Divorce Statistics
Research findings about divorce, with linked sources and study limits. Historical figures describe their stated populations, not your relationship's future.
Key Findings
2.3 per 1,000
CDC/NCHS reports 2.3 divorces and annulments per 1,000 population in 2024 across 45 reporting states and DC, excluding California, Hawaii, Indiana, Minnesota and New Mexico. This is not the percentage of marriages ending in divorce.
662,950
CDC/NCHS reports 662,950 divorces and annulments in 2024 across 45 reporting states and DC, excluding California, Hawaii, Indiana, Minnesota and New Mexico.
8 years median
A 2011 Census report using 2009 marital histories found a median first-marriage duration of eight years for both men and women whose first marriage ended in divorce. The population was US civilian noninstitutionalized people aged 15 and over. This is not the average duration of all marriages.
Over 50% lower divorce likelihood (association)
Wolfinger's 2015 analysis of US NSFG 2006 to 2010 data associated marrying at 25 with over 50% lower divorce likelihood than marrying at 20. This is not a comparison of everyone below versus above 25 or a causal guarantee.
Data Visualization
Interactive research-backed charts
Divorces and annulments per 1,000 residents in reporting US jurisdictions
Source: CDC/NCHS; reporting coverage varies. 2024 excludes CA, HI, IN, MN and NM.
| 2000 | 4 |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 3.6 |
| 2020 | 2.3 |
| 2024 | 2.3 |
Reasons reported by 52 divorced former PREP participants
Source: Scott et al., 2013, Table 1; interviews 2010 to 2012. Multiple reasons allowed; not a representative population estimate.
| Lack of commitment | 75 |
|---|---|
| Infidelity | 59.6 |
| Too much conflict | 57.7 |
| Married too young | 36.7 |
| Financial problems | 34.6 |
Divorce Rates in the US
2.3 per 1,000
CDC/NCHS reports 2.3 divorces and annulments per 1,000 population in 2024 across 45 reporting states and DC, excluding California, Hawaii, Indiana, Minnesota and New Mexico. This is not the percentage of marriages ending in divorce.
www.cdc.gov
662,950
CDC/NCHS reports 662,950 divorces and annulments in 2024 across 45 reporting states and DC, excluding California, Hawaii, Indiana, Minnesota and New Mexico.
www.cdc.gov
Timing of Divorce
8 years median
A 2011 Census report using 2009 marital histories found a median first-marriage duration of eight years for both men and women whose first marriage ended in divorce. The population was US civilian noninstitutionalized people aged 15 and over. This is not the average duration of all marriages.
www2.census.gov
Divorce Demographics
Over 50% lower divorce likelihood (association)
Wolfinger's 2015 analysis of US NSFG 2006 to 2010 data associated marrying at 25 with over 50% lower divorce likelihood than marrying at 20. This is not a comparison of everyone below versus above 25 or a causal guarantee.
ifstudies.org
69%
Rosenfeld's US HCMST research found that about 69% of heterosexual marital breakups were wanted more by the wife. The 2009 to 2015 study does not measure who filed legal papers or establish a 90% figure for college-educated women.
web.stanford.edu
Download Data
Export all statistics as a spreadsheet for research or analysis.
Free to reuse with credit to Amora (CC BY 4.0).
Frequently Asked Questions
Do these findings predict my relationship?
No. Survey figures describe their stated populations and periods. An association does not establish cause or an outcome for an individual couple.
How can I check a finding?
Follow the source link and check the population, measure, data period and study design. Company claims and practice recommendations are labeled separately from measured research findings.
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