2026 State Data
Divorce Rate by State 2026
State divorce rates vary dramatically - from 4.4 per 1,000 in Nevada to just 1.5 in Massachusetts. Where you live significantly impacts both your divorce likelihood and cost. 2026 projections show continued national decline.
The national divorce rate continues its decades-long decline, projected at 2.3 per 1,000 for 2026. This is driven by later marriage ages, higher education levels, and changing attitudes about marriage.
Highest Rate
Nevada4.4 per 1,000
Vegas marriages factor
Lowest Rate
Massachusetts1.5 per 1,000
Education, later marriage
National Average
2.3per 1,000 people
Continuing decline
Avg Divorce Cost
$15,500nationally
Up 8% from 2025
Full Data Access
Complete Statistics Report
Get the complete United States divorce data with all 50 state comparisons
Excel SpreadsheetAll 50 states divorce data for your own analysis
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3-Year Trend DataHistorical comparison showing rate changes over time
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States with Highest Divorce Rates (2026)
Southern and mountain states dominate the highest divorce rate rankings. Common factors include younger marriage ages, lower incomes, and cultural pressures.
| Rank | State | Rate (per 1,000) | Change from 2025 | Avg Divorce Cost | Key Factor |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Nevada | 4.4 | -0.2 | $13,000 | Easy divorce laws, Vegas factor |
| 2 | Oklahoma | 4.1 | +0.1 | $10,500 | Religious culture, early marriage |
| 3 | Arkansas | 4 | 0.0 | $9,800 | Lower income, earlier marriage |
| 4 | Alabama | 3.8 | -0.1 | $10,200 | Bible Belt pressures |
| 5 | Kentucky | 3.7 | +0.1 | $9,500 | Coal country economic stress |
| 6 | West Virginia | 3.6 | -0.1 | $8,900 | Economic challenges |
| 7 | Tennessee | 3.5 | 0.0 | $11,500 | Growing urban/rural divide |
| 8 | Mississippi | 3.5 | -0.2 | $8,200 | Lowest median income |
| 9 | Florida | 3.4 | +0.1 | $14,500 | Retirees, transplants |
| 10 | Idaho | 3.4 | +0.2 | $11,200 | Rapid population growth |
States with Lowest Divorce Rates (2026)
Northeastern states have the lowest divorce rates, driven by later marriage ages, higher education levels, and higher incomes. Ironically, divorce costs more in these states.
| Rank | State | Rate (per 1,000) | Change from 2025 | Avg Divorce Cost | Key Factor |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 50 | Massachusetts | 1.5 | -0.1 | $24,500 | High education, later marriage |
| 49 | Connecticut | 1.8 | 0.0 | $22,000 | Affluent, educated |
| 48 | New Jersey | 1.9 | -0.1 | $21,500 | Diverse, suburban |
| 47 | New York | 2 | 0.0 | $26,500 | Urban, expensive to divorce |
| 46 | Illinois | 2 | -0.1 | $17,500 | Chicago dominance |
| 45 | Pennsylvania | 2.1 | 0.0 | $16,500 | Older population |
| 44 | Rhode Island | 2.1 | +0.1 | $18,000 | Small state, stable |
| 43 | Maryland | 2.2 | -0.1 | $20,500 | High income, DC suburbs |
| 42 | California | 2.2 | -0.2 | $28,500 | Expensive, later marriage |
| 41 | Minnesota | 2.2 | 0.0 | $14,800 | Scandinavian stability |
Divorce Rates by Region
Regional patterns are clear: the South has the highest rates while the Northeast has the lowest. These patterns have remained consistent for decades.
South
3.4per 1,000
Mountain West
3.2per 1,000
Midwest
2.6per 1,000
West Coast
2.4per 1,000
Northeast
2per 1,000
Factors Affecting State Divorce Rates
Several factors explain why divorce rates vary so dramatically between states.
| Factor | Correlation | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| Median Age at First Marriage | Strong negative | States with later marriage have lower rates |
| Education Attainment | Strong negative | Higher education = lower divorce |
| Median Household Income | Moderate negative | Economic stability helps |
| Religious Observance | Complex | Delays divorce but doesn't prevent it |
| Urban vs Rural | Moderate | Urban areas have lower rates |
| Divorce Law Difficulty | Weak | Hard to divorce states still have divorces |
State-Specific Divorce Guidance
Splitifi provides state-specific guidance based on your location. Divorce laws, costs, and processes vary significantly between states. We customize our AI to your jurisdiction's requirements.
- State-specific form generation
- Local court filing guidance
- State law property division rules
- Jurisdiction-aware cost estimates
Frequently Asked Questions
Which state has the highest divorce rate in 2026?
Nevada has the highest divorce rate at 4.4 per 1,000 people. This is partly due to Vegas quickie marriages that end quickly, but also reflects the state's easy divorce laws. Oklahoma and Arkansas follow at 4.1 and 4.0 respectively.
Which state has the lowest divorce rate in 2026?
Massachusetts has the lowest divorce rate at 1.5 per 1,000 people. The state's high education levels (highest in the nation), later marriage ages (average 30), and high incomes all contribute to more stable marriages.
Why do Southern states have higher divorce rates?
Southern states tend to have earlier marriage ages (often 23-25), lower education levels, lower median incomes, and cultural/religious pressures to marry young. Paradoxically, Bible Belt states have higher divorce rates despite valuing marriage.
How much does divorce cost in different states?
Divorce costs vary dramatically: California averages $28,500 while Mississippi averages $8,200. Factors include attorney rates, court fees, asset complexity, and how contested the divorce is. Urban areas cost more than rural.
Cite This Page
Splitifi. "Divorce Rate by State 2026: Complete State Rankings." Splitifi.com, February 2026, https://www.mysplitifi.com/statistics/divorce-rate-by-state-2026Data sources: U.S. Census Bureau, CDC National Center for Health Statistics, state court administrative offices. 2026 projections based on trend analysis.