In 2024, the American Psychological Association (APA) estimates that 41% of first marriages are likely to end in divorce, highlighting the challenges many couples face.
In 2022 alone, 673,989 divorces and annulments were reported across 45 U.S. states, while 2,065,905 marriages took place, resulting in a national marriage rate of 6.2 per 1,000 people.
Compounding these statistics, Forbes reports that 43% of individuals express regret about marriage, underscoring the complexities and evolving dynamics of modern relationships.
Key Takeaways
Trends in U.S. Marriage and Divorce Rates: 2008-2022
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National marriage and divorce rates for women age 15 years and over: 2008–2022
According to the Census, the U.S. marriage rate remained relatively stable, with 16.6 marriages per 1,000 people in 2012 compared to 16.7 in 2022. During the same period, divorce rates saw a notable decline, dropping from 9.8 to 7.1 per 1,000 people.
National data on women’s marriage and divorce rates from 2008 to 2022 reveal a consistent trend, with marriage rates generally ranging between 16.0 and 18.0, except for a dip in 2021 when the rate fell below 15.0.
#ICYMI: How does your state compare with national #marriage and #divorce trends? 💍
Marriage rates held steady but divorce rates of women age 15 and older declined from 2012 to 2022.
Learn more and explore our new #DataVisualization: https://t.co/chUorU3Fis#AmericaCounts pic.twitter.com/ZcB8vBvgub
— U.S. Census Bureau (@uscensusbureau) October 14, 2024
Divorce rates in America, on the other hand, steadily declined from just over 10.0 in 2008 to around 7.0 in 2022. This decline reflects a broader national trend, though marriage rates have remained more consistent. The drop in 2021 may be an outlier, likely influenced by the postponement of weddings during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Updated visualizations from the U.S. Census Bureau now allow for comparisons of state-specific marriage and divorce rates against national averages from 2012 to 2022.
Divorce Rates By State
State
2020
2021
2022
Alabama
3.7
3.6
3.2
Alaska
3.2
3.1
3.0
Arizona
2.9
2.7
2.3
Arkansas
3.6
3.6
3.5
Colorado
2.9
3.0
2.9
Connecticut
1.6
2.5
2.8
Delaware
2.3
2.6
2.3
Florida
3.0
3.4
3.1
Georgia
1.9
2.2
2.1
Idaho
3.4
3.4
3.3
Illinois
1.6
1.3
1.1
Kentucky
3.1
3.3
3.0
Louisiana
1.4
2.2
0.7
Maine
2.4
2.7
2.4
Maryland
1.7
2.6
2.6
Massachusetts
1.0
1.0
1.4
Michigan
2.1
2.3
2.3
Mississippi
3.3
3.3
3.0
Missouri
2.7
2.9
2.7
Montana
2.3
2.5
2.0
Nebraska
2.8
2.6
2.6
Nevada
3.0
4.2
4.2
New Hampshire
2.4
2.6
2.5
New Jersey
1.7
2.2
2.3
New York
1.8
2.2
2.3
North Carolina
2.8
3.2
2.7
North Dakota
2.4
2.9
2.7
Ohio
2.5
2.6
2.4
Oklahoma
3.5
3.8
3.7
Oregon
2.6
2.7
2.8
Pennsylvania
2.3
2.4
2.2
Rhode Island
1.9
2.7
2.4
South Carolina
2.0
2.4
2.4
South Dakota
2.5
2.5
2.3
Tennessee
3.2
3.3
3.0
Texas
1.5
1.4
1.9
Utah
3.3
3.3
2.9
Vermont
2.1
2.3
2.3
Virginia
2.6
3.1
2.9
Washington
2.8
2.9
2.8
West Virginia
3.1
2.9
3.2
Wisconsin
2.0
2.1
2.1
Wyoming
3.8
3.7
3.3
From 2020 to 2022, most states saw a modest decline in divorce rates, reflecting a continuation of the long-term trend of reduced divorce prevalence across the United States. The decline may be attributed to the societal and financial uncertainties created by the COVID-19 pandemic, as couples possibly delayed divorces during the peak of the crisis.
Some states, such as Nevada, maintained relatively high divorce rates (4.2 in 2021 and 2022), likely influenced by its demographics and transient population according to the CDC source.
Conversely, states like Illinois and Louisiana reported significantly lower rates, with Louisiana dropping to just 0.7 in 2022, possibly due to fewer filings or reporting differences.
10 States with the Highest Divorce Rates
Nevada leads the nation with the highest divorce rate of 4.2% in 2021. This is largely attributed to its liberal marriage and divorce laws, particularly in Las Vegas, where spontaneous marriages can be easily followed by swift divorces according to the World Population Review.
States like Oklahoma (3.8%) and Wyoming (3.7%) also rank high, likely influenced by cultural norms and socioeconomic factors. Southern states such as Alabama and Arkansas also appear prominently on the list, which may reflect regional differences in marriage and divorce practices.
Overall, these states demonstrate higher rates of marital dissolution, often tied to unique legal or cultural dynamics.
10 States with the Lowest Divorce Rates (NCHS 2021)
Massachusetts recorded the lowest divorce rate in america at just 1.0% in 2021, reflecting a trend of marital stability in the state. States like Illinois (1.3%) and Texas (1.4%) follow closely, benefiting from stronger cultural and economic incentives to maintain marriages.
Additionally, northeastern states like New Jersey and New York showcase lower divorce rates, potentially influenced by more conservative views on marriage or higher barriers to divorce.
These states’ low divorce rates may reflect a combination of delayed marriages, more stringent divorce processes, and higher rates of cohabitation replacing formal marriage, which reduces the divorce pool.
Provisional Number of Marriages and Marriage Rates in the United States (2000–2022)
Year
Marriages
Population
Marriage Rate (per 1,000 population)
2022
2,065,905
333,287,557
6.2
2021
1,985,072
331,893,745
6.0
2020
1,676,911
329,484,123
5.1
2019
2,015,603
328,239,523
6.1
2018
2,132,853
327,167,434
6.5
2017
2,236,496
325,719,178
6.9
2016
2,251,411
323,127,513
7.0
2015
2,221,579
321,418,820
6.9
2014
2,140,272
308,759,713
6.9
2013
2,081,301
306,136,672
6.8
2012
2,131,000
313,914,040
6.8
2011
2,118,000
311,591,917
6.8
2010
2,096,000
308,745,538
6.8
2009
2,080,000
306,771,529
6.8
2008
2,157,000
304,093,966
7.1
2007
2,197,000
301,231,207
7.3
2006
2,193,000
294,077,247
7.5
2005
2,249,000
295,516,599
7.6
2004
2,279,000
292,805,298
7.8
2003
2,245,000
290,107,933
7.7
2002
2,290,000
287,625,193
8.0
2001
2,326,000
284,968,955
8.2
2000
2,315,000
281,421,906
8.2
The U.S. marriage rate has experienced a steady decline from 8.2 per 1,000 in 2000 to 6.2 in 2022 with that being the latest reputable information from CDC. This trend reflects changing societal norms, such as younger generations delaying marriage or opting for cohabitation instead.
The COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 resulted in a sharp drop in marriages to 5.1 per 1,000, as restrictions on gatherings and financial uncertainties caused many couples to postpone their weddings. While the marriage rate rebounded slightly in 2021 and 2022, it remains lower than pre-pandemic levels.
Overall, the declining trend highlights evolving attitudes toward long-term commitments and a growing preference for alternative family structures.
Provisional Number of Divorces and Divorce Rates in the United States (2000–2022)
| Year | Divorces/Annulments | Population | Divorce Rate (per 1,000 population) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 673,989 | 278,154,454 | 2.4 |
| 2021 | 695,509 | 276,585,104 | 2.5 |
| 2020 | 630,505 | 274,190,425 | 2.3 |
| 2019 | 746,971 | 272,842,748 | 2.7 |
| 2018 | 782,038 | 271,791,413 | 2.9 |
| 2017 | 787,251 | 270,423,493 | 2.9 |
| 2016 | 776,288 | 257,904,548 | 3.0 |
| 2015 | 800,909 | 258,518,265 | 3.1 |
| 2014 | 813,862 | 256,483,624 | 3.2 |
| 2013 | 832,157 | 254,408,815 | 3.3 |
| 2012 | 851,000 | 248,041,986 | 3.4 |
| 2011 | 877,000 | 246,273,366 | 3.6 |
| 2010 | 872,000 | 244,122,529 | 3.6 |
| 2009 | 840,000 | 242,610,561 | 3.5 |
| 2008 | 844,000 | 240,545,163 | 3.5 |
| 2007 | 856,000 | 238,352,850 | 3.6 |
| 2006 | 872,000 | 236,094,277 | 3.7 |
| 2005 | 847,000 | 233,495,163 | 3.6 |
| 2004 | 879,000 | 236,402,656 | 3.7 |
| 2003 | 927,000 | 243,902,090 | 3.8 |
| 2002 | 955,000 | 243,108,303 | 3.9 |
| 2001 | 940,000 | 236,416,762 | 4.0 |
| 2000 | 944,000 | 233,550,143 | 4.0 |
Divorce rates in the U.S. have seen a gradual decline over the past two decades, from 4.0 per 1,000 in 2000 to 2.4 in 2022.
This reduction is partly due to fewer marriages, as fewer unions naturally lead to fewer divorces.
Additionally, couples are marrying later in life, which statistically reduces the likelihood of divorce due to increased emotional and financial stability.
The COVID-19 pandemic temporarily disrupted divorce filings in 2020, causing a slight dip, but rates returned to a stable decline afterward.
The steady reduction in divorce rates points to more careful partner selection and a societal shift toward preserving marital stability.
Divorce Rates by Occupation
Certain occupations like dancers, bartenders, and massage therapists have notably high divorce rates, exceeding 30% according to Divorce.com.
These professions often involve irregular hours, financial instability, or high interpersonal engagement, which may contribute to marital strain.
In contrast, careers requiring advanced education and stable work environments, such as agricultural engineers (1.78%) and clergy (5.61%), have much lower divorce rates.
This disparity emphasizes the role of professional stability and lifestyle in sustaining marital relationships.
Divorce Rates in Specific Demographic Segments
According to NIH lower-income individuals (39%) and those with less religious affiliation (36–38%) show higher divorce rates, likely due to financial stress and fewer community or cultural supports for marriage
Conversely, upscale adults, Catholics, and Asians exhibit significantly lower rates, reflecting how economic stability and cultural or religious values contribute to marital longevity. Political affiliation also plays a role, with liberals (37%) showing higher divorce rates than conservatives (28%).
Divorce Rates by Ethnicity (for Women)
Divorce rates among ethnic groups show significant variation. Black women consistently have the highest rates in the 35–39 age group, while Asian women exhibit the lowest rates.
Cultural norms, economic stability, and community support are likely factors influencing these differences.
Hispanic women have moderate rates, and White women show a gradual decline over time, reflecting broader societal trends of decreasing divorce rates.
Divorce Timing and Reasons
January is often referred to as “divorce month,” with a spike in filings during the second week as noted by The New York Times.
Reasons for Divorce
Most divorces stem from relational issues like lack of commitment and infidelity, highlighting the need for better communication and expectations in marriage. The average duration of 8 years for first marriages suggests that mid-marriage struggles contribute significantly to divorce.
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Divorce and Marriage Dynamics
- Age: Couples who marry before 18 are 48% more likely to divorce within 10 years, while those who wait until after 25 reduce their likelihood by 24% according to studies.
- Cohabitation: Couples who cohabit before marriage have up to a 40% higher chance of divorce.
- Religion: Strong religious beliefs reduce divorce risk by 14%, while lack of affiliation increases it by the same percentage.
- Education: College attendance reduces the risk of divorce by 13%, while high school dropouts are 13% more likely to divorce.
Methodology
This article was crafted using comprehensive data analysis from trusted sources such as the CDC, American Psychological Association, and Census Bureau. Divorce rates, marriage rates, and demographic factors were reviewed for trends spanning decades.
Statistical insights were drawn to understand variations across states, occupations, and population segments. Reliable data visualizations were referenced to explain complex patterns in marriage and divorce.
Current research on societal and economic factors influencing marital stability was integrated. The focus was on presenting an accurate, data-driven narrative that aligns with evolving societal norms and challenges in marriage.
References
- American Psychological Association – Healthy Divorce and Child Custody
- U.S. Census Bureau – Marriage and Divorce Trends in the United States
- CDC – National Marriage and Divorce Rates (2000–2022)
- World Population Review – Divorce Rate by State
- Divorce.com – Professions with the Highest Divorce Rates
- NIH (National Institutes of Health) – Marital Trends and Economic Stability
- The New York Times – January: The Divorce Month
- WF Lawyers – Divorce Statistics and Facts
