What Is The Divorce Rate In The Us? Delve into the facts and figures surrounding divorce rates in the United States with insights provided by WHAT.EDU.VN. Understanding divorce statistics, marital dissolution trends, and relationship breakdowns is crucial for comprehending societal dynamics and family structures. Discover the relevant statistics, contributing factors, and possible effects of divorce. For more information on family dynamics and relationship support, explore resources like marriage counseling, relationship advice, and co-parenting strategies.
1. Exploring US Divorce Rates: An Overview
The divorce rate in the US is a constantly evolving metric, reflecting shifting societal norms, economic factors, and individual relationship dynamics. It’s a vital indicator of marital stability and family well-being. Understanding these rates requires analyzing various data points and considering the nuances behind the numbers.
1.1. Crude Divorce Rate vs. Divorce Rate per 1,000 Married Women
Two primary methods are used to measure divorce rates:
- Crude Divorce Rate: This is the number of divorces per 1,000 people in the population. While easy to calculate, it doesn’t accurately reflect the percentage of marriages ending in divorce because it includes unmarried individuals in the calculation.
- Divorce Rate per 1,000 Married Women: This metric provides a more accurate representation of the divorce rate by considering only married women. It offers a clearer picture of the likelihood of a marriage ending in divorce.
1.2. Current Trends in US Divorce Rates
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that in 2021, the crude divorce rate in the US was 2.5 per 1,000 population in 44 states and the District of Columbia. While this number is useful for tracking changes over time, it doesn’t tell the whole story. Many experts believe that the divorce rate per 1,000 married women, which currently stands at 16.9, is a more accurate measure. Both marriage and divorce rates in the US have generally been decreasing in recent years. Millennials are waiting longer to get married and staying married longer, contributing to this decline.
2. Divorce Frequency in the US: A Closer Look
Divorce occurs with surprising frequency in the United States, highlighting the challenges many couples face in maintaining long-term marital stability.
2.1. Divorces Per Minute, Hour, Day, and Year
- Per Minute: Approximately one divorce occurs every 42 seconds in America.
- Per Hour: This equates to about 86 divorces every hour.
- Per Day: There are roughly 2,046 divorces each day.
- Per Year: Annually, there are approximately 746,971 divorces in the US.
2.2. Divorce During Important Events
Consider these figures in the context of everyday life:
- Nearly 3 divorces occur in the time it takes a couple to exchange their wedding vows (around 2 minutes).
- Over 172 divorces happen during an average romantic comedy movie (approximately 2 hours).
- Around 430 divorces take place during a typical wedding reception (about 5 hours).
2.3. Lifetime Divorce Statistics
Over a longer period:
- An average first marriage that ends in divorce lasts about 8 years, resulting in 5,975,768 divorces during that time.
- Over a 40-year period, 67% of first marriages will end.
- About 25% of all Americans aged 18 or older have experienced a marital split, whether they have been married or not.
- Approximately 15% of adult women in the United States are currently divorced or separated, a significant increase from less than 1% in 1920.
3. Understanding Divorce Demographics
Who is getting divorced, when, and why? Exploring the demographics of divorce provides insights into the factors influencing marital dissolution.
3.1. Age and Divorce
- The average age for couples going through their first divorce is 30 years old.
- 60% of all divorces involve individuals aged 25 to 39.
3.2. Filing for Divorce
Wives initiate divorce proceedings more often than husbands, accounting for 66% of divorce filings on average. In some years, this figure has reached nearly 75%.
3.3. Divorce Rates by Occupation
Certain professions have higher divorce rates than others, potentially due to factors such as stress, work-life balance, and income.
3.3.1. Occupations with the Highest Divorce Rates
| Occupation | Divorce Rate |
|---|---|
| Dancers | 43 |
| Bartenders | 38.4 |
| Massage Therapists | 38.2 |
| Gaming Cage Workers | 34.6 |
| Gaming Service Workers | 31.3 |
3.3.2. Occupations with the Lowest Divorce Rates
| Occupation | Divorce Rate |
|---|---|
| Agricultural Engineers | 1.78 |
| Optometrists | 4.01 |
| Clergy | 5.61 |
| Podiatrists | 6.81 |
| Farmers | 7.63 |
Law enforcement and police officers have a divorce rate of 14.47%, while the rate for corrections workers is 21.3%.
3.4. Divorce Rates by Socioeconomic Factors
Individuals in certain demographic groups are more likely to experience divorce:
- Adults making less than $20,000 annually (39%)
- Baby Boomers (38%)
- Those aligned with a non-Christian faith (38%)
- African-Americans (36%)
- People who consider themselves liberal on social and political matters (37%)
Conversely, groups with the lowest likelihood of divorce include:
- Catholics (28%)
- Evangelicals (26%)
- Adults making more than $75,000 annually (22%)
- Asians (20%)
- Those who deem themselves conservative on social and political matters (28%)
3.5. Divorce Rate by Ethnicity (for women)
| Year | 25-29 yrs | 30-34 yrs | 35-39 yrs | 40-49 yrs | 50-59 yrs | 60-69 yrs | 70 + |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| White | |||||||
| 1996 | 19.7 | 26.1 | 32.2 | 40.8 | 36.1 | 26.6 | 17.2 |
| 2001 | 19.9 | 24.4 | 33.5 | 40.6 | 41.8 | 29.6 | 18 |
| 2004 | 12.4 | 23.2 | 30.5 | 39.1 | 44.3 | 33.9 | 18.1 |
| 2009 | 14.2 | 22.1 | 27.6 | 36.3 | 41.1 | 36.9 | 21.9 |
| Black | |||||||
| 1996 | 14.7 | 28 | 40.7 | 44.5 | 42 | 35.6 | 21.9 |
| 2001 | 20.6 | 24.5 | 37.3 | 42.2 | 44.7 | 33.8 | 25.4 |
| 2004 | 11 | 20.1 | 37.1 | 39 | 47.8 | 37.2 | 26.7 |
| 2009 | 14.6 | 23.9 | 32.7 | 35 | 48.2 | 40.3 | 27.8 |
| Asian | |||||||
| 1996 | 9.3 | 12 | 14.3 | 22.8 | 23.2 | 4.9 | 8.5 |
| 2001 | 4.1 | 10.7 | 18.1 | 17.5 | 22.7 | 9.9 | 5 |
| 2004 | 1.9 | 6.1 | 11.4 | 20.1 | 19.9 | 9.6 | 9.1 |
| 2009 | 1.3 | 7.8 | 13.2 | 20.6 | 18.5 | 16 | 11.3 |
| Hispanic | |||||||
| 1996 | 15.5 | 17.4 | 24 | 33.2 | 31.7 | 25.6 | 20.3 |
| 2001 | 12.5 | 15.5 | 26.5 | 28.5 | 34 | 26.5 | 21.5 |
| 2004 | 8.8 | 16.3 | 24.7 | 24.4 | 33.1 | 23.9 | 19.5 |
| 2009 | 10.5 | 16.3 | 18.1 | 23.7 | 30.2 | 25 | 24.2 |
3.6. Military Divorce
The military divorce rate in 2013 was 3.4%. However, it was significantly higher among military women at 7.2%. Divorce rates also vary by rank, with enlisted troops having a rate of 3.8% compared to 1.9% among officers. The Air Force has the highest divorce rate among enlisted troops at 4.3%. Notably, the divorce rate among U.S. Navy Seals is over 90%.
3.7. Divorce Rate in Specific Population Segments
- The divorce rate among people aged 50 and older has doubled in the past 20 years.
- The divorce rate among couples where one spouse is incarcerated for one year or more is 80% for men and nearly 100% for women.
4. Same-Sex Divorce Statistics
Same-sex marriage has introduced new dimensions to divorce statistics, providing insights into the dynamics of same-sex relationships.
4.1. Comparison with Opposite-Sex Divorce Rates
About 1% of married same-sex couples get divorced each year, compared to about 2% of married opposite-sex couples.
4.2. Divorce Rates Among Gay and Lesbian Couples
Lesbian couples are nearly twice as likely to end a marriage or civil union as gay male couples.
4.3. Impact of Same-Sex Marriage Laws on Divorce Rates
In the United States, the divorce rate is 3.1 per 1,000 people in states that allow same-sex marriage, and 3.9 in states that prohibit it.
5. Timing of Divorces: When Do They Occur?
Understanding when divorces typically occur can provide valuable insights into the challenges couples face at different stages of their marriage.
5.1. Average Length of Marriages Ending in Divorce
The average length of a marriage that ends in divorce is 8 years.
5.2. “Divorce Month”
January is often referred to as “divorce month” because many people start seeking information about divorce before the New Year but wait until attorneys are back in the office to file. The second week of January, particularly January 12-16, sees a surge in filings.
6. Reasons for Divorce in the US
Identifying the primary reasons for divorce can help couples address potential issues and strengthen their relationships.
6.1. Top Reasons for Divorce
According to a recent national survey, the most common reasons for divorce are:
- Lack of commitment (73%)
- Arguing too much (56%)
- Infidelity (55%)
- Married too young (46%)
- Unrealistic expectations (45%)
- Lack of equality in the relationship (44%)
- Lack of preparation for marriage (41%)
- Domestic violence or abuse (25%)
Note that respondents often cited multiple reasons, so the percentages add up to more than 100%.
7. Factors Influencing Divorce Likelihood
Several factors can make couples more or less likely to divorce. Understanding these can help individuals make informed decisions about their relationships.
7.1. Age at Marriage
- 48% of those who marry before the age of 18 are likely to divorce within 10 years, compared to 25% of those who marry after the age of 25.
- 60% of couples married between the ages of 20 and 25 will end in divorce.
- Those who wait to marry until they are over 25 years old are 24% less likely to get divorced.
7.2. Previous Marriages
If both partners have had previous marriages, they are 90% more likely to get divorced than if it is the first marriage for both.
7.3. Religion and Divorce
- Strong religious beliefs are associated with a 14% lower risk of divorce.
- Having no religious affiliation increases the likelihood of divorce by 14%.
- Evangelical Christian adults have a 26% likelihood of divorce, compared to 28% for Catholics and 38% for non-Christians.
7.4. Education and Intelligence
- High school dropouts are 13% more likely to get divorced.
- Individuals who have attended college have a 13% lower risk of divorce.
- Those with “below average” IQs are 50% more likely to be divorced than those with “above average” IQs.
7.5. Political Affiliation
- Conservatives are the least likely to be divorced (28%), compared to liberals (37%) and moderates (33%).
- Living in a red (Republican) state increases the likelihood of divorce by 27% compared to living in a blue (Democrat) state.
8. Cohabitation and Divorce
Living together before marriage can have a complex impact on marital stability.
8.1. Impact of Cohabitation on Divorce Rates
- 60% of cohabiting couples will eventually marry.
- Living together before marriage can increase the chance of getting divorced by as much as 40%.
- Women who have lived with more than one partner before their first marriage are 40% more likely to get divorced than women who have never done so.
8.2. Where You Met Your Spouse
- Meeting your spouse in high school, college, or graduate school is associated with a 41% lower likelihood of divorce.
- Couples who met in bars are 24% more likely to get divorced than expected.
9. Sexual History and Marital Stability
Sexual history can play a role in the likelihood of divorce.
9.1. Impact of Age at First Sexual Activity
- Women who lost their virginity as teenagers are more than twice as likely to get divorced in the first 5 years of marriage than women who waited until age 18 or older.
- Loss of virginity before age 18 is correlated with a greater number of divorces within the first 10 years of marriage for both men and women.
- Girls who initiated sexual activity at ages 13 or 14 were less than half as likely to be in stable marriages in their 30s compared to women who began sexual activity in their early 20s. (A stable marriage was defined as one lasting over five years.)
9.2. Number of Premarital Sexual Partners
Women with 6 or more premarital sexual partners are almost 3 times less likely to be in a stable marriage.
10. Geographical Factors: Where You Live Matters
Divorce rates vary significantly by state.
10.1. States with the Highest Divorce Rates
- Nevada (5.6)
- West Virginia (5.2)
- Arkansas (5.3)
- Idaho (4.9)
- Oklahoma (5.2)
10.2. States with the Lowest Divorce Rates
- Iowa (2.4)
- Illinois (2.6)
- Massachusetts (2.7)
- North Dakota (2.7)
- Pennsylvania (2.8)
10.3. Multiple Marriages
Arkansas has the highest rate of individuals married 3 or more times, with men and women in Arkansas being twice as likely to be married 3 or more times than the national average.
11. Habits and Lifestyle Choices
Certain habits and lifestyle choices can impact marital stability.
11.1. Division of Household Labor
The risk of divorce almost doubles when the mother works but the husband makes a “minimal contribution” to housework and childcare.
11.2. Social Media
Facebook was cited as a major contributor to 1/3 of divorce petitions examined by one U.K. study in 2011.
11.3. Watching Romantic Movies
Watching romantic movies and discussing them can lower divorce rates from 24% to 11% in marriages of three years.
11.4. Pornography Addiction
Pornography addiction was cited as a factor in 56% of divorces according to a recent study.
12. Impact of Parental Relationships
The relationship of your parents can influence your likelihood of divorce.
12.1. Parental Happiness
If your parents are happily married, your risk of divorce decreases by 14%.
12.2. Parental Remarriage
If your parents remarried after divorcing, you’re 91% more likely to get divorced.
12.3. Divorce Cycle
- The risk of divorce is 50% higher when one spouse comes from a divorced home and 200% higher when both partners do.
- Children of divorce are 50% more likely to marry another child of divorce.
- Daughters of divorced parents have a 60% higher divorce rate in marriages than children of non-divorced parents, while sons have a 35% higher rate.
13. Children and Divorce
Having children can both strengthen and strain a marriage.
13.1. Impact of Children on Divorce Rates
The divorce rate for couples with children is as much as 40% lower than for those without children.
13.2. Children Witnessing Divorce
Half of all children in the United States will witness the ending of a parent’s marriage. Of this half, close to 50% will also see the breakup of a parent’s second marriage.
13.3. Multiple Births
If you have twins or triplets, your marriage is 17% more likely to end in divorce than if your children are not multiples.
13.4. Gender of Children
- If you have a daughter, you’re nearly 5% more likely to divorce than if you have a son.
- When there are as many as three daughters, that difference spikes to 10%.
- Fathers are significantly less likely – 3% – to be living with their children if they have daughters versus sons.
13.5. Having a Baby Before Marriage
Having a baby before marriage can increase the risk of divorce by 24%.
14. Financial Factors and Divorce
Financial issues are a significant contributor to marital conflict and divorce.
14.1. Income and Divorce
An annual income of over $50,000 can decrease the risk of divorce by as much as 30% compared to those with an income of under $25,000.
14.2. Financial Habits
Feeling that one’s spouse spent money foolishly increased the likelihood of divorce by 45% for both men and women.
14.3. Financial Arguments
Couples that argue about finances at least once a week are 30% more likely to get divorced.
14.4. Assets
Couples with no assets at the beginning of a three-year period are 70% more likely to divorce by the end of that period than couples with $10,000 in assets.
15. Addiction, Mental Illness, and Divorce
Mental health and addiction issues can significantly impact marital stability.
15.1. Smoking
- Couples are 76-95% more likely to get divorced if only one of them smokes, with the risk increasing when the wife is the smoker.
- Couples who both smoke are still 53% more likely than non-smoking couples to end their marriage.
15.2. Alcohol Consumption
Each liter of alcohol consumed raises the chance of divorce by 20%. The average American drinks 9.4 liters of alcohol per year, raising their divorce likelihood by 188%.
15.3. Drinking Patterns
Couples who have similar heavy drinking patterns – either both are heavy drinkers or both are not – are more likely to stay together. However, if one spouse is a heavy drinker and the other is not, they are 60% more likely to get divorced.
15.4. Mental Disorders
A multi-national study found that 18 mental disorders all increased the likelihood of divorce, ranging from a 20% increase to an 80% increase. Addictions and major depression were the highest factors, with PTSD also significant.
15.5. Video Game Addiction
A recent study of divorce petitions found that nearly 15% of them cited video game addiction as a major factor in the decision to get divorced.
16. Divorce, Child Support, and Child Custody
Divorce often involves complex issues related to child support and custody.
16.1. Children Raised Without Fathers
Forty-three percent of children in the United States are being raised without their fathers.
16.2. Custody Arrangements
90% of divorced mothers have custody of their children.
16.3. Child Support Awards
Over 79% of custodial mothers receive a child support award, while just under 30% of custodial fathers receive one. However, 65% of divorced mothers receive no child support.
16.4. Default on Child Support
Over 46% of non-custodial mothers completely default on child support, compared to only 27% of non-custodial fathers.
17. Impact of Friends and Relatives on Divorce
The social network around a couple can influence their likelihood of divorce.
17.1. Influence of Divorced Friends
If a close friend gets divorced, you are 147% more likely to become divorced, and 33% more likely if a friend of a friend is divorced.
17.2. Influence of Divorcing Coworkers
When a married person works with someone who is in the process of divorcing, it increases the married person’s chances of divorce by 75%.
17.3. Influence of Divorced Siblings
People with divorced sisters or brothers are 22% more likely to get divorced than if their siblings are not divorced.
17.4. Social Support Post-Divorce
In a large-scale Canadian survey, 19% of men reported a significant drop in social support post-divorce.
18. Financial Effects of Divorce
Divorce can have significant financial consequences for all parties involved.
18.1. Average Cost of Divorce
The average total cost of divorce in the United States is $15,000.
18.2. Income Drop Post-Divorce
Families with children that were not poor before the divorce see their income drop as much as 50%.
18.3. Poverty After Divorce
Almost 50% of parents with children who are going through a divorce move into poverty after the divorce.
18.4. Income Disparity
27% of recently divorced women had less than $25,000 in annual household income, compared with 17% of recently divorced men.
18.5. Poverty Guidelines
60% of people under poverty guidelines are divorced women and children.
19. The Toll Divorce Takes
Divorce can have profound emotional, physical, and societal impacts.
19.1. Impact on Mortality
A study titled “Divorce and Death” shows that broken marriages can kill at the same rate as smoking cigarettes. The risk of dying is 23% higher among divorcees than married people.
19.2. Societal Costs
One researcher determined that a single divorce costs state and federal governments about $30,000, based on such things as the higher use of food stamps and public housing, as well as increased bankruptcies and juvenile delinquency.
19.3. Financial Burden on Taxpayers
The nation’s 1.4 million divorces in 2002 are estimated to have cost taxpayers more than $30 billion.
19.4. Effectiveness of Marriage Counseling
Of couples who seek marriage counseling, 38% end up divorced just two years later.
19.5. Courtroom Decisions
Only around five percent of divorces are decided in the courtroom, meaning that in 95% of cases, the parties and their family law attorneys are able to settle issues amicably or in mediation.
20. Famous and Expensive Divorces
High-profile divorces often garner significant media attention due to the substantial financial settlements involved.
20.1. The Five Most Expensive Divorces of All Time
- Harold and Sue Ann Hamm – $5.3 billion
- Rupert and Anna Murdoch – $1.7 billion
- Bernie and Slavica Ecclestone – $1.2 billion
- Adnan Khashoggi and Soraya Khashoggi – $875 million
- Craig and Wendy McCaw – $460 million
20.2. Most Expensive Celebrity Divorces
- Mel and Robyn Gibson – $425 million
- Arnold Schwarzenegger and Maria Shriver – $250-$300 million
- Michael and Juanita Jordan – $168 million
Navigating the complexities of relationships and divorce can be challenging, but understanding the relevant statistics and factors can provide valuable insights. At WHAT.EDU.VN, we offer a platform to explore these issues further and seek answers to your questions.
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