You have probably heard it said that 50% of marriages end in divorce. While that number gets thrown around, often as a method of encouraging people to consider the viability of their upcoming marriage, it’s not exactly accurate. Engaged couples in Florida, and those who have been married for years, should be happy to know that the number is much lower.
How common is divorce in the first year of marriage?
There is very little information about the likelihood of a marriage ending in divorce within its first year. Some of the most reliable data comes from a CDC study published a few years ago. According to that study, 22% of marriages end within their first five years due to death, separation, or divorce.
The truth behind the 50% myth
Whether you have been married for years, or you’re in the planning phases of a wedding, you’ve probably heard it said that 50% of marriages end in divorce. This number comes from outdated data. That statistic is based on a study conducted in the 1970s when divorces were at an all-time high.
Some truths about divorce rates
According to a 2019 study, the divorce rate in the United States is lower than it’s been in 50 years. This is largely because younger people (those aged 25 to 39) are waiting longer to get married, opting to be more selective about who they marry.
There is no way to completely divorce-proof your marriage. However, you can approach your marriage with a bit more comfort knowing that the 50% statistic is an outdated myth from days gone by.