Rapid City – A recent study commissioned by digital‑marketing firm OnlySearch reveals that South Dakota experiences a noticeable uptick in births each September, earning the state the 11th‑largest seasonal increase in the United States.
How the ranking was calculated
Researchers examined federal birth records from 2016 through 2025 and measured what they termed the “Holiday Baby Boom,” the rise in September births that typically follows the Christmas and New Year’s celebrations. The analysis considered three components: the size of the September increase, the state’s overall birth rate, and how the seasonal increase has shifted over time.
South Dakota’s performance
South Dakota posted a score of 67.6 out of 100, outpacing all six neighboring states included in the report. The state’s September births were, on average, 4.4% higher per day than in a typical month. In 2024, the birth rate stood at 12.38 births per 1,000 residents – one of the higher rates nationwide.
While the September surge remains significant, the study notes a modest decline of 0.91 percentage points in the seasonal increase since 2016.
National context
Texas claimed the top spot with a score of 84.2, its September births 7.17% above average, translating to roughly 2,256 extra births in a typical 30‑day September. Arizona recorded the largest September increase at 7.44% but ranked fifth overall after the other factors were applied. Kansas, Louisiana, Mississippi and Arizona rounded out the top five.
Each state’s final score was weighted 50% by the September increase, with overall birth rates and changes over time each contributing 25%.
What the numbers do not explain
The researchers caution that the rankings cannot determine when pregnancies began or why seasonal patterns shift. Although the September rise aligns with conceptions during the holiday season, birth records alone cannot confirm a direct link. The study also observed that September birth surges have generally become smaller in recent years, though no specific cause was identified.
Implications for families and communities
Understanding these patterns can help hospitals, childcare providers, and community planners anticipate seasonal demand for services. Parents and faith‑based groups may also find the data useful for family‑planning discussions rooted in traditional values.
OnlySearch plans to release further details on the methodology and invites additional research to explore the cultural and economic factors influencing the holiday‑season conception trend.
Original reporting: KOTA (Gray) – local — read the source article.
