How Long Does the Average Marriage Last?

When you got married, you may have thought you were marrying your lifetime partner. However, people grow over time, and the pressures of life can change your perspective. Many couples can work together to build a strong relationship. For some couples, the best option is to seek a divorce.

The length of the average marriage depends on several factors. However, the length of your marriage depends on your individual situation. To understand your legal divorce options, talk to a local divorce attorney.

Statistical Overview of Marriage Duration

The most comprehensive government statistics come from the U.S. Census Bureau. In 2021, the Census published a report on the Number, Timing, and Duration of Marriages and Divorces: 2016. According to that report, the average divorce rate for people who were ever married is 34% for women and 33% for men.

Research centers also compile their own statistics on when people get a divorce. According to a report from 2018, the average length of a marriage for the first marriage was 21 years. For a second marriage, the median duration was 17 years. For a third marriage, the average marriage lasts 13 years.

The Seven-Year Itch

Many statistics report that the average length of time people stay together is 7 or 8 years. This is known as the “seven-year itch.” This refers to the period when married people are unhappy with their marriage and consider splitting up. This may be most common for people who marry at a young age or are pressured into marriage by their family.

The length of marriages has generally increased over the years. This may be related to people getting married later (allowing time to consider partners carefully). With more people choosing not to marry, the risk of divorce also lowers.

Statistics Influencing Marriage Longevity

How long the marriage lasts can depend on several factors. Statistically, factors affecting marriage length include:

• First marriage or remarriage
• Age at first marriage
• Region
• Race or ethnicity
• Financial situation
• Children
• Education level

Individual Factors and Causes of Divorce

However, there are other factors unique to the individual married couple. Statistics can’t account for the individual person or your unique situation. Some of the most common reasons for divorce include:

• Poor communication
• Sexual incompatibility
• Money issues
• Lack of commitment
• Mental health problems
• Domestic violence

Regional and Demographic Differences in Divorce

There are regional and demographic differences in marriages and divorces. For example, in 2022, the states with the highest marriage rates were Washington, D.C., Colorado, and Nebraska. New Mexico had among the lowest marriage rates.

The states with the highest divorce rates were Arkansas and Wyoming. The South generally has a higher number of divorces than other parts of the country. The Northeast has one of the lower divorce rates. The lowest divorce rate in America was in Vermont.

There are also differences in American marriage and divorce rates depending on the individual’s race or origin. Asian men and women had the lowest divorce rates. Black Americans have the lowest marriage rates. Black men and women also have later ages for their first marriage, and Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islanders generally get married younger.

Changing Marriage and Divorce Trends

There are changing trends for younger people considering marriage and divorce. One trend is fewer people getting married. The rates of people who never married have increased among almost all age groups. About 40% of people aged 30-35 have never married. This is an increase from previous years.

The average age of first marriage also continues to increase. The average age of a married couple’s first marriage increased by 2 years from 2006 to 2016.

The COVID-19 pandemic changed most people’s lives in the U.S. Both marriage and divorce rates fell during that time. However, lack of access to wedding facilities and unknown factors have caused a lot of people to put off their wedding plans. Some couples delayed getting a divorce due to a lack of court access and dealing with other family emergencies.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the overall marriage rate has continued to decline from 2000 to 2022, but has remained steadier in recent years.

When You Consider Divorce

Divorce is a legal separation through your family law court. The divorce process can take time and is challenging for many people. In a divorce, you will have to divide your property, assets, and debts. If you have children, you will have to decide custody and visitation. If you are not on good terms with your spouse, the divorce process can be difficult.

To understand how to file for divorce and what you need to prepare for filing, talk to a local divorce attorney. A local divorce lawyer can explain what to expect and help you through the process.