24 Divorce Statistics and Facts from the USA

The institution of marriage is often considered a cornerstone of society, but the reality is that not all marriages stand the test of time. Divorce, a legal dissolution of marriage, has become increasingly common in the United States, raising questions about the factors contributing to its prevalence. 

Here, we discuss 24 eye-opening divorce statistics +and facts about these legalities in the USA and shed light on trends, causes, and implications. From the age group most likely to separate to the impact of divorce on children, take a look at the multifaceted issue of divorce in contemporary American society.

What is divorce and why is it a complex issue?

Divorce is the legal termination of a marriage, dissolving the bonds of matrimony between two individuals. 

While it may seem like a straightforward legal process, divorce is often a complex issue that extends beyond the courtroom. It involves emotional, financial, and social dimensions that can have long-lasting effects on the parties involved, as well as their families. 

Factors like child custody, asset division, and alimony add layers of complexity. Moreover, the reasons for divorce can vary widely—from infidelity and financial strain to emotional abuse and irreconcilable differences—making it difficult to pinpoint a one-size-fits-all solution. 

The ripple effects of divorce can also impact communities and societal norms, making it a subject of ongoing study and debate. 

Read more about it here.

What is the percentage of marriages that end in divorce? 

While this statistic serves as a general benchmark, it’s essential to understand that the figure can vary based on multiple factors such as age, education, and socioeconomic status. 

Recent trends also indicate a decline in divorce rates among younger generations, suggesting that the overall percentage may be shifting. Nonetheless, the high rate of divorce underscores the complexity and challenges that married couples face, making it a subject of ongoing concern and study.

Marriage and divorce statistics by year

Here’s an overview of recent research papers that explore marriage and divorce statistics, with a particular focus on the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on these rates:

1. Analysis of the Causes of the Increase in Divorce Lawsuit Cases in the Years 2020-2022 at the Medan Class IA Religious Court

• Authors: Masniari Munthe, H. Firmansyah
• Publication Date: December 27, 2022

This study focuses on the factors causing the increase in the number of divorce cases in Indonesia, particularly in Medan City. The paper attributes the rise to economic difficulties and increased awareness among wives about their rights.

• PDF Link

2. Juridical Analysis Of The Supreme Court Regulation Number 5 Year 2019 Article 8 Concerning Applications And Case Examination In Marriage Dispensation Reviewing From Simple, Quick And Low Cost Principles

• Authors: Fox Justi, Cut Auliani, Nelvitia Purba
• Publication Date: July 17, 2022

This paper discusses the legal aspects of marriage dispensation in Indonesia, focusing on the age limits and regulations that govern underage marriage.

• PDF Link

3. Marriage, Divorce, and the COVID-19 Pandemic in the U.S.

• Authors: K. Westrick-Payne, W. Manning
• Publication Date: May 1, 2022

This paper examines marriage and divorce rates in the U.S. before and after the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic. It uses data from the National Center for Health Statistics and other sources to analyze trends from 2010 through 2020.

• PDF Link

Marriage and divorce demographics in the U.S.

Marriage and divorce demographics in the United States can vary significantly based on factors such as age, education, income, and cultural background. Here are some key demographic trends related to marriage and divorce in the U.S.

Also, marriage rates have been declining in the U.S. over the past few decades. Younger generations tend to delay marriage compared to their predecessors. Cultural and economic factors play a role in marriage rates, as do changes in societal norms and attitudes toward marriage.

The likelihood of divorce varies by the duration of the marriage. In general, marriages that have lasted longer are less likely to end in divorce compared to relatively short-term marriages.

Why do marriages end in divorce? 5 potential reasons

Marriages often end in divorce due to a complex interplay of factors rather than a single issue. Common reasons include poor communication, which can lead to emotional distance and misunderstandings, and financial stress, which can create tension. 

Infidelity can break trust irreparably, while incompatibility and divergent life goals can make couples grow apart. Other significant factors include abuse, major life changes, unrealistic expectations, lack of emotional or practical support, and addictions. 

Parenting conflicts can also strain a marriage. These issues can accumulate over time, eroding the foundation of the marriage and leading to its dissolution.

Read more here.

24 divorce statistics and facts from the USA

Here are the divorce statistics and facts from the USA based on the content from the provided link:

1. U.S. divorce and marriage rates by year

• In 2019, the marriage rate in the U.S. was 6.1 per 1,000 total population.
• The divorce rate in the U.S. in the same year was 2.7 per 1,000 population.

Research Link

2. Divorce rate trends

• Both marriage and divorce rates in the U.S. are decreasing.
• Millennials are a significant factor in this decline.

Research Link

3. Divorce rate per 1000 married women

• The current rate is 16.9.
• This rate is nearly double that of 1960 but down from the all-time high in the early 1980s.

Research Link

4. Percentage of marriages ending in divorce

• Almost 50% of all marriages in the U.S. will end in divorce.
• 41% of first marriages, 60% of second marriages, and 73% of third marriages end in divorce.

Research Link

5. Frequency of divorce in the U.S.

• Every 42 seconds, there’s a divorce in America.
• This equates to 86 divorces per hour and over 746,971 divorces per year.

Research Link

6. Average duration of marriages

The average first marriage that ends in divorce lasts about 8 years.

Research Link

7. Remarriage statistics

• People wait an average of three years after a divorce to remarry.
• In 2011, only 29 out of every 1000 of divorced or widowed women remarried.

Research Link

8. Age and divorce

• The average age for couples going through their first divorce is 30.
• 60% of all divorces involve individuals aged 25 to 39.

Research Link

9. Who files for divorce more often

• Wives file for divorce 66% of the time.
• This figure has reached nearly 75% in some years.

Research Link

10. Divorce rate by occupation

Dancers have the highest divorce rate at 43%, while agricultural engineers have the lowest at 1.78%.

Research Link

11. Divorce rate by ethnicity

Various statistics are provided for different ethnicities, including White, Black, Asian, and Hispanic populations.

Research Link

12. Military divorce

• The military divorce rate was 3.4% in the 2013 fiscal year.
• The rate was higher for military women at 7.2%.

Research Link

13. Same-sex divorce statistics

• About 1% of married same-sex couples get divorced each year.
• Lesbian couples are nearly twice as likely to end a marriage or civil union than gay male couples.

Research Link

14. Reasons for divorce in the U.S.

• The most common reason given is a lack of commitment (73%).
• Other reasons include arguing too much (56%), infidelity (55%), and domestic violence or abuse (25%).

Research Link

15. Impact of age on divorce

• 48% of those who marry before 18 are likely to divorce within 10 years.
• Those who wait until they are over 25 are 24% less likely to get divorced.

Research Link

16. Religion and divorce

• Having strong religious beliefs decreases the risk of divorce by 14%.
• Evangelical Christians have a 26% likelihood of having been divorced.

Research Link

17. Education and divorce

• High school dropouts are 13% more likely to get divorced.
• Those with an above-average IQ are 50% less likely to get divorced.

Research Link

18. Political affiliation and divorce

• Conservatives are the least likely to be divorced at 28%.
• Living in a Republican state increases the likelihood of divorce by 27%.

Research Link

19. Cohabitation and divorce

• Living together before marriage can increase the chance of divorce by 40%.
• Female serial cohabiters are 40% more likely to get divorced.

Research Link

20. Where you met and divorce

• Meeting your spouse in high school, college, or grad school decreases the likelihood of divorce by 41%.
• Meeting in a bar increases the likelihood by 24%.

Research Link

21. Sexual history and divorce

Women who lost their virginity as teenagers are more than twice as likely to get divorced in the first 5 years of marriage.

Research Link

22. Parent’s relationship and divorce

• If your parents are happily married, your risk of divorce decreases by 14%.
• If both parents have been divorced, the risk increases by 200%.

Research Link

23. Children and divorce

• About 43% of children in the United States are being raised without their fathers.
• Children of divorced parents are twice as likely to drop out of high school and less likely to attend college.

Research Link

24. U.S. global divorce ranking

The U.S. has the 6th highest divorce rate globally.

Research Link

Commonly asked questions

Understanding the complexities of divorce involves grappling with some startling numbers. 

Questions like “What percentage of marriages end in divorce?”, “What percent of first marriages end in divorce?”, and “What percentage of marriages fail?” are often asked to gauge the state of marital stability in society. 

This section aims to shed light on these and other commonly asked questions about divorce, including divorce statistics, reasons, and implications.

• Is the divorce rate rising or falling?

Contrary to popular belief, divorce rates have been declining in many Western countries, including the United States. However, divorce statistics can vary significantly depending on the demographic and time period considered.

• What is the difference between a divorce rate and a divorce ratio?

The divorce rate typically refers to the number of divorces per 1,000 people in a population within a given year. 

On the other hand, the divorce ratio compares the number of divorces to the number of marriages in a specific time frame. Both metrics offer different perspectives on the marriage failure rate.

• What are the most common reasons for divorce?

Common reasons for divorce include financial stress, lack of communication, infidelity, and emotional or physical abuse. Stats on divorce also indicate that compatibility issues and growing apart over time are significant factors.

• What can be done to prevent divorce?

Preventing divorce often involves open communication, financial planning, and relationship counseling. Understanding the percent of marriages that fail can also help couples take proactive steps to strengthen their relationship.

Know how to build a happy marriage here:

• What are the emotional and financial implications of divorce?

Divorce can have severe emotional impacts, including stress, depression, and anxiety. Financially, divorce often leads to the division of assets and potential alimony or child support payments. The percentage of marriages ending in divorce suggests that many people will face these challenges at some point.

Facts are foremost

Divorce is a multifaceted issue influenced by various factors. While the divorce rates for first marriages have been declining, the percent of first marriages that end in divorce is still significant. 

Understanding what percentage of marriages fail and the emotional and financial implications can help individuals better navigate the complexities of marriage and divorce.