The Rarest Zodiac Signs Ranked Based On Data

In this blog, I’m diving into the fascinating world of zodiac signs and ranking them from the rares to the least rare, using US Government birth data from 1994 to 2014. This data covers 86 million births, and there are some pretty interesting trends that show how certain signs are far rarer than others.

Now, let’s jump in and rank the zodiac signs from least rare to rarest!

Rarest to least rare zodiac signs

1. Capricorn: 7.50%

With 7.5% of the US population born between December 22 and January 19, Capricorn is the rarest zodiac sign. Five out of six of the least popular days to have babies all fall under the Capricorn sun sign. Christmas Day (25 Dec) is the least popular day for babies, followed by New Year’s Day and then Christmas Eve.

In fact, there is a 19% difference in births over the 21 years between Christmas Day and New Year’s Day. Given Capricorns have either had to share their birthday month with Jesus Christ or have a January birthday, it’s about time they felt special. Around 30-40% fewer babies are birthed on December 25 than on the busiest day of the year, September 9. One key cause for this is that Doctors rarely schedule any cesarean section births during public holidays or weekends.

Another reason for Capricorn being the rarest zodiac sign is that Capricorn season is the shortest zodiac season, encompassing just 29 days, compared to other signs that span 30 or more.

2. Aries: 8.02%

Aries is the second rarest zodiac sign, representing 8.02% of births in the US. This is the first astrological sign of the zodiac. It’s unclear why Aries is so low on the list. One theory is that Aries individuals are conceived during the summertime when people are likely to be engaged in outdoor activities and basking in the sun’s warmth.

People born under the Aries zodiac sign are often considered rebellious and they don’t follow the status quo. They are strong, determined, independent, and passionate people who live life to the fullest. Their energy can be infectious, so it’s no surprise that they’re rare like their birthstone… a diamond.

3. Aquarius: 8.05%

Closely following second place is Aquarius, the third rarest zodiac sign, with 8.05% of births in the US. People think Aquarius is rare due to being the shortest astrological month and, additionally, with February being the shortest month. However, there are 30 days in the Aquarius season compared to 29 in the shortest zodiac season – Capricorn.

It is important to note that 2023 US birth data shows that Aquarius was actually the rarest zodiac sign in that year. But it’s more accurate to look at data over a 20 year period than a one year period!

4. Sagittarius: 8.06%

Sagittarius is the fourth-rarest zodiac sign. Representing 8.06% of births in the US, Sagittarians are born between November 22 and December 21.

Sagittarians are known for their adventurous spirit and outgoing personality. People born under this zodiac sign can be daring and fearless, often seeking new experiences and places to explore. They tend to have a larger-than-life attitude, making them stand out from the crowd. They are also very optimistic, always believing there is a light at the end of the tunnel and that things will eventually work out for the best.

5. Pisces: 8.13%

With 8.13% of the US population born between February 19 and March 20, Pisces takes fifth place for the rarest zodiac sign. Pisces is unique in that every four years, there is an extra day added to the astrological calendar, creating an extra Pisces season day. That’s February 29, also known as Leap Year, of course!

Pisces are known for their kind, gentle and compassionate nature. They are very creative individuals who often need a quiet place to escape to explore their imagination’s depths. People born under this sign tend to be sensitive souls and highly intuitive, able to pick up on things quicker than others. This heightened intuition is one of Pisces’ most distinctive and special traits, making them truly one-of-a-kind.

6. Scorpio: 8.19%

Scorpio is the sixth rarest zodiac sign, representing 8.19% of births in the US between 1994 and 2014. Scorpios are born between October 23 and November 21.

People born under the Scorpio sign have a mysterious, alluring energy that can draw people to them like moths to a flame. They tend to be passionate, intense, and incredibly loyal people who never give up on their dreams. With their unique intuition, they can often see through the façade of others. This makes them both rare and intriguing, as few people have the ability to see beyond what’s on the surface.

7. Taurus: 8.33%

Taurus is the seventh rarest zodiac sign, making up 8.33% of births in the US between 1994 and 2014. People born between April 20 and May 20 are Taurus individuals.

Taureans are dependable, reliable people who keep their word and can be trusted to fulfil any promise they make. They also tend to be quite headstrong, refusing to budge once they’ve made up their minds. They are strong-willed and determined people who don’t give up easily. This makes them rare, as not many people have the resilience and drive that Taureans possess.

8. Libra: 8.41%

The eighth rarest zodiac sign is Libra, accounting for 8.41% of births between 1994 and 2014 in the US. People born from September 23 to October 22 are Libra individuals.

Libras are known for their charm and intelligence, often captivating a room with just their presence. They tend to be people-pleasers by nature and strive to be fair to everyone around them. Libras are also very diplomatic and able to find creative solutions when it comes to problem-solving. Whilst they aren’t very rare, this combination of intelligence, charm, and diplomacy makes them unique and valued members of any group.

9. Gemini: 8.48%

Geminis are the fourth least rare zodiac sign, making up 8.48% of births in the US between 1994 and 2014. The difference in rarity between Gemini and Leo is 5%, the most significant difference between any two rankings next to each other.

Geminis are highly adaptable and able to move through any situation with ease. They are also incredibly curious people who love to explore the world around them, often finding new ways and perspectives to look at things. With the positivity and optimism Geminis bring to the world, it’s a good thing they aren’t too rare.

10. Leo: 8.88%

The third least rare zodiac sign is Leo, which represents 8.88% of births in the US between 1994 and 2014. The three most common signs all fall in three consecutive zodiac seasons – Cancer, Leo, and Virgo.

Leos are known for their fiery passion and ambition, often living life to its fullest extent. They are natural-born leaders who aren’t afraid to take charge of any situation. Leos are also incredibly loyal friends and family members, always ready to provide support when needed. This combination of leadership skills and loyalty makes them rare, as few people can combine these two qualities in such a way.

11. Virgo: 8.95%

Virgos are the second least rare zodiac sign, representing 8.95% of births in the US. Astoundingly, nine of the top 10 most common birth dates fall with Virgo season – a remarkable feat. Virgo babies are conceived during the cold month of December when we’re cuddled up with our partners celebrating the holidays. So you can see why Virgos are so popular.

Another theory for September being such a popular birth month is that parents are keen for their children to be the oldest in the school year to give them the advantage. As a Virgo baby myself, this is precisely what my parents tried to do. However, I was two weeks early, so I was born in late August, making me the youngest in the school year. Interestingly, Virgo would be the least rare sign if Cancer didn’t have an extra day in its season.

12. Cancer: 9.01%

At the bottom of our list comes Cancers, who we found to be the least rare zodiac sign. 9.01% of all births in the US from 1994 to 2014 were Cancers, making it the most common zodiac sign. This is partly due to Cancer having the longest zodiac season, from June 21 to July 22, giving it a day more than the other zodiac signs. While the fourth least popular birth date falls within the Cancer season, the consistently high birth rate of the other days more than makes up for it.

Studies show more babies are born during the summer months than at any other time of year, so it makes sense that we’d see more people born within Cancer’s emotional territory.  Cancer is a very caring sign known for its sensitivity, which can make them unique in some ways. Their introspective nature and deep understanding of emotions can make them the rock of any group.

So which zodiac signs are the rarest?

Based on the data of 86 million people in the US born between1994 to 2014, Capricorn, Aries, and Aquarius are the three rarest signs. Capricorns have not only the shortest zodiac season but also five out of six of the least popular days to have babies all fall under the Capricorn sun sign.

While there are some theories surrounding why certain zodiac signs are more popular or rare than others, it’s impossible to pinpoint an exact reason why. Ultimately, the rarity of a sign can be based on many different factors.

Now you know the rarest sign, check out which zodiac signs are most likely to be famous.

If you’re interested in personality types, you can also check out the rarest personality types ranked.