the purpose of calculating age-specific fertility, births to mothers under 15 years and over 49 years are added to the nearest age group.
For more information about fertility statistics and methodologies, please refer to the Explanatory Notes of Births, Australia (cat. no 3301.0).
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