The reasons for divorce are as varied as the people who enter into marriage. Though it is a common occurrence, happening to around 40 to 50% in the United States, there is still a great deal of stigma attached. However, researchers are now saying that where you choose to live can influence your likelihood of getting divorced.
It may seem like a strange factor in the breakdown of a marriage, but experts say that there are common threads in divorces that can point back to where a person lives. Kentucky is one of the 10 states with the highest divorce rate, with around 17 divorced people for every 1,000 married people. Living here isn’t a guarantee that you and your spouse will part ways, but experts say that there are commonalities among the states with high rates of divorce.
Similarly, the states that report the highest levels of happiness are less prone to divorce. This is easy to understand. Happy people are more likely to have a happy relationship, which, consequently, means they are less likely to seek a divorce.
Some studies are showing that young people, those in the “Millennial” category, appear to be delaying marriage. This strategy seems to be paying off, as researchers are finding that states where the median age of marriage is closer to 30 have lower rates of divorce.
It stands to reason that, if higher debt amounts affect divorce rates, lower income does, too. One report found that states with low median household incomes are more prone to divorce. The opposite is also true — states that have higher median household income have lower divorce rates.
Though where you live isn’t always going to matter when it comes to divorce, it is beneficial knowledge to have. If you’re thinking about getting a divorce, what is most important is that you consider what your best interests are and act accordingly. You deserve a bright future, no matter where you live.
It may seem like a strange factor in the breakdown of a marriage, but experts say that there are common threads in divorces that can point back to where a person lives. Kentucky is one of the 10 states with the highest divorce rate, with around 17 divorced people for every 1,000 married people. Living here isn’t a guarantee that you and your spouse will part ways, but experts say that there are commonalities among the states with high rates of divorce.
Stress and happiness
Studies show that states with high levels of stress also have high rates of divorce, which seems logical. A relationship can suffer when spouses feel preoccupied with work or dealing with kids and demanding relatives. Lesser-stressed areas of the country do not seem to have the same problem.Similarly, the states that report the highest levels of happiness are less prone to divorce. This is easy to understand. Happy people are more likely to have a happy relationship, which, consequently, means they are less likely to seek a divorce.
Fewer people marry, and they wait to do so
This idea may come down to simple math. If less people are married, there are less people to get a divorce in the first place. Research data from different states in the nation backs up this finding.Some studies are showing that young people, those in the “Millennial” category, appear to be delaying marriage. This strategy seems to be paying off, as researchers are finding that states where the median age of marriage is closer to 30 have lower rates of divorce.
Less student loan debt and higher income
You probably know that money problems can be a huge contributing factor in many divorces. To that end, the higher amount of student loan debt a person has, the more likely he or she is to get a divorce, as one study indicates. States that show lower rates of this type of debt also correspond with lower divorce rates.It stands to reason that, if higher debt amounts affect divorce rates, lower income does, too. One report found that states with low median household incomes are more prone to divorce. The opposite is also true — states that have higher median household income have lower divorce rates.
Safety
Safety is a factor that many people probably don’t consider when thinking about divorce. However, a recent study shows that the states that have higher rates of safety for their residents can also boast about being less likely to experience divorce. States deemed the least safe in the nation show higher percentages of people splitting up.Though where you live isn’t always going to matter when it comes to divorce, it is beneficial knowledge to have. If you’re thinking about getting a divorce, what is most important is that you consider what your best interests are and act accordingly. You deserve a bright future, no matter where you live.
