Lowest Divorce Rate in 50 Years
Millennial Divorce Statistics
Millennials (born 1981-1996) are rewriting the divorce narrative. With an 18% lower divorce rate than Gen X at the same age and 72% of marriages surviving 10+ years, this generation is proving that waiting longer to marry pays dividends.
Divorce Rate Decline
-18%vs Gen X at same age
Lowest in 50 years
Average Marriage Age
29.8years old (men)
Was 23 in 1970
First Marriage Success
72%still married at 10 yrs
+8% vs Boomers
Cohabitation First
66%lived together first
Testing compatibility
Divorce Rates by Generation
Millennials have achieved the lowest divorce rate of any modern generation, reversing a 50-year trend of increasing marital instability.
| Generation | Divorce Rate (per 1,000) | Avg Marriage Age | Cohabitation Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) | 8.4 | 20.5 years | 5% |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) | 17.6 | 21.8 years | 12% |
| Gen X (1965-1980) | 15.3 | 25.3 years | 38% |
| Millennials (1981-1996) | 12.5 | 29.2 years | 66% |
| Gen Z (1997-2012)* | 9.8 | 31.5 years | 72% |
Why Millennials Have Lower Divorce Rates
Multiple cultural and economic shifts have contributed to millennial marriage stability. Later marriages, higher education, and cohabitation before marriage are the biggest factors.
Later marriage age
32% impact
Marrying later means more maturity, financial stability, and clearer life goals
Higher education levels
24% impact
College-educated couples divorce 50% less than those without degrees
Cohabitation testing
18% impact
Living together first filters out incompatible relationships before marriage
Financial independence
14% impact
Both partners working reduces money stress, a top divorce cause
Fewer marriages overall
12% impact
Those who marry are more committed; casual unions stay unmarried
When Millennials Do Divorce: Top Causes
While millennials divorce less, when they do, these are the primary reasons cited. Communication issues and financial disagreements top the list.
| Cause | Percentage Citing | Trend |
|---|---|---|
| Communication issues | 67% | up |
| Financial disagreements | 54% | stable |
| Infidelity (including emotional) | 38% | down |
| Career priority conflicts | 35% | up |
| Mental health challenges | 31% | up |
| Social media related issues | 24% | up |
| Parenting disagreements | 22% | stable |
The Education Effect on Millennial Divorce
Education is the single strongest predictor of millennial marriage success. College graduates divorce at half the rate of those without degrees.
| Education Level | Divorce Rate (per 1,000) | % of Millennials |
|---|---|---|
| Less than high school | 22.8 | 8% |
| High school diploma | 18.4 | 24% |
| Some college | 15.2 | 19% |
| Bachelor's degree | 11.6 | 32% |
| Graduate degree | 8.9 | 17% |
Unique Millennial Divorce Considerations
Student Loan Debt
Average millennial couple carries $68,000 in combined student debt. Division of educational debt during divorce is increasingly contested.
Digital Assets
Cryptocurrency, NFTs, and digital businesses require new valuation approaches. 23% of millennial divorces involve crypto division.
Remote Work Custody
Work-from-home flexibility enables more equal custody arrangements. 50/50 custody is 40% more common among millennial divorces.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do millennials have a lower divorce rate?
Yes, millennials have an 18% lower divorce rate than Gen X at the same age and the lowest divorce rate of any generation in 50 years. 72% of millennial marriages survive their first 10 years compared to 64% for Baby Boomers.
Why do millennials divorce less?
Later marriage age (average 29.8), higher education levels, cohabitation before marriage (66%), and financial independence for both partners all contribute. Millennials who do marry are more selective and committed.
What is the average age of millennial divorce?
The average millennial divorce occurs at age 34-38, after 6-8 years of marriage. This is later than previous generations due to marrying later. Most divorces happen during the "7-year itch" period.
Are millennials less likely to marry?
Yes, only 44% of millennials were married by age 35, compared to 67% of Baby Boomers at the same age. Those who do marry, however, stay married at higher rates.
Navigating a Millennial Divorce?
Splitifi helps millennials navigate divorce with AI-powered guidance, document automation, and financial planning tools designed for your generation.
Cite This Page
Splitifi. "Millennial Divorce Statistics: Why Millennials Divorce Less." Splitifi.com, February 2026, https://www.mysplitifi.com/statistics/millennial-divorce-statisticsFull Data Access
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