Marriage Statistics: Do Marriages Really Last?
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the divorce rate in between 2000-2021 was 2.5 per 1,000 population. Although this statistic can seem harrowing, it may be beneficial to note that marriages are a relationship, like any other. They might experience conflict, life challenges, or a change of heart. The causes that can lead to the end of a marriage may be more of a factor in whether marriages last than the institution of marriage itself.
Many people have successful life-long marriages, whereas others might find that their marriage no longer serves them due to infidelity, a loss of intimacy, or another concern. Regardless of the reason for marriages lasting or ending, it can be helpful to understand the statistics surrounding them.
Defining marriage: What is marriage in the 21st century?
Marriage is a legal contract between individuals wherein they and their belongings are united. Although the dynamics within specific marriages might not necessarily reflect equal ownership due to a prenuptial agreement, the legal aspects of marriage center on the assignment of assets, taxes, credit, and family matters.
Marriage requires both parties to get a license from the city, county, or state where they live, which is then signed by the clergy or a justice of the peace to declare the marriage legally binding and legitimate. While many marriages incorporate religious ceremonies or celebrations, modern requirements for marriage focus more on the legality of the transaction.
Marriage can take part between people of any gender who are over 18. Those who enter a marriage may be required to file for a divorce if they hope to end the union, which can be expensive, time consuming, and traumatic for couples.
What are the potential benefits of marriage?
Marriage has benefits in physical, emotional, sexual, and monetary realms, whether it is your first marriage or a subsequent marriage after divorce. Below are a few of those potential benefits.
Physical health and well-being
Marriage is often linked to physical health. Married people may be less likely to have heart conditions, high blood pressure, and other cardiovascular illnesses and are more likely to seek treatment for existing illnesses. In relationships, many partners hold one another accountable for self-care and healthcare. In addition, being physically close to others can have profound positive impacts.
Emotional health
People who are married consistently report higher levels of life satisfaction and overall happiness compared with people who do not have a spouse. For some, having a committed partner with whom to experience life is a source of joy. For others, having companionship may reduce stressors like financial burdens, high tax payments, or difficulty owning a home. Less stress could mean more well-being.
Intimacy
Married people may have more sex than their single counterparts. Although long-term marriage might be associated with fewer intimate moments, proximity with a close partner can be associated with more sex than being single. However, if you're struggling with intimacy in your marriage, you might benefit from couples therapy.
Tax benefits
For some couples, there may be tax benefits to being married. When married, you may be entitled to tax breaks that single or unmarried people aren't. These laws vary from state to state, but marriage might offer tax benefits during a relationship and after a partner has passed. However, some couples may face a “marriage penalty.” Check with a tax advisor to understand your unique situation.
Companionship
Although each couple is different, many people live together when they get married. Having a partner you're around most days can be exciting, and you may enjoy companionship and closeness you didn't have before living together. In addition, long-term marriage can come with a sense of assurance and friendship, which might deepen and intensify over time as compared to earlier phases of a relationship.
How many people get married?
In 2019, studies found that 53% of US adults were married, with 9% of couples living together and 38% of the population identifying as single. Men were found more likely to be single than women, which changed from statistics 10 to 30 years ago. In addition, the average age that people have their first marriage in the US is 28 for women and 30.6 for men.
Although the ages at which people are getting married are growing, the rate at which people are getting married is lowering, with fewer people deciding to get married in the 21st century. This factor may be due to a push for gender equality, a lack of interest in marriage, or more unique relationship dynamics, like polyamory.
How common is divorce?
Divorce rates vary from community to community and differ in age groups. For example, older populations, including those over 50, have a higher chance of divorce than younger ones. In 2023, studies have found that the rate of divorce in the US is about 35% to 50% for first-time marriages and over 60% to 70% for second, third, or fourth marriages and beyond. The highest divorce rates in the country were in Nevada, Oklahoma, and Wyoming.
Couples might feel relieved that fewer divorces have occurred since the Covid-19 pandemic. According to a 2020 study, the top five reasons given for divorce were:
- Lack of commitment
- Infidelity
- Conflict
- Regretting marriage
- Financial problems
What factors encourage longer-lasting marriages?
You're not alone if you want a long-lasting marriage with your spouse. Long-lasting marriages are possible, and many couples stay together for 20 years or more and feel content with their marriage. Below are a few ways you might be able to encourage growth with your spouse.
Positive feelings and emotional control
One factor in marital satisfaction is emotional control and expressing positive feelings. A 2014 study found that spouses who had been together for a more extended period had higher marital satisfaction when they could individually control emotions and positively spin negative situations after a conflict or setback. Constructive communication was also noted in the study as a significant factor.
The origin of your relationship
The origin of your relationship could also impact the longevity of a marriage. People with a strong foundation of friendship and companionship may stay together longer than those who started a marriage based on passion, sexual attraction, or push-and-pull patterns.
Forgiveness
According to a 2018 study, forgiveness may be an aspect of longevity in marriage. It may also impact mental stability. In the study, 268 heterosexual couples worked through mediation models to showcase levels of forgiveness. Those who could forgive their partners had higher stability and marital quality.
Willingness
Making a marriage work can be difficult and requires attention, effort, and sacrifice. A willingness to grow, change, and hear your partner can be more effective than stubbornly asserting yourself in every situation. Couples who are willing to attend therapy when problems arise might receive more support than those who refuse therapy due to stigma or misconceptions.
Do marriages actually last?
Whether a marriage lasts can depend on the people involved, their backgrounds, and their levels of commitment. For some, challenges like infidelity may end a relationship, while for others, mistakes might be forgivable with time and therapy. However, it might be helpful to note that divorce can be the healthiest option in some cases. If you're in an unhealthy marriage that is causing you extreme stress, you might find that ending the relationship allows you the space to heal and become healthier.
Despite marriage challenges, 18 to 29-year-old individuals often feel hopeful about the future of their marriage. The American Psychological Association reports that 86% of those in this age group expect their marriage to last their lifetime. They report that education, finances, stressors, and conflict styles may also impact the length of a relationship. Couples who stay together might be more communicative, kinder, and less stressed than those who don't.
However, if you want to stay in your marriage and are worried about it ending, you might benefit from talking to a professional. Couples therapy can be a way to discuss challenges safely and devise a plan to overcome them. Couples can go to therapy for various topics, including childcare concerns, infidelity, unequal treatment, mental illness, trauma, and other challenges.
Counseling for married couples
If you're considering couples therapy but aren't sure how to afford it or where to find a provider in your area, you might benefit from talking to an online therapist through platforms like BetterHelp for individuals or Regain for couples.
One qualitative study examined couples receiving online counseling and found that their overall experiences were positive. Many clients commented on how immersed they felt in the process, and some couples reported that the distance from their therapist gave them a more meaningful sense of control and comfort. Overall, couples perceive that the online process enhances the therapeutic alliance.
Online therapy can allow spouses to attend therapy for a single rate using phone, video, or live chat sessions. In addition, couples can meet from two locations if they are long-distance or want to attend therapy from separate rooms or buildings. This feature might benefit those with busy schedules or couples in separation.
Takeaway
What is the success rate of marriage by years?
The success or longevity of a marriage can vary widely based on several factors, including cultural, societal, and individual differences. The rate of divorced or widowed women and men has trended down in recent years. While there is no fixed success rate or average length for marriages, and success can be defined in various ways, some general trends based on the number of years married may provide a broad understanding:
- First Few Years: Many marriages experience adjustments and challenges in the initial years. The risk of divorce may be higher in the early stages, but this period is also when couples learn to adapt and grow together. Communication and problem-solving skills can play a significant role in whether a marriage succeeds beyond this point.
- Five to Ten Years: Marriages that reach the five to ten-year mark may reflect a growing commitment to the relationship. Couples have typically addressed some early challenges and settled into a more stable routine. However, this period can still be a testing ground for couples facing issues like child-rearing and career changes.
- Ten to Twenty Years: Marriages that endure for ten to twenty years may be considered more stable. By this point, many couples have weathered numerous life transitions and are likely to have a deeper connection. However, this stage can also see challenges related to midlife crises or "empty nest" syndrome.
- Beyond Twenty Years: Marriages that last for twenty years or more are often seen as successful, particularly when couples have maintained a strong bond and continue to grow together. These marriages have often withstood the test of time and have the potential for lasting success well into the later years of life.
These are general trends, and individual experiences vary widely. The success of a marriage depends on a multitude of factors, including the quality of the relationship, the ability to adapt to change, individual and general values, and the willingness to work through challenges together.
What age has the highest marriage success rate?
The success of a marriage is influenced by various factors, and age is just one of them. However, studies have shown that the age at which individuals marry can have an impact on the success of their marriage. Here are some general trends:
Teenage Marriages: Marriages that occur during the teenage years or early 20s tend to have a higher risk of divorce. Young couples may not have had the opportunity to fully explore their individual identities or life goals, which can lead to difficulties in the marriage.
Late 20s to Early 30s: Many studies suggest that individuals who marry in their late 20s to early 30s may have a higher likelihood of marital success. By this age, individuals often have completed their education, established their careers, and gained a better understanding of themselves and what they want in a partner. They may also have greater financial stability.
Late 30s and Beyond: Marriages that occur later in life (late 30s and beyond) also may have a lower risk of divorce. Individuals who marry at this stage may have a greater sense of self, financial stability, and a clearer idea of their long-term life goals.
What percent of marriages end in divorce in 2023?
While there is no current information on marriage and divorce rates for 2023 as the year is still in progress, there are divorce statistics available for 2021. According to the United States Census Bureau, the crude divorce rate in 2021 was 2.5 per 1000 people, while the refined divorce rate was 6.9 per 1000 women over the age of 15. Marriage rates in 2021 were 14.9 marriages per 1000 women and included same-sex marriages. Same-sex marriage and married same-sex couples were not included in prior censuses. Both marriage rates and divorce rates have declined in the years between 2010 and 2020.
What percentage of first marriages end?
The divorce rate for first marriages can vary by country and over time and factors such as college education, religion, and personal values may all play a role in divorce rates. While there is no fixed percentage that applies universally, it may be helpful to have a general understanding of divorce rates for first marriages based on historical trends in some countries.
In the United States, for example, it has been estimated that around 43% of first marriages may end in divorce, with some individuals having second, or even third marriages. These figures can change over time and may be influenced by various factors, including cultural, economic, and societal shifts.
Divorce rates can also differ significantly by demographic factors such as age, education, and socioeconomic status. Some groups may have lower divorce rates compared with others which may have higher rates.
Are late marriages more successful?
Late marriages, often considered those that occur in one's late 20s and beyond, can have both advantages and challenges that can influence their success. Generally speaking, more millennials are waiting to get married when compared with baby boomers and previous generations. The success of a marriage is determined by numerous factors, and age at marriage is just one of them. Here are some considerations regarding late marriages:
Advantages:
- Maturity: Individuals who marry later in life may have a better understanding of themselves and what they want in a partner. They often have more life experiences that contribute to emotional maturity and better decision-making.
- Financial Stability: Many individuals who marry later may have had more time to establish their careers and financial stability, which can reduce financial stress within the marriage.
- Mutual Goals: Couples who marry later may have a clearer picture of their long-term goals, both as individuals and as a couple. This mutual vision can contribute to a successful partnership.
- Less Reliance on Social Pressures: People who marry later are often less influenced by societal or familial pressures to marry, allowing them to make decisions based on their own readiness.
Challenges:
- Fertility and Family Planning: For couples who marry later, fertility issues and family planning may become more complex. This can lead to added stress or the need for fertility treatments.
- Prior Baggage: Individuals who have been in previous relationships may bring emotional baggage or issues from those relationships into a later marriage.
- Career Demands: Established careers can be demanding, potentially requiring long hours and relocation. Balancing career and marriage can be a challenge.
- Cultural and Societal Attitudes: Some cultures or societies may have certain expectations or stigmas associated with late marriage, which can add stress to the relationship.
What years are hardest in marriage?
Different couples may find different years or stages in their marriage to be more challenging based on their unique circumstances and relationship dynamics. However, certain years or periods are often considered particularly challenging for many couples:
- The Early Years: The first few years of marriage can be challenging as couples adjust to living together and learn to communicate effectively. They often face issues related to merging their individual lives, financial responsibilities, and possibly starting a family.
- Year Seven: The "seven-year itch" is a term sometimes used to describe challenges that can arise around the seventh year of marriage. At this point, the initial honeymoon phase has passed, and couples may face new and unexpected issues.
- Midlife Crisis: Marriages can be strained when one or both partners go through a midlife crisis, which often occurs in the 40s or 50s. Individuals may question their life choices, leading to marital challenges.
- Empty Nest Syndrome: When children leave home for college or to start their own lives, couples may experience the "empty nest" syndrome. This transition can be emotionally difficult as couples redefine their relationship without the constant presence of children and it may be the reason why an increasing number of divorced parents are empty nesters.
- Retirement Years: The retirement years can bring new dynamics into a marriage as couples adjust to having more time together and facing issues related to aging, health, and financial considerations.
While these periods are often seen as challenging, they are not universal for all couples. Many couples successfully navigate these stages and emerge with stronger, more resilient marriages.
Which religion has the most divorces?
The divorce rates among different religious groups can vary widely based on a range of factors, including cultural, societal, and individual differences. Divorce rates are influenced by various complex factors, and attributing them solely to religion may oversimplify the issue.
What is the #1 divorce cause?
The reasons for divorce are multifaceted and can vary from one couple to another. There is no single "number one" cause of divorce, as divorce is typically the result of a combination of factors. However, some common reasons for divorce often cited in research and studies include:
- Communication Problems: Poor communication, including issues such as lack of effective communication, frequent conflicts, or not feeling heard or understood, can contribute to marital dissatisfaction and ultimately lead to divorce.
- Financial Stress: Financial difficulties, including disagreements about money, debt, or financial responsibilities, can create strain within a marriage.
- Infidelity: Extramarital affairs or cheating can erode trust and lead to the breakdown of a marriage.
- Lack of Intimacy: A lack of physical and emotional intimacy can lead to feelings of emotional distance and dissatisfaction in a marriage.
- Incompatibility: Couples may find that they have grown apart or have fundamental differences that make it challenging to maintain a successful and fulfilling partnership.
- Substance Abuse: Issues related to drug or alcohol abuse by one or both partners can have a significant negative impact on a marriage.
- Abuse or Domestic Violence: Physical, emotional, or psychological abuse can create an unsafe and unhealthy environment, leading to divorce for the sake of safety and well-being.
- Parenting Conflicts: Disagreements about parenting styles, responsibilities, or decisions can strain a marriage, especially when couples cannot find common ground.
- Cultural and Religious Differences: Differences in cultural or religious backgrounds can lead to conflict and stress within a marriage.
- Health Issues: Serious health problems or chronic illnesses can place stress on a marriage and, in some cases, lead to divorce.
Which country has the highest divorce rate?
Divorce rates can vary significantly between countries and are influenced by a variety of cultural, social, legal, and economic factors. It's essential to keep in mind that any divorce statistic can change over time and may vary based on how information is gathered and reported. As of my last knowledge update in September 2021, some countries with relatively high divorce rates included:
- Maldives: The Maldives had one of the highest reported divorce rates in the world. Factors such as liberal divorce laws and economic challenges contributed to a high divorce rate.
- Russia: Russia has had a relatively high divorce rate for several years. Socioeconomic factors, cultural attitudes toward marriage, and legal procedures are among the factors that have contributed to this rate.
- United States: The United States has seen high divorce rates historically, although these rates have varied over time. Factors contributing to divorce in the U.S. include cultural diversity, economic disparities, and individual factors.
Divorce rates can change, and the specific order of countries with the highest divorce rates can shift over time. For the most current and accurate information on divorce rates by country, it's advisable to consult official government statistics and research studies from reputable sources that focus on family and marriage dynamics.
What percent of marriages are happy?
The level of happiness in marriages can vary widely based on individual experiences and circumstances. Marriage is a complex and highly personal relationship, and the degree of happiness within a marriage is influenced by various factors, including communication, mutual respect, mutual values, and individual and mutual goals. Happiness is subjective and can change over time.
It's challenging to provide an exact percentage of marriages that are "happy" because happiness is not easily quantified or universally defined. Many marriages experience periods of happiness as well as challenges and difficulties. Some couples work together to overcome issues and maintain overall happiness in their marriage, while others may find themselves less satisfied or ultimately choose to separate or divorce.
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