According to the latest data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the divorce rate in Minnesota is 2.6 per 1,000 population as of 2019. This is slightly lower than the overall U.S. divorce rate of 2.7. However, looking at the crude divorce rate alone doesn’t give the full picture on what percentage of marriages in Minnesota ultimately end in divorce. Let’s examine the latest facts and statistics to get a clearer sense of divorce trends in the state.
The Divorce Rate in Minnesota and Nationwide
The crude divorce rate is the number of divorces per 1,000 people in the population. While useful for tracking changes over time, it does not account for the percentage of marriages ending in divorce. A more insightful statistic is the percentage of marriages that end in divorce within a given timeframe.
Here are some key statistics on marriage and divorce in Minnesota:
- In 2021, the marriage rate in Minnesota was 5.1 per 1,000 population, compared to the national average of 6.5.
- It’s estimated that 41% of first marriages in Minnesota end in divorce within the first 15 years. This is slightly below the national average of 44%.
- For all marriages (including remarriages), it’s estimated that 30% end in divorce within the first 10 years.
- The average age at first divorce in Minnesota is 30 years old. This aligns with the national average.
So, while Minnesota’s crude divorce rate is slightly lower than the country as a whole, the percentage of first marriages ending in divorce within the first 10-15 years aligns very closely with national figures.
How Have Divorce Rates Changed Over Time?
After rising in the 1970s and 80s, the national divorce rate peaked around 2000 and has declined modestly since. In Minnesota, the crude divorce rate was 4.2 in 2000 compared to 2.7 in 2019. However, some studies suggest this decline may have leveled off in the last 5-10 years.
Possible reasons for declining divorce rates include couples marrying later, more cohabitation prior to marriage, and shifts in societal attitudes about divorce being less taboo. The legalization of same-sex marriage has also created more married couples in the US, which affects rates.
Divorce Rates Vary by Demographic
Divorce rates in Minnesota can vary significantly based on demographics like age, education level, income, and more. Here are some trends that stand out:
- Younger couples are more likely to divorce. 48% of marriages by teens end in divorce within 10 years, compared to 24% of marriages among couples over age 25.
- Education impacts divorce rates. Those without a high school degree have a divorce rate 17% higher than average. Those with college degrees have an 11% lower divorce rate.
- High income leads to more marriage stability. Households earning $50k+ per year have a 30% lower divorce rate than those earning under $25k.
- Cohabitation before marriage is linked to higher divorce. Living together before marriage can raise divorce risk up to 40%.
So demographics like age, education, income, and cohabitation habits do influence overall divorce trends in the state. Those married young, with less education, lower incomes, or who cohabitate first tend to have higher divorce rates.
When Do Most Divorces Occur?
Within the first few years of marriage is when couples are most prone to divorce:
- Over 25% of divorces occur within the first 5 years of marriage.
- The first year is prime time for divorce, with 11-13% of all divorces happening before a couple reaches their one-year anniversary.
- 10 years seems to be the magic number. The divorce risk declines significantly for couples who make it past 10 years of marriage.
January tends to be the most popular month for divorce filings as people prepare for a fresh start in the new year. That first year of marriage is clearly a make-or-break period for many couples. Premarital counseling could help better prepare couples and lead to more stable marriages long-term.
Common Reasons for Divorce in Minnesota
Why do so many marriages end in divorce in the state? Here are the most commonly cited reasons:
- Lack of commitment
- Frequent arguing
- Infidelity
- Getting married too young
- Unrealistic expectations
- Lack of equality
- Inadequate preparation
Money issues, alcohol or substance abuse, religious differences, lack of communication, physical or emotional abuse, sex and intimacy issues, and in-law interference are other issues that commonly surface in divorces. Identifying and working through potential problem areas early can help couples avoid becoming another divorce statistic.
How Does Age Impact Your Risk of Divorce?
Age plays a significant factor in divorce rates. According to statistics, those who marry young are much more likely to get divorced.
- Over 60% of marriages among couples between ages 20-25 end in divorce.
- For people who marry after age 25, around 30% of marriages end in divorce.
- People who marry after age 30 only have a 20% chance of the marriage eventually ending in divorce.
Are Same-Sex Couples Less Likely to Divorce?
Marriage equality is still relatively new, but research indicates same-sex couples have significantly lower rates of divorce.
One study by UCLA found the divorce rate for same-sex couples was 1-1.6% versus 2% for heterosexual couples a year after their weddings. The lower divorce rate for same-sex couples may reflect more mature ages entering marriage as well as high levels of education and career stability.
Which States Have the Highest Divorce Rates?
Divorce rates vary considerably by geographic region. Statistics show the lowest divorce rates are found in Northeastern states like Pennsylvania, Massachusetts, and New Jersey. The highest divorce rates in 2022 were found in:
- Nevada
- Arkansas
- Alabama
- Oklahoma
- Alaska
Some reasons these states have higher divorce rates include younger average ages at first marriage, lower income and education levels, higher rates of poverty, and looser restrictions around getting a divorce.
Protecting Your Interests in a Minnesota Divorce
If you do find yourself contemplating divorce in Minnesota, be sure to consult with an experienced local divorce attorney. A lawyer can help you understand things like:
- How marital property will be divided and valued
- Determining child custody, visitation, and support arrangements
- The role of spousal maintenance or alimony
- Which assets will be considered marital vs non-marital
- Special considerations if business assets or executive compensation is involved
Navigating the complex legal and financial issues in divorce requires experienced guidance. Do not go it alone. By understanding your rights and options, having a family law attorney by your side can lead to the fairest resolution.
Looking Ahead with Hope
The divorce statistics in Minnesota do highlight some sobering realities about the longevity of many marriages today. However, they do not have to dictate your own marital outcome. Being aware of potential pitfalls, seeking help early if issues arise, and actively nurturing your relationship can help beat the odds. There are still many lifelong marriages that stand the test of time.
If you or a loved one are facing divorce, know that brighter days lie ahead. The pain will not last forever. There is hope for a better tomorrow and for the chance to rebuild your life and realize new dreams.
Contact Martine Law today to discuss your situation and find out what options are available to you.
