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Exploring Regional Trends and Factors Influencing Marital Duration Across America
- West Virginia has the longest marriages in the U.S. at 22.6 years.
- Alaska has the shortest marriages, lasting on average 16.8 years.
- Location has a large effect on the longevity of marriages, which experts attribute to a state’s economy, community support, and values.
A new study has revealed striking differences in marriage longevity across the United States, offering insights into what factors contribute to the duration of marriages in different regions.
The study revealed the longest median marriage duration to be in West Virginia at 22.6 years, while in Alaska, it’s significantly shorter at just 16.8 years. The findings illustrate how elements like the local economy, cultural values, and social dynamics can influence marriage longevity.
“Marriage trends tell us a lot about the health of our communities and can significantly influence public perception and related industries,” says Deepa Tailor, an expert in mental health from Divorce Lawyers. The study’s data paints a vivid picture of the regional differences in how long marriages last, offering valuable insights into the social fabric of the nation.
Top 10 States for Marriage Longevity
According to Divorce Lawyers’ study, these were the 10 states where marriage lasts longest.
| Rank | State | Median Marriage Duration (In Years) |
| 1 | West Virginia | 22.6 |
| 2 | Wisconsin | 22.5 |
| 3 | Vermont | 22.4 |
| 4 | Montana | 22.1 |
| 5 | Iowa | 22 |
| 6 | Michigan | 22 |
| 7 | Maine | 21.8 |
| 8 | Pennsylvania | 21.8 |
| 9 | South Dakota | 21.8 |
| 10 | Minnesota | 21.4 |
At the top of the list was West Virginia with marriages lasting on average 22.6 years. Conservative values and strong community bonds might be helping marriages last longer. “In states like West Virginia, community support and traditional values play a huge role in keeping marriages intact,” says Deepa.
In Wisconsin, the emphasis on traditional family life and supportive small-town communities sustains long-term marriages to an average of 22.5 years. Wisconsin’s close-knit communities create a strong foundation for lasting marriages.
Lasting relationships of on average 22.4 years in Vermont are fostered by a mix of progressive yet family-focused culture and a rural setting. “Strong community ties and low stress levels contribute significantly to marriage longevity,” adds Deepa.
With an average marriage longevity of 22.1 years, Montana’s outdoor lifestyle and rural living promote strong community ties that support marriage longevity. Montana’s slower pace and outdoor lifestyle create a nurturing environment for couples.
Benefiting from an agricultural economy and family-oriented culture, Iowa creates a stable foundation for enduring marriages. Stable social structures and traditional values are instrumental in fostering long-term marriages.
Bottom 10 States for Marriage Longevity
Divorce Lawyers also shared the 10 states where marriages last the least amount of time.
| Rank | State | Median Marriage Duration (In Years) |
| 41 | Arkansas | 19.2 |
| 42 | Georgia | 18.8 |
| 43 | Idaho | 18.6 |
| 44 | Washington | 18.3 |
| 45 | Colorado | 18.2 |
| 46 | Oklahoma | 18.2 |
| 47 | Utah | 18 |
| 48 | Nevada | 17.7 |
| 49 | Texas | 17.6 |
| 50 | Alaska | 16.8 |
Facing significant strain on marriages, Arkansas’s average wedding length of 19.2 years could be due to couples struggling with economic challenges and high poverty rates. Economic instability and insufficient community support in Arkansas lead to higher stress in marriages.
High mobility and urban stress in Georgia, particularly in cities like Atlanta, lead to shorter marriages of on average 18.8 years. Deepa observes, “In urban areas like Georgia, the high stress and mobility disrupt the stability needed for long-term relationships.”
Instability in relationships is seen in Idaho, with marriages lasting on average 18.6 years. The state faces rapid population growth and economic fluctuations. Idaho’s rapid growth and economic changes can create uncertainties that strain marriages.
In Washington, where marriages last 18.3 years on average, the high cost of living and fast-paced urban environment, especially in tech hubs like Seattle, disrupt marital stability. “High living costs and the pressures of urban life in Washington make it challenging for couples to sustain long marriages,” says Deepa.
Frequent relocations and a career-focused lifestyle result in strained long-term relationships in Colorado, where marriages last around 18.2 years. Frequent relocations and career pressures in Colorado can put a lot of strain on marriages, making them harder to sustain.
Regional Differences and Implications
“Our findings show how where you live can really impact how long your marriage lasts,” reflects Deepa. “States with longer marriages often have stable economies, strong community support, and traditional values, creating environments where relationships can thrive. “
“On the other hand, states with shorter marriages face economic pressures, high mobility, and diverse cultural attitudes that make it harder for relationships to last.”
“It’s clear that the local environment plays a significant role in marriage longevity,” says Deepa. “Stable communities and supportive cultural norms are powerful for fostering long-term relationships.”
Every region has its own unique marriage story, shaped by its environment. And as Deepa says, “Just like love, every place has its own way of making it work.”
About Divorce Lawyers
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Methodology
The full data set is available on request.
The average on a nationwide basis was calculated by using the state averages, taking into account the proportion of married people in a state using the same census data, then weighting it based on state population.
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Glenda, Charlie and David Cates
