Age Demographics
Divorce Statistics by Age Group
Comprehensive analysis of how age affects divorce risk. Age at marriage is one of the strongest predictors of divorce, with those marrying in their early 20s facing dramatically higher risk.
Highest Risk Age
20-24years at marriage
38% divorce rate
Lowest Risk Age
28-32years at marriage
12% divorce rate
Fastest Growing
50+gray divorce
+28% since 2020
Average Marriage Age
29.8years (women)
+6 years since 1990
Divorce Risk by Age at Marriage
The age at which you marry is one of the strongest predictors of divorce. Marrying too young correlates with dramatically higher divorce rates, while waiting until late 20s or early 30s correlates with more stable marriages.
| Age at Marriage | Divorce Rate | Primary Risk Factors | Avg Duration Before Divorce |
|---|---|---|---|
| Under 20 | 48% | Immaturity, financial instability | 3.2 years |
| 20-24 | 38% | Career changes, identity development | 4.8 years |
| 25-29 | 22% | Establishing careers, growing apart | 6.5 years |
| 30-34 | 12% | Financial stress, work-life balance | 8.9 years |
| 35-39 | 14% | Blended family issues, fertility stress | 7.2 years |
| 40+ | 18% | Set in ways, second marriages | 5.8 years |
The "Sweet Spot" for Marriage
Research consistently shows that marrying between ages 28-32 correlates with the lowest divorce risk. This age range typically provides:
- Established career and financial stability
- Mature identity and self-awareness
- Relationship experience and realistic expectations
- Emotional maturity for conflict resolution
However, waiting too long (40+) slightly increases risk due to second marriages and being "set in your ways."
Divorce Rate by Current Age
Divorce rates also vary by current age, with distinct patterns for different life stages. Gray divorce (50+) is the fastest-growing segment.
| Current Age | Divorce Rate | Trend | Context |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25-29 | 18.2% | Declining | Early marriages ending |
| 30-34 | 22.5% | Stable | 7-year itch period |
| 35-39 | 19.8% | Stable | Mid-life reevaluation |
| 40-44 | 17.4% | Stable | Empty nest approaching |
| 45-49 | 15.2% | Rising | Gray divorce begins |
| 50-54 | 14.8% | Rising | Gray divorce surge |
| 55-59 | 13.5% | Rising | Retirement divergence |
| 60+ | 10.2% | Rising | Lifestyle mismatch |
Frequently Asked Questions
What age has the highest divorce rate?
People who marry between ages 20-24 have the highest divorce rate at 38%. Those who marry under 20 have an even higher rate of 48%. Early marriage correlates with immaturity, financial instability, and incomplete identity development.
What is the best age to get married to avoid divorce?
Statistically, marrying between ages 28-32 correlates with the lowest divorce risk (around 12%). This age range typically provides career stability, emotional maturity, and realistic relationship expectations.
What is gray divorce?
Gray divorce refers to divorces among those 50+. It's the fastest-growing demographic, up 28% since 2020. Factors include longer life expectancies, retirement divergence, reduced stigma, and financial independence.
Cite This Page
Splitifi. "Divorce Statistics by Age Group: Risk Analysis & Trends." Splitifi.com, February 2026, https://www.mysplitifi.com/statistics/divorce-by-age-groupFull Data Access
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