KEY POINTS

A recent Gallup poll reveals the average 'ideal family' size in the U.S.

Cost of living, delayed marriage and reduced religiosity are factors in family size.

Gender, race, age and religious practice influence preferences for number of children.

Even as the U.S. birth rate continues a slow but steady descent, now at a record low of 1.6 births per woman, American adults say having two to three children would be ideal. But family size often falls short.

A new Gallup poll shows that the “ideal family” size averages 2.7 children.

When the poll was conducted this year between July 7 and July 21, asking 1,002 people by phone what they thought, more than 80% said at least two children is ideal. Forty percent picked two children, 27% picked three children, 11% said four. Only 2% sa

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