Divorce Rate
The real U.S. divorce rate, why "50% of marriages end in divorce" is more complicated, and what raises or lowers the odds.
Tools that go with this guide.
What is the divorce rate in the U.S.?
The CDC recorded 2.4 divorces per 1,000 people in 2022, and 6.2 marriages per 1,000. Both rates have fallen since the early 1980s, when the divorce rate peaked at over 5 per 1,000.
Do 50% of marriages end in divorce?
That figure comes from projections made in the 1980s. Current researchers estimate that 40% to 50% of first marriages will end in divorce, and that marriages started more recently are doing somewhat better.
What raises divorce risk?
- Marrying as a teenager
- No college degree
- A previous divorce
- Short dating periods before engagement
See how these add up for you in the Divorce Probability Calculator.
How long do marriages last?
Among first marriages that end in divorce, the median length is about eight years. See average relationship length and how long to date before marriage.
Frequently asked questions
Is the divorce rate going down?
Yes. The crude U.S. divorce rate has declined since the early 1980s.
What year of marriage is divorce most common?
Risk is highest in the early years of marriage.
Which age has the lowest divorce rate?
People who marry in their late 20s to early 30s tend to have lower rates.