It seems like nearly everyone knows someone who’s been divorced. Yet despite how common divorce is, there remains confusion about how often it happens, who initiates it, and what factors drive it. Is divorce becoming more or less common? And how do things like race, income, or education shape the outcomes?
In this updated guide, we break down the most recent divorce statistics for 2025 using data from sources like the U.S. Census Bureau, Pew Research Center, and CDC/NCHS. Whether you’re looking at national trends or exploring the impact of education or age, these numbers offer insight into how marriage and divorce continue to evolve.
Key Takeaways
- Millennials are reshaping divorce trends by delaying marriage until they’re older, more financially secure, and better educated.
- The U.S. divorce rate is 2.5 per 1,000 people, down from its 2000 peak but still significant across age groups and regions.
- Women initiate roughly 66% of all divorces, and the median age at first divorce has risen to 41.9 for women and 43.3 for men.
- Higher education is linked to stronger marriages. Individuals with college degrees are 30% less likely to divorce.
- Gray divorce has doubled since the 1990s and is expected to rise by another one-third by 2030.
Divorce rates around the world
Divorce rates vary widely across the globe due to cultural norms, legal frameworks, and economic conditions. As of the latest data:
- North Macedonia leads with 9.6 divorces per 1,000 people, followed by Liechtenstein (4.9), Belarus (3.7), Georgia (3.7), and Latvia (2.8).
- In contrast, Sri Lanka has the lowest known rate at 0.15, with Vietnam and Guatemala close behind at 0.2 per 1,000.
While low divorce rates may appear to signal stronger marriages, they often reflect limited legal access, financial constraints, or social stigma, especially for women. The UN’s Gender Inequality Index reveals that countries with the lowest divorce rates frequently rank poorly in gender equity, suggesting that many individuals may remain in marriages due to a lack of viable alternatives.
By contrast, higher divorce rates are often found in countries with stronger legal protections and greater gender equality, where individuals have more freedom to leave unsustainable relationships.
Divorce rates in the United States
In 2025, the U.S. divorce rate holds steady at 2.5 per 1,000 people, continuing a long-term decline from its peak of 4.0 per 1,000 in 2000. Despite this downward trend, divorce still affects nearly 900,000 couples annually, when accounting for underreported states like California and Indiana.
Several contributing factors continue to shape American divorce patterns:
- Women initiate around 66% of all divorces, a figure that’s remained consistent for the past decade.
- Most divorces occur between ages 25 and 39, and first divorces typically happen around age 30.
- First marriages have a 50% likelihood of ending in divorce, rising to 60% for second marriages and 73% for third marriages.
While overall rates are lower than in past decades, regional, economic, and generational differences persist. For example, Nevada still reports the highest state-level divorce rate, largely due to streamlined filing processes.
These trends underscore the evolving nature of marriage and divorce in the U.S., driven by shifting social norms, financial pressures, and increased awareness around emotional and legal well-being.
Average marriage length in the USA
As of 2025, marriages in the United States last an average of 20 years. However, longevity varies notably by state, often reflecting regional differences in population age and life stability.
- Vermont has the longest-lasting marriages, with a median duration of 23.1 years, followed closely by Wisconsin (22.7) and New Hampshire (22.6). These states also have some of the oldest populations in the country, which correlates with longer marital duration.
- In contrast, Texas (17.6 years) and Alaska (17.7 years) report the shortest average marriages, both among the youngest states by median age.
Marriage length also ties closely to when people first marry. In 2023, the median age at first marriage was 30.2 for men and 28.4 for women, continuing a decades-long trend toward later marriages. States like Utah, where residents marry younger on average, show unique patterns, often combining younger marriage ages with relatively longer marriage duration.
These numbers show that while national averages offer a baseline, marital longevity is influenced by a complex mix of regional demographics, age at first marriage, and broader social factors.
Divorce rates by age
Divorce patterns in the U.S. are strongly tied to age. Younger adults, especially those in their 20s and early 30s, face higher divorce rates due to transitional life stages, financial pressures, and evolving personal priorities. At the same time, Americans are waiting longer to marry, which may contribute to more stable unions later on.
At the opposite end of the spectrum, divorce rates among adults over 50 have steadily risen, a trend known as “gray divorce.” These age-related shifts reflect broader social and economic changes impacting marriage and family dynamics across generations.
How sex impacts age at first divorce
- In 1970, the median age at first divorce was 27.7 for women and 30.5 for men.
- By 2023, those figures increased to 41.9 for women and 43.3 for men: the highest on record
This steady increase mirrors the rise in median age at first marriage and signals a cultural shift toward later-life transitions, longer partnerships, and more measured decisions about ending a marriage.
How race and ethnicity impact age at first divorce
The median age at first divorce varies by up to 7.6 years across racial and ethnic groups:
Among women:
- Foreign-born Hispanic women divorce at the oldest median age: 45.2
- Native-born Hispanic women divorce at the youngest: 37.6
Among men:
- Asian men have the highest median age: 47.3
- Native-born Hispanic men have the lowest: 39.7
These disparities reflect a combination of cultural norms, immigration experiences, and socioeconomic factors that shape how long marriages last in different communities.
How education level impacts age at first divorce
Educational attainment strongly influences the timing of divorce:
Among women:
- Those with a master’s degree or higher divorce later, at a median age of 42.5
- Those with some college divorce earlier, at around 40.2
Among men:
- The most educated (master’s degree or higher) divorce at 46.2
- Men with some college divorce at a younger median of 41.6
Higher education is often linked to later marriage, greater financial stability, and different relationship expectations, all of which affect when, or if, divorce occurs.
How Millennials are changing marriage and divorce statistics
Millennials have reshaped marriage trends by delaying marriage until they are older, more educated, and more financially secure. As a result, they’re contributing to the long-term decline in divorce rates:
- Only 44% of Millennials are married, compared to 53% of Gen Xers and 61% of Baby Boomers at the same age.
- They are less likely to rush into marriage and more likely to cohabitate first, which may lead to stronger unions.
Their higher average age at first marriage (late 20s to early 30s) is a key factor in lowering the risk of early divorce.
Gray divorce
“Gray divorce” refers to couples over age 50 who decide to separate, often after decades of marriage. This trend has doubled since the 1990s, and researchers project that by 2030, the number of divorces involving people over 50 will increase by another one-third.
Key drivers of gray divorce include:
- Increased life expectancy
- Financial independence (especially for women)
- Empty-nest transitions
- A shift in cultural stigma around ending long-term marriages
This phenomenon underscores the evolving expectations of marriage and partnership across all stages of life.
Divorce rates by race
Divorce rates in America differ by race and sex.
Women by race
- 38.9 percent of Black women have ever been divorced
- 35.6 percent of White, non-Hispanic women have ever been divorced
- 27.3 percent of Hispanic or Latino women have ever been divorced
- 13.9 percent of Asian women have ever been divorced
Men by race
- 38.7 percent of Black men have ever been divorced
- 35 percent of White, non-Hispanic men have ever been divorced
- 26.1 percent of Hispanic or Latino women have ever been divorced
- 11.4 percent of Asian men have ever been divorced
Military divorces
Military life brings unique stressors to marriage, including deployments, frequent relocations, and long periods of separation. These factors can increase the risk of divorce, particularly for enlisted personnel and female service members.
While national-level divorce data for military members has become less frequently published in recent years, earlier Department of Defense and academic reports point to consistent trends:
- Historically, female service members have had significantly higher divorce rates than their male counterparts. For example, in 2020, the divorce rate for women in the military was around 6.5%, compared to 2.5% for men.
- The gender gap persists across branches, with the Marine Corps typically showing the highest rates of divorce among women.
- Enlisted personnel tend to experience higher divorce rates than officers, likely due to marrying younger and having less financial stability.
Although recent official statistics are limited, the broader pattern holds: military marriages face elevated risk due to the challenges of service life. Support programs and counseling services have been expanded in recent years, aiming to reduce the strain on military families.
How other factors impact divorce
Divorce isn’t only shaped by age or race. A recent Forbes publication showed that socioeconomic, lifestyle, and circumstantial factors can strongly influence whether a marriage lasts. Variables like education, income, religious participation, health, and even the time of year have all been shown to affect marital stability. Understanding these patterns helps shed light on who is most at risk for divorce, and why.
Education and divorce
Educational attainment is one of the clearest predictors of divorce risk. Individuals with a college degree are 30% less likely to divorce than those without one. Higher education often leads to delayed marriage, greater financial security, and improved communication, all of which contribute to stronger, more stable relationships.
In contrast, couples with lower educational attainment tend to marry younger and face more economic stress, both of which are linked to higher divorce rates.
Religion and divorce
Religious involvement has been shown to offer some protection against divorce. People who attend religious services regularly are 14% less likely to divorce than those who do not. Shared spiritual values can encourage marital commitment, reduce stigma around seeking help, and offer community support.
Conversely, religiously unaffiliated individuals experience higher divorce rates, with roughly half of secular marriages ending in divorce.
Social networks and divorce
The relationships around you may influence the stability of your marriage. Studies show that having close friends or family members who are divorced can increase your own likelihood of divorce. This “social contagion” effect may stem from reduced stigma or shifting perceptions of what’s considered normal or acceptable in long-term relationships.
Conversely, couples with strong, supportive social networks are more likely to stay married, especially during conflict or stress.
Income levels and divorce
Financial stress is a major driver of divorce. While the average divorce in 2024 costs between $7,000 and $15,000, the economic toll often extends far beyond legal fees. Lower-income couples tend to experience higher divorce rates, in part due to job instability, limited savings, and heightened stress.
Financial stability has been linked to longer-lasting marriages, as couples are better equipped to navigate life’s challenges together.
Seasons and divorce
Believe it or not, the time of year can affect divorce filings. Research has shown divorce rates spike in March and August, often following the emotional highs and lows of winter holidays and summer vacations.
These seasonal peaks suggest that relationship stress may intensify during times of heightened expectations or family togetherness, prompting couples to reevaluate their partnerships once those periods pass.
Health and divorce
Physical and mental health also play a major role in marital stability. Chronic illness, depression, and untreated mental health conditions can strain even the strongest relationships. While caring for an unwell partner can deepen intimacy in some cases, studies show that serious health issues, particularly when affecting wives, can significantly increase the risk of divorce.
Access to healthcare, support networks, and open communication all factor into how couples weather long-term health challenges.
How does divorce impact children?
Divorce can have a profound emotional and developmental impact on children, especially when routines are disrupted or communication breaks down. Children may experience academic struggles, anxiety, withdrawal from friends, and even physical symptoms like trouble sleeping or frequent illness. Some internalize the conflict, feeling guilt or blame, while others may act out through irritability or risky behaviors.
However, with consistent support, many children adapt over time. Maintaining stable routines, offering open and age-appropriate communication, and seeking professional help when needed can significantly reduce the negative effects. The key is helping children feel secure, loved, and heard throughout the transition.
Why is the divorce rate so high?
Many factors can contribute to a couple’s decision to divorce. According to one survey, some of the most common reasons include:
- Lack of commitment: 75 percent of individuals cited waning dedication to the marriage.
- Infidelity: About 60 percent of respondents reported that one or both partners cheated.
- Communication problems: Around 58 percent of individuals blamed regular or daily arguments.
- Getting married too young: 45 percent of people said they wed too young.
- Financial issues: Money challenges were cited by about 37 percent of respondents.
- Addiction: Around 35 percent of people said their spouse’s substance abuse was a factor.
- Abuse: About 24 percent of individuals reported domestic violence.
- Health problems: Approximately 18 percent cited medical conditions.
- Lack of familial support: About 17 percent mentioned inadequate support from family.
- Religious differences: Around 13 percent said differing views on religion played a role.
- Lack of premarital education: Another 13 percent cited receiving little or no premarital education.
What is the Percentage of Divorced Couples Who Get Back Together?
While the idea of rekindling a relationship with an ex-spouse is a common trope in film and television, the real-life numbers paint a more grounded picture. Only about 6% of divorced couples end up remarrying each other. Even among those who attempt reconciliation before finalizing a divorce, lasting reunions remain uncommon.
That said, reunification does happen, especially in cases where couples separate due to circumstantial stress (like illness, job loss, or grief) rather than chronic incompatibility or abuse. Counseling, maturity, and personal growth can sometimes lead couples back together, but permanent reconciliation remains the exception, not the rule.
When to Contact a Divorce Attorney
It’s wise to consult a divorce attorney as soon as serious marital concerns arise, especially if those concerns involve finances, custody, or personal safety. Early legal guidance allows you to understand your rights, prepare documentation, and make informed choices before emotions or conflicts escalate. You don’t have to wait until the divorce process begins to get help.
At Marble, we offer judgment-free legal support from the moment you start asking, “What if?” Whether you’re facing threats of divorce, financial secrecy, custody disputes, or any form of domestic abuse, our team is here to guide you through your options with clarity and care before things spiral out of control.
