Top 10 U.S. Locations with the Shortest Average Marriages: Texas Ranks No. 3

## The Declining Divorce Rate in the US: Trends and Statistics According to an analysis of data from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the divorce rate in the United States has been slowly declining over the past 20 years. In the year 2000, for every 10 couples who got married, there were about five marriages that ended in divorce or annulment. However, in 2021, the ratio of divorces to marriages dropped to four divorces for every 10 marriages, representing a decrease of approximately 20%. It is important to note that not all states report annual data to the CDC. In 2021, California, Hawaii, Indiana, Minnesota, and New Mexico did not report divorces. Similarly, in 2000, California, Indiana, Louisiana, and Oklahoma did not report divorces. Nevertheless, data from states that did report marriage data indicate regional variations in marriage trends across the country. Specifically, marriages tend to be shorter in western states compared to those in the Midwest or eastern regions. When examining the median age at marriage, it is noteworthy that people in Utah marry at the youngest age, with a median age of 25.8 years. On the other hand, residents of Washington, D.C. marry at the latest age, with a median age of 31.95. Moreover, Washington, D.C. has the lowest percentage of married individuals, with only 44.66% of the population being married. New York ranks second in terms of the lowest percentage of married individuals, with 66.29% of the population being married. In contrast, the state with the highest percentage of married individuals is Idaho, where 72.6% of the population is married. When examining the states with the longest average duration of marriages, the list includes: Washington, D.C. (10.5 years), Alaska (16.8 years), Texas (17.6 years), Nevada (17.7 years), Utah (18 years), Colorado (18.2 years), Oklahoma (18.2 years), Washington (18.3 years), Idaho (18.6 years), and Georgia (18.8 years). On the other hand, the states with the shortest average duration of marriages are: New Hampshire (21.5 years), Maine (21.8 years), Pennsylvania (21.8 years), South Dakota (21.8 years), Iowa (22 years), Michigan (22 years), Montana (22.1 years), Vermont (22.4 years), Wisconsin (22.5 years), and West Virginia (22.6 years). To stay updated on financial and lifestyle tips, sign up for our new newsletter! And if you're looking to take your business to the next level, don't miss CNBC's free Small Business Playbook virtual event on August 2nd, where you can learn from expert entrepreneurs about beating inflation, hiring top talent, and accessing capital.

Conclusion: The Impact of Declining Divorce Rates on New Businesses

The declining divorce rate in the United States has both social and economic implications, including its potential impact on new businesses. As couples choose to stay married for longer periods, it can provide stability and a conducive environment for entrepreneurial endeavors. Here are some key insights on how the declining divorce rate may affect new businesses: 1.

Financial Stability:

With divorce rates decreasing, couples are more likely to maintain joint assets and financial stability. This stability can provide a stronger foundation for aspiring entrepreneurs to launch and sustain their new businesses. Couples may feel more confident in investing their time, resources, and money into a business venture, knowing that their personal finances are more secure. 2.

Shared Responsibilities:

Longer-lasting marriages often imply more shared responsibilities and mutual support between spouses. This collaboration can extend to supporting each other's business ventures, with one spouse providing financial assistance or actively participating in the operations of the new business. This shared commitment can help ease the burden on individual entrepreneurs and contribute to their business's success. 3.

Work-Life Balance:

Stable marriages can also foster a healthier work-life balance. When couples have stable and supportive relationships, it can alleviate stress and allow entrepreneurs to better focus on their business without the added emotional or financial strains that often accompany divorce. A stable marital foundation can enable entrepreneurs to prioritize their business goals while still maintaining a fulfilling personal life. 4.

Support Network:

Married couples often have a built-in support network in their spouses. Partners can provide emotional support, practical advice, and network connections, which are all valuable for new businesses. Having a supportive spouse who believes in the entrepreneurial vision can be instrumental in overcoming challenges and achieving success. Overall, the declining divorce rate in the United States may have a positive impact on new businesses. Financial stability, shared responsibilities, work-life balance, and an inbuilt support network can contribute to the success and sustainability of entrepreneurial ventures. As couples are staying together longer, aspiring entrepreneurs may find themselves in a more favorable environment to pursue their business dreams. Article First Published at: https://www.cnbc.com/2023/07/25/us-states-with-the-shortest-average-marriages.html