Special Report

States Where the Most People Are Married

Ideally, a marriage lasts a lifetime. With more than 1 million divorces filed every year in the United States, however, this ideal is far from the reality.

At the same time, the U.S. divorce rate has been on the decline in the 21st century. In 2000, 4.0 out of every 1,000 Americans got divorced. By 2017, the divorce rate had dropped to 2.9 per 1,000 people. The decline in divorce rate is no doubt tied to the decrease in the marriage rate. In 2000, 8.2 Americans were married for every 1,000 people. By 2017, only 6.9 Americans for every 1,000 people were married.

Nationwide, nearly half (48.2%) of all Americans age 15 and over are married. Less than a third of Americans 15 and up have never married, and nearly 13% are either divorced and have not remarried or separated.

In some states, a higher share of 15 and older residents are married. 24/7 Wall St. reviewed data on the percentage of the population that is currently married from the Census Bureau’s 2017 American Community Survey to determine the states where the most people are married.

To determine the states where people stay married, 24/7 Wall St. reviewed the Census Bureau’s 2017 American Community Survey to find the percentage of the 15-year-and-older population that is currently married. Population figures are five-year averages through 2017. The Census definition of those who are divorced includes only people who are legally divorced and who have not remarried. Those without a final divorce decree are classified as separated.

Click here to see the states where the most people are married.

Sponsored: Tips for Investing

A financial advisor can help you understand the advantages and disadvantages of investment properties. Finding a qualified financial advisor doesn’t have to be hard. SmartAsset’s free tool matches you with up to three financial advisors who serve your area, and you can interview your advisor matches at no cost to decide which one is right for you. If you’re ready to find an advisor who can help you achieve your financial goals, get started now.

Investing in real estate can diversify your portfolio. But expanding your horizons may add additional costs. If you’re an investor looking to minimize expenses, consider checking out online brokerages. They often offer low investment fees, helping you maximize your profit.