Bradford Leads the UK in Fertility: Ranked #1 in the 2025 Fertility Index
March 17, 2025While birth rates continue to decline across the UK, Bradford has emerged as the country’s most fertile city, ranking first in the 2025 Fertility Index by Maximus.
The city outperforms all others in total fertility rate (TFR), crude birth rate, and access to reproductive health services, making it the best place in the UK to start a family.
Key Findings for Bradford:
- Ranked #1 out of 20 UK cities in the 2025 Fertility Index.
- Total Fertility Rate (TFR): 1.82 births per woman – the highest in the UK, exceeding the national average of 1.6 births per woman.
- Crude Birth Rate (CBR): 12.2 births per 1,000 people, compared to the UK average of 11.3 per 1,000.
- Fertility Clinics: 1.09 clinics per 100,000 people within a 25-mile radius, providing critical access to reproductive care.
Bradford Defies the National Fertility Decline
While no UK city currently meets the replacement level of 2.1 births per woman, Bradford remains at the forefront of reproductive health. The city’s fertility rates, which are significantly higher than most major urban areas, position it as a leader in population growth and family planning support.
While fertility conversations tend to focus on women, male reproductive health is equally critical. Bradford’s ranking suggests that factors such as sperm health, access to fertility services, and overall reproductive care are contributing to better fertility outcomes in the city.
Most Fertile Cities in the UK
| Rank | UK City | Total Fertility Rate (Births Per Woman) | Crude Birth Rate (Per 1000 People) | Fertility Clinics Within 25 Miles (Per 100000 people) | Fertility Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Bradford | 1.82 | 12.2 | 1.09 | 92.64 |
| 2 | Birmingham | 1.62 | 12.2 | 1.14 | 86.87 |
| 3 | Kingston upon Hull | 1.59 | 11.4 | 0.32 | 81.58 |
| 4 | Brent | 1.53 | 12.6 | 20.66 | 77.38 |
| 5 | Newport | 1.63 | 11.2 | 4.56 | 73.68 |
Bradford’s Fertility Success: What Sets It Apart?
The North of England, along with the Midlands and Wales, continues to outperform London and the South in fertility rankings. Bradford’s success can be attributed to:
- Higher birth rates and fertility rates compared to other major UK cities.
- Strong reproductive healthcare infrastructure, ensuring accessible fertility services.
- A supportive environment for starting families, reinforcing its position as the best UK city for family planning.
The Bigger Picture: A UK Fertility Crisis
Despite Bradford’s leading position, the UK is experiencing a long-term decline in birth rates, with the national TFR at just 1.6 births per woman—well below the replacement level of 2.1. The crude birth rate has also dropped to 11.3 per 1,000 people, contributing to a major demographic shift where deaths now outnumber births in several areas.
Methodology
The 2025 Fertility Index for UK cities was conducted by Maximus, a health optimisation platform specialising in men’s reproductive and hormonal health. The rankings are based on data from the Office for National Statistics (England and Wales), the National Records of Scotland, and the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority. The analysis considers the Total Fertility Rate (TFR), Crude Birth Rate (CBR), and the number of fertility clinics within a 25-mile radius.
The metrics were weighted as follows:
- Total Fertility Rate (TFR): 50%
- Crude Birth Rate (CBR): 40%
- Fertility Clinics: 10%
Photo Credit: Pavel Danilyuk
