Despite declining U.S. birth rates since the 2007-2009 recession, Americans’ views on ideal family size are moving in the other direction. Currently, 41% of U.S. adults think that families of three or more children is ideal. That is up from 38% in 2013 and 34% in 2011, and is the highest Gallup has seen on this measure since 1997 — although it is well below the 77% high point in 1945.

While 41% currently say three or more children is ideal, 50% say one or two is best while just 1% say zero. These data broadly align with previous Gallup research finding most U.S. adults aged 18 to 40 hoping to be parents someday, if they are not already.