Total fertility rate

2.06 Children born/woman (2011 est.)

As of January 2012^[update] the U.S. unemployment rate was 8.3 percent (U3 Rate).

As of October 2011 the U6 unemployment rate is 16.2 percent.^[85] The U6 unemployment rate counts not only people without work seeking full-time employment (the more familiar U-3 rate), but also counts "marginally attached workers and those working part-time for economic reasons." Note that some of these part-time workers counted as employed by U-3 could be working as little as an hour a week. And the "marginally attached workers" include those who have gotten discouraged and stopped looking, but still want to work. The age considered for this calculation is 16 years and over.^[86]

No doubt United States is a powerful country today in the world. It has made its mark in the history by building a strong economy that every other nation envies and idolizes too. But, all that glitters is not gold. America too has some serious social issues that need to be dealt with to maintain the position of power, prestige, and set a true example of ideal society in the world. Unequal Distribution of Wealth: Privatization is increasing in America which provides opportunities only to those who can afford. The efforts of socialists, to distribute wealth equally are also been opposed by the ruling government. Due to this, rich people are becoming richer and poor becoming poor.

Poverty: Yes, it is shocking but true. Around 13-17% American population lives below the federal poverty line. The US government does not have an absolute definition for poverty but it describes the same phenomenon as relative poverty, that is, how income relates to median income. The number of people living under poverty line is increasing at an alarming rate. Unequal Educational Funding: The US government provides compulsory education for first 12 years. This education system is controlled by state government and a very little portion of control is held by local government, which determines the funding and school system of each municipality. Large number of childbearing families from affluent communities seem to be funded heavily compared to less affluent and fewer childbearing families. The problem of 'school dropouts' is also increasing due to poor school condition and services. Crime and Incarceration: Due to increased unequal opportunities, the crime rate is also increasing the United States. Prison population in America is growing every day. Most of the prisoners are drug offenders who use or sell recreational drugs. Incarceration of criminals for long sentences has led to three strikes laws and ultimately to incarceration for life after three felonies. Health Issues: The United States does not provide health care to all. It does not have a socialized medicine or public health care system. Only employed people get health insurance as employee benefit but unemployed, part-time, self employed workers have to pay for their own insurance which is very expensive. Some studies have shown that medical bills are one of the major causes of declaring bankruptcy in the United States.

Increasing Cost of Living: With growing inflation, the cost of living in the United States is also increasing significantly. But the minimum wage is not increasing in the same fashion and so, many people find it difficult to fulfill their daily basic requirements. The working population makes more money and again spends more on living which hardly leaves anything behind for savings. America has the lowest saving rate compared to any other developed nation.