Why do lds have large families

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Last updated: April 8, 2026

Quick Answer: Members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS) have historically had larger families due to doctrinal emphasis on family and procreation, with specific teachings encouraging childbearing. In the 1960s, LDS families averaged 4-5 children, significantly higher than the U.S. average of 2.5. While family sizes have decreased in recent decades, LDS families still average about 3.4 children, compared to the U.S. average of 1.9. This trend is supported by church teachings that view families as eternal units and encourage members to have children within marriage.

Key Facts

LDS families in the 1960s averaged 4-5 children, compared to U.S. average of 2.5
Current LDS family size averages about 3.4 children, while U.S. average is 1.9
Church doctrine emphasizes 'multiply and replenish the earth' from Genesis 1:28
LDS teachings view families as eternal units that continue after death
Family size has decreased among LDS members but remains above national average

Overview

The tendency for members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS) to have larger families has deep roots in Mormon theology and history. From the church's founding in 1830 by Joseph Smith, family has been central to LDS doctrine, with teachings emphasizing that families can be sealed together for eternity through temple ordinances. During the 19th century, polygamy was practiced by some LDS members from 1852 until the 1890 Manifesto, which contributed to larger family structures during that period. Even after polygamy was officially discontinued, the cultural and theological emphasis on family size persisted. In the mid-20th century, LDS leaders like David O. McKay explicitly encouraged large families, calling them 'the glory of the old age.' This historical context helps explain why LDS fertility rates have consistently exceeded national averages for over a century.

How It Works

The mechanism behind larger LDS families operates through multiple interconnected factors. Doctrinally, LDS teachings emphasize procreation as a divine commandment, with frequent references to Genesis 1:28's instruction to 'multiply and replenish the earth.' Church leaders have consistently taught that having children is part of God's plan, with statements from the First Presidency encouraging members to welcome children into their families. Socially, LDS communities often provide strong support networks through ward congregations, making larger families more manageable. Practically, the church's emphasis on self-reliance and education helps members feel capable of supporting more children. Additionally, LDS teachings discourage contraception in favor of natural family planning, though this has become less strictly enforced in recent decades. The combination of theological imperatives, community support, and practical resources creates an environment where larger families are both encouraged and feasible.

Why It Matters

The larger family size among LDS members has significant real-world implications. Demographically, it contributes to faster population growth within the church, helping explain its expansion from about 3 million members in 1970 to over 17 million today. Socially, it affects community structures, with LDS wards often having more children's programs and youth activities than comparable congregations of other faiths. Economically, it influences patterns of education and employment, with many LDS families prioritizing parental involvement over dual incomes. The trend also has political implications in regions with high LDS populations, affecting debates about family policy and education funding. Understanding this pattern helps explain distinctive aspects of LDS culture and its continued growth despite declining fertility rates in most developed nations.