There is no shortage of facts, statistics, and studies related to divorce on the internet. If there’s even the slightest possibility a factor might affect divorce, chances are it’s been studied by researchers.

With thousands of studies and over 195 million Google results on various divorce topics, it can be overwhelming and time consuming to read up on some of the latest research across the nation. Fortunately, the San Diego divorce attorneys at the Law Office of Renkin & Associates have compiled some of the most recent statistics related to divorce. Many studies have yielded some very interesting – and in some cases – downright shocking results.

National US Statistics

How often do divorces occur in the United States?

It’s estimated that a divorce occurs once every 13 seconds in the United States. That equates to roughly 276 divorces an hour and 6,646 divorces a day! It typically takes couples 2 minutes to recite their wedding vows. In that time, 9 divorces have occurred.

What are the states with the highest divorce rates?

Divorce rates vary by state. The following states have the highest rates of divorce in the nation:

Alaska
Oklahoma
Maine
Kentucky
Alabama
Arkansas

What are the US cities with the highest divorce rates?

Like statewide divorce rates, the rates of divorce also vary by city. The US cities with the highest divorce rates include:

Panama City, FL
Sierra Vista, AZ
Charleston, WV
Medford, OR
Reno, NV
Pueblo, CO

What Are The Top Reasons For Divorce?

The top reasons couples cite for wanting a divorce are anything but surprising. Healthy marriages are built with trust, compassion, respect, and time. Rushing decisions, breaking trust, and failing to show compassion or respect will end a marriage quickly. The top reasons for divorce include:

Lack of commitment 73%
Argue too much 56%
Infidelity 55%
Married too young 46%
Unrealistic expectations 45%
Lack of equality in the relationship 44%
Lack of preparation for marriage 41%
Abuse 25%

What Point In Marriage Do Divorces Typically Occur?

If you’ve managed to remain married for 10 years, your likelihood of getting a divorce drastically decreases. The highest percentage of divorces occur during the first eight years of marriage.

Divorce Rates By Month

Studies have found that divorces peak in March and August with March being the month with the highest number of filings. The belief is that couples may look to avoid announcing a divorce leading up to a holiday or may have optimism for their marriage with upcoming vacations. March and August fall in-between major holiday and vacation seasons.

Does Education Impact Divorce?

Studies have found that higher education decreases the likelihood of divorce. Approximately 42% of couples with a college education divorce, while over 47% of couples with less than a high school diploma divorce.

Divorce Rates & Work Professions

Can profession predict divorce? Professions are tied to earnings and financial health plays a large role in the health of a marriage. However, there’s likely no direct correlation between profession and divorce. Still, there are certain professions with higher rates of divorce. Professions with the highest divorce rates are as follows:

Dancers – 43%
Bartenders – 38.4%
Massage Therapists – 38.2%
Gaming Cage Workers – 34.6%
Gaming Service Workers – 31.3%
Food and Tobacco Machine Operators – 29.7%
Telephone Operators – 29.3%
Textile Machine Operators – 29%
Nurses – 28.9%
Home Care Aids – 28.7%

Alternatively, professions with the lowest divorce rates are as follows:

Podiatrists – 6.81
Clergy – 5.61
Optometrists – 4.01
Agricultural Engineers – 1.78

How Does Age Impact Divorce?

The older a couple is when the knot is tied, the less likely they are to divorce. Approximately 60% of couples married between the age of 20-25 years old will end in divorce. Those who wait until after 25 to get married are 25% less likely to get a divorce. The average age for couples going through a divorce is 30 years.

Divorce Rates & Politics

Political stance may not be a good way to predict the likelihood of divorce, but rates do vary among couples of different political affiliations. Conservative couples are least likely to get a divorce. Approximately 28% of marriages among conservative couples end in divorce versus 37% liberal and 33% moderate.

How Long After Divorce Do Most Individuals Wait To Remarry?

On average, divorced individuals remarry just under 4 years after a divorce (if remarriage occurs at all).

Does The Success Rate Of Marriages Decrease With The Number Of Divorces?

You might think that the second or third try will be the charm, but studies have found the odds of a successful marriage decrease with the number of prior divorces. Only 33% of second marriages and 27% of third marriages don’t end in divorce.

California Statistics

While many of California’s divorce trends are in line with national trends, it’s still worth analyzing divorce trends in the Golden State.

How Are California Divorce Rates Trending?

Divorce rates in California are following the national trend. Divorces have decreased 10.8% since 2010. There are a number of factors at play

Breakdown of divorces by year in California:

2017

Men: 97,315

Women: 112,111

Total: 209,426

2016

Men:102,730

Women: 116,989

Total: 219,719

2015

Men: 94,509

Women: 111,013

Total: 205,522

2014

Men:102,669

Women: 113,803
Total: 216,472

2013

Men:109,549

Women:127,033

Total: 236,582

2012

Men: 117,791

Women:121,956

Total: 233,747

2011

Men: 115,216

Women: 124,512

Total: 239,728

2010

Men: 105,352

Women: 129,370

Total: 234,722

Which California Cities Have The Highest Divorce Rates?

The ten cities in California with the highest divorce rate are:

Santa Monica
Santa Barbara
Napa
Pasadena
Sacramento
Newport Beach
Oakland
Livermore
San Mateo
El Cajon

2017 National & California Divorce Statistics