Marriage Data
Marriage Statistics
Comprehensive data on marriage rates, trends, and demographics in the United States. Understand who's getting married, when, and where.
U.S. Marriage Rate
6.0per 1,000 people
-1.2%
Marriages Per Year
2.0Mannually
+0.5%
Avg Age (Women)
28.6years
+0.3 yrs
Avg Age (Men)
30.4years
+0.3 yrs
Average Age at First Marriage
Americans are marrying later than ever. The average age at first marriage has increased by nearly 5 years since 1990 for both men and women.
| Year | Women | Men |
|---|---|---|
| 1990 | 23.9 years | 26.1 years |
| 2000 | 25.1 years | 26.8 years |
| 2010 | 26.1 years | 28.2 years |
| 2015 | 27.1 years | 29.2 years |
| 2020 | 28.1 years | 30 years |
| 2025* | 28.6 years | 30.4 years |
Marriage Rates by State
Lowest Marriage Rate States
| Rank | State | Rate | Context |
|---|---|---|---|
| 46 | Rhode Island | 4.9 per 1,000 | Urban northeast |
| 47 | Connecticut | 4.9 per 1,000 | Later marriage age |
| 48 | Delaware | 4.8 per 1,000 | Small population |
| 49 | West Virginia | 4.7 per 1,000 | Economic factors |
| 50 | Mississippi | 4.4 per 1,000 | Poverty rates |
Marriage & Divorce by Education Level
Education is one of the strongest predictors of marriage stability. Those with higher education marry at higher rates and divorce at lower rates.
| Education Level | Ever Married | Divorce Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Less than High School | 52% | 48% |
| High School Graduate | 56% | 38% |
| Some College | 59% | 34% |
| Bachelor's Degree | 65% | 27% |
| Graduate Degree | 70% | 22% |
Divorce Risk by Age at Marriage
Under 20
48%
divorce within 10 yearsHighest Risk
20-24
32%
divorce within 10 yearsHigh Risk
25-29
23%
divorce within 10 yearsModerate Risk
30-34
19%
divorce within 10 yearsLower Risk
35+
15%
divorce within 10 yearsLowest Risk
Cohabitation Before Marriage
Living together before marriage has become the norm. Understanding cohabitation trends provides context for modern marriage patterns.
Historical Marriage Rate Trends
| Year | Marriage Rate | Total Marriages |
|---|---|---|
| 1970 | 10.6 per 1,000 | 2.16M |
| 1980 | 10.6 per 1,000 | 2.39M |
| 1990 | 9.8 per 1,000 | 2.44M |
| 2000 | 8.2 per 1,000 | 2.32M |
| 2010 | 6.8 per 1,000 | 2.10M |
| 2020 | 5.1 per 1,000 | 1.68M |
| 2023 | 6 per 1,000 | 2.00M |
| 2025* | 6 per 1,000 | 2.01M |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average age of marriage in the US?
The average age at first marriage in the United States is 28.6 for women and 30.4 for men. This is the highest average age on record, continuing a trend that began in the 1970s when the average was about 21 for women and 23 for men.
What percentage of Americans are married?
Approximately 50% of American adults are currently married, down from 72% in 1960. About 30% have never been married, and 20% are divorced, separated, or widowed. Marriage rates are declining as more people choose to marry later or cohabit instead.
Does cohabitation before marriage affect divorce rates?
Research shows mixed results. Earlier studies suggested cohabitation increased divorce risk, but recent research indicates the effect has diminished as cohabitation has become normative. The key factor is commitment level and reasons for cohabiting, not cohabitation itself.
Cite This Page
Splitifi. "Marriage Statistics: Rates, Trends & Demographics." Splitifi.com, February 2026, https://www.mysplitifi.com/statistics/marriage-statistics