Marriage and Divorce Statistics in US 2025 | Key Facts

Marriage and Divorce in the United States 2025

Marriage and divorce trends in the United States continue to evolve significantly, with the most recent official data from 2023 revealing important shifts in American relationship patterns. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s National Center for Health Statistics, 2,041,926 marriages were recorded in 2023, representing a marriage rate of 6.1 per 1,000 total population. Simultaneously, 672,502 divorces were documented across 45 reporting states and the District of Columbia, establishing a divorce rate of 2.4 per 1,000 population. These statistics reflect the most current verified government data available for understanding matrimonial trends across the nation.

The landscape of American relationships demonstrates remarkable stability in marriage rates while continuing a decades-long decline in divorce rates. U.S. Census Bureau data reveals that marriage rates have remained remarkably consistent, with the rate holding at 16.7 per 1,000 women age 15 and older in 2022, compared to 16.6 in 2012. More significantly, divorce rates have dropped substantially from 9.8 to 7.1 per 1,000 women age 15 and older during the same ten-year period, representing a meaningful shift toward more stable long-term relationships. This trend suggests that Americans are approaching marriage with greater deliberation and maintaining stronger commitments once married.

Key Facts About Marriage and Divorce 2025

Data Source: CDC National Center for Health Statistics National Vital Statistics System 2023, U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey

These verified statistics from official government sources present a comprehensive picture of current American marriage and divorce patterns. The total of 2,041,926 marriages in 2023 represents a substantial number of new unions, while the marriage rate of 6.1 per 1,000 total population provides important context when compared to historical trends. The 672,502 divorces and annulments recorded across 45 reporting states plus the District of Columbia translates to a divorce rate of 2.4 per 1,000 population, though it’s important to note that five states (California, Hawaii, Indiana, Minnesota, and New Mexico) do not report divorce data to the national system.

The stability in marriage rates contrasts sharply with the significant decline in divorce rates documented by Census Bureau data. The marriage rate consistency between 2012 and 2022 (from 16.6 to 16.7 per 1,000 women aged 15 and older) indicates that Americans continue to value marriage at similar rates. However, the dramatic divorce rate decline from 9.8 to 7.1 per 1,000 women during the same period represents a 27% decrease in relationship dissolution. The long-term trend from 2008 to 2022 shows an even more pronounced decline from 10.0 to 7.0, suggesting that couples are increasingly successful in maintaining their marriages over time.

Historical Marriage Rate Trends in the United States

Data Source: CDC National Center for Health Statistics National Vital Statistics System

The historical progression of marriage rates over the past two decades reveals significant patterns in American relationship behavior. Marriage rates have generally declined from their peak of 8.2 per 1,000 population in 2000 to the current rate of 6.1 in 2023, representing a 25% decrease over 23 years. Notable anomalies include 2020’s dramatic drop to 5.1 per 1,000, which reflects the impact of COVID-19 pandemic restrictions on wedding ceremonies and social gatherings. The data shows a recovery in 2021 and stabilization in recent years around 6.0-6.2 per 1,000, suggesting that current rates may represent a new baseline for American marriage patterns.

The absolute number of marriages provides additional context, with annual totals ranging from approximately 1.68 million to 2.25 million over the past 24 years. The 2023 total of 2,041,926 marriages falls within the typical range for recent years, though it represents fewer marriages per capita due to population growth. The period from 2000 to 2007 generally showed higher marriage rates (7.3-8.2 per 1,000), while 2008-2023 has consistently remained below 7.0, indicating a fundamental shift in marriage timing and frequency that began during the Great Recession and has persisted through various economic and social changes.

Historical Divorce Rate Trends in the United States

Data Source: CDC National Center for Health Statistics National Vital Statistics System

Historical divorce data demonstrates a consistent and substantial decline in relationship dissolution rates over the past two decades. Divorce rates have fallen dramatically from 4.0 per 1,000 population in 2000 to 2.4 per 1,000 in 2023, representing a 40% decrease in divorce frequency. This trend represents one of the most significant social changes in modern American family structure, with divorce rates reaching their lowest levels since the 1960s. The steady decline from 2000 through 2023 shows remarkable consistency, with only minor year-to-year variations around the overall downward trajectory.

The absolute number of divorces has also declined substantially, from 944,000 in 2000 to 672,502 in 2023, despite population growth in reporting states. The peak divorce period occurred in the early 2000s, with rates consistently above 3.5 per 1,000 population. Since 2008, divorce rates have remained below 3.6 and have consistently declined to current levels below 2.5. It’s important to note that divorce statistics exclude five states (California, Hawaii, Indiana, Minnesota, and New Mexico) that do not report to the national system, so actual national totals would be higher, but the trend patterns would likely remain consistent.

Regional Marriage and Divorce Variations Across United States

Data Source: CDC National Center for Health Statistics, State-Level Marriage and Divorce Reports

Regional variations in marriage and divorce patterns reflect diverse cultural, economic, and social factors across the United States, though comprehensive analysis is limited by incomplete divorce reporting from several major states. Census Bureau data indicates that marriage and divorce rates varied significantly by state in both 2012 and 2022, with some differences reaching statistical significance. Northeastern states typically demonstrate lower marriage rates but also maintain lower divorce rates, suggesting that while fewer people marry in these regions, those who do marry tend to maintain longer-lasting relationships.

Southern states generally show higher marriage rates coupled with higher divorce rates, indicating cultural preferences for marriage but also higher relationship dissolution frequencies. The absence of divorce reporting from five states (California, Hawaii, Indiana, Minnesota, and New Mexico) significantly impacts national and regional analysis, as California alone represents approximately 12% of the US population. Washington D.C. often shows unique patterns with higher marriage rates but lower divorce rates, likely reflecting the highly educated, financially stable demographic characteristics of the nation’s capital. Western and Midwestern states show mixed patterns that vary significantly by individual state characteristics and local cultural factors.

Marriage and Divorce Rate Correlations with Population Demographics

Data Source: Multiple Federal Agencies – Census Bureau, BLS, CDC NCHS

Demographic correlations with marriage and divorce rates reveal complex relationships between social and economic factors and relationship outcomes, though specific numerical correlations require detailed analysis beyond the scope of basic vital statistics reporting. Census Bureau research consistently shows that marriage rates vary significantly based on educational attainment, with higher education levels generally correlating with delayed marriage but increased relationship stability. Economic factors play crucial roles, as higher median household incomes typically correlate with higher marriage rates and lower divorce rates, while areas experiencing economic distress often show opposite patterns.

Age distribution within populations significantly influences both marriage and divorce rates, with younger populations typically showing higher marriage formation rates but also higher divorce risks in early marriage years. Cultural and ethnic backgrounds contribute to rate variations, though specific patterns require careful analysis to avoid oversimplification of complex social dynamics. Employment rates and job security correlate with both marriage formation and relationship stability, as economic uncertainty often delays marriage decisions and can contribute to marital stress. Understanding these demographic correlations helps explain regional and temporal variations in the official marriage and divorce statistics reported by federal agencies.

Economic Context of Marriage and Divorce in Current American Society

Data Source: Multiple Federal Economic Agencies

The economic dimensions of marriage and divorce significantly influence the statistical patterns observed in official government data, though specific dollar amounts and detailed economic analyses require specialized economic surveys beyond basic vital statistics collection. Marriage decisions increasingly correlate with financial stability, as couples often delay marriage until achieving educational goals and career establishment, contributing to the consistent marriage rates around 6.1 per 1,000 population. The wedding industry represents a substantial economic sector, with millions of Americans employed in wedding-related services from venues to photography, catering, and event planning.

Divorce economics influence both the decision to divorce and the statistical reporting patterns, as legal costs, property division complexities, and income impacts affect both individual choices and state-level data collection capabilities. Housing market conditions correlate with both marriage and divorce timing, as joint property ownership provides both economic advantages for marriage and complications for divorce proceedings. Employment benefits, insurance coverage, and tax policy create economic incentives for marriage while also establishing financial considerations for divorce decisions. These economic factors help explain both the stability in marriage rates and the continued decline in divorce rates, as couples may be making more economically-informed relationship decisions.

Data Collection Methodology and Reporting Limitations

Data Source: CDC National Center for Health Statistics Methodology Documentation

Understanding the methodology and limitations of official marriage and divorce data collection is crucial for accurate interpretation of statistical trends. Marriage data collection achieves complete national coverage with all 50 states plus the District of Columbia reporting to the CDC’s National Center for Health Statistics, providing comprehensive nationwide statistics. Divorce data collection faces significant limitations with only 45 states plus D.C. reporting, as California, Hawaii, Indiana, Minnesota, and New Mexico do not participate in the national divorce reporting system, creating substantial gaps in national divorce statistics.

Both marriage and divorce statistics rely on state vital records systems and court reporting mechanisms that vary in procedures, timing, and accuracy across jurisdictions. Data reported as “provisional” in the most recent year may be revised in subsequent reports as states submit corrections and additional information. The 1-2 year lag in data availability means that 2023 represents the most current official data available for analysis, with 2024 statistics not yet available for publication. Population bases differ between marriage and divorce calculations, with marriage rates calculated using total US population while divorce rates use only the population of reporting states, making direct comparisons somewhat problematic and requiring careful interpretation of trend analysis.

Disclaimer: This research report is compiled from publicly available sources. While reasonable efforts have been made to ensure accuracy, no representation or warranty, express or implied, is given as to the completeness or reliability of the information. We accept no liability for any errors, omissions, losses, or damages of any kind arising from the use of this report.