On the basis of 2003 birth rates, U.S. women have an average of 2.0 births during their lives. The total fertility rate (i.e., the estimated average number of births per woman in a lifetime, based on the age-specific birth rates observed in a given year) varies by state, ranging from 1.7 in Vermont to 2.6 in Utah. In 2003, the District of Columbia had the lowest rate at 1.6. Rates were lower in the northeastern states and higher in the southwestern states.