North Dakota Divorce Rates

North Dakota consistently ranks among states with the lowest divorce rates in the United States, a distinction that reflects the state's strong family values, stable economy, and unique demographic characteristics. Understanding North Dakota divorce rates provides insight into marriage stability patterns and the factors that contribute to lasting marriages in the Peace Garden State.

Current North Dakota Divorce Rate Statistics

According to the most recent data from the National Center for Health Statistics and the U.S. Census Bureau, North Dakota maintains one of the lowest divorce rates in the nation. The state's divorce statistics reveal important patterns about marriage stability and family formation.

Divorce Rate Measurements

North Dakota's divorce rate is measured in several ways, each providing different insights:

Refined Divorce Rate

In 2023, North Dakota had 20.1 divorces per 1,000 married women aged 15 and older. This "refined divorce rate" represents the population actually at risk of divorce and provides the most accurate measure of divorce patterns. This rate places North Dakota in the higher quartile nationally, showing an increase from historical lows.

General Divorce Rate

Earlier Census Bureau data showed North Dakota with 4.7 divorces for every 1,000 women aged 15 and above in 2018, representing the lowest divorce rate in the country at that time. The national rate stood at 7.7 divorces per 1,000 women during the same period.

Crude Divorce Rate

The provisional count of divorces per 1,000 people living in the state provides another measure, though this method doesn't account for the proportion of the population that is actually married.

How North Dakota Compares Nationally

North Dakota's position relative to other states has fluctuated over recent years, though the state generally maintains lower-than-average divorce rates.

States with Highest Divorce Rates

According to National Center for Health Statistics data, states with the highest divorce rates in recent years include:

• Nevada (4.2 divorces per 1,000 females aged 15 and older)
• Arkansas (with rates consistently among the highest nationally)
• Oklahoma (19.6 divorces per 1,000 married women in 2023)
• Alaska (24.3 divorces per 1,000 married women in 2023)
• Delaware (22.5 divorces per 1,000 married women in 2023)

States with Lowest Divorce Rates

States maintaining the lowest divorce rates include:

• Vermont (approximately 8 divorces per 1,000 married women)
• Connecticut (10.1 divorces per 1,000 married women)
• New Hampshire (10.3 divorces per 1,000 married women)
• Wisconsin (10.7 divorces per 1,000 married women)
• Hawaii (10.8 divorces per 1,000 married women)

North Dakota's historical position as having the absolute lowest divorce rate in 2018 demonstrates the state's strong marriage culture, though recent data shows rates have increased somewhat while remaining below many other states.

Marriage and Divorce Rate Trends

Understanding divorce rates requires examining them alongside marriage rates, as changes in marriage patterns directly affect divorce statistics.

National Trends

Both marriage and divorce rates have declined nationally over the past decade. Between 2008 and 2018:

• The national marriage rate decreased from 17.9 to 16.6 per 1,000 women aged 15 and older
• Divorce rates fell faster than marriage rates during this period
• The national divorce rate was 7.6 per 1,000 women in 2018

North Dakota Marriage Rates

North Dakota ranks fifth nationwide for marriage rates. In 2018, 21.2 of every 1,000 women were married in North Dakota, a slight decrease from 23.9 in 2008. Despite the decline, North Dakota's marriage rate remains significantly higher than the national average, indicating strong cultural support for marriage as an institution.

North Dakota vs. South Dakota Divorce Rates

The stark contrast between North Dakota and neighboring South Dakota demonstrates that geographic proximity doesn't necessarily predict similar divorce patterns. Cultural, economic, and demographic factors unique to each state play significant roles.

Factors Contributing to North Dakota's Low Divorce Rates

Several interconnected factors help explain why North Dakota maintains lower divorce rates than most other states.

Strong Family Values

According to Sean Brotherson, a North Dakota State University professor who teaches human development and family science, North Dakotans tend to place more value on marriage as an institution. "There's a stronger emphasis in the culture of North Dakota on stable family relationships and more traditional values about marriage," Brotherson explains.

Economic Stability

North Dakota's relatively strong economy over the past decade contributes to marriage stability. When people are in more stable positions regarding education, employment, and income, they're more likely to enter and sustain marriages. Economic security reduces financial stress, a leading cause of marital conflict.

Educational Attainment

North Dakota has higher rates of high school and college graduates compared to many states. Educational attainment correlates strongly with marriage stability, as individuals with higher education levels are less likely to divorce.

Age at Marriage

Research consistently shows that couples who marry at older ages have lower divorce rates. North Dakotans may delay marriage until they're in better financial positions and more emotionally mature, contributing to greater marriage stability.

Religious and Community Ties

Strong religious beliefs and active community engagement contribute to marriage stability. Communities with robust support systems and shared values around marriage provide couples with resources during difficult periods.

Why Divorce Rates Matter

Understanding divorce rate statistics provides valuable insights beyond academic interest.

Social and Economic Impact

Divorce represents one of life's most stressful events, ranking second behind moving house for many Americans. The emotional and financial toll affects not only divorcing spouses but also their children, extended families, and communities.

Policy Implications

Divorce rate data informs public policy decisions regarding family support services, legal resources, and economic assistance programs. States with higher divorce rates may need different social services infrastructure than states with lower rates.

Financial Planning

For individuals, understanding regional divorce patterns can inform decisions about prenuptial agreements, financial planning, and asset protection strategies.

Challenges in Measuring Divorce Rates

Comprehensive divorce data can be difficult to obtain and interpret accurately.

Data Collection Issues

Not all states report divorce data to the National Vital Statistics System. California, Hawaii, Indiana, Minnesota, and New Mexico don't provide complete divorce statistics, creating gaps in national data.

Different Measurement Methods

Various methods for calculating divorce rates can produce different results:

• Divorces per 1,000 total population (crude divorce rate)
• Divorces per 1,000 women aged 15 and older (general divorce rate)
• Divorces per 1,000 married women (refined divorce rate)

The refined divorce rate is considered the most accurate measure because it examines only the population actually at risk of divorce.

Misleading Percentages

Some sources incorrectly present the ratio of divorces to marriages as a divorce rate. For example, if a state has 3.8 divorces per 1,000 females and 6.1 marriages per 1,000 females, the 62% ratio doesn't represent the divorce rate but rather the relationship between annual divorces and marriages.

Similarly, the percentage of a state's residents currently divorced differs from the divorce rate, as it includes all divorced individuals regardless of when their divorces occurred and doesn't include those who remarried.

Recent Changes in North Dakota Divorce Patterns

While North Dakota historically maintained the lowest divorce rate in the nation, recent data suggests some changes in marriage stability patterns.

Increasing Rates

The 2023 refined divorce rate of 20.1 divorces per 1,000 married women represents an increase from the 4.7 divorces per 1,000 women aged 15 and older reported in 2018. This change may reflect:

• Different measurement methodologies
• Actual increases in divorce rates
• Demographic shifts in the married population
• Economic changes affecting marriage stability

Factors Influencing Change

Economic fluctuations in oil-producing regions of North Dakota, demographic changes as younger generations adopt different attitudes toward marriage, and increased mobility as residents move in and out of the state may all contribute to evolving divorce patterns.

Divorce Statistics by Demographics

National research reveals important demographic patterns in divorce rates.

Age Factors

• The average age for couples experiencing their first divorce is 30 years old
• Couples married between ages 20-25 are 60% likely to divorce
• Those who wait until after age 25 to marry are 24% less likely to divorce
• Risk of divorce decreases as couples age together

Education and Income

• Higher educational attainment correlates with lower divorce rates
• Economic stability reduces divorce risk
• Financial stress ranks among the top three reasons for divorce (22% cite money issues)

Subsequent Marriages

• 35-50% of first marriages end in divorce
• Approximately 60% of second marriages end in divorce
• Over 70% of marriages after the second end in divorce

Top Reasons for Divorce

According to U.S. Census Bureau surveys, the primary reasons cited for divorce include:

1. Incompatibility (43%): Fundamental differences in values, goals, or personalities
2. Infidelity (28%): Extramarital affairs or emotional betrayal
3. Money Issues (22%): Financial stress, disagreements about spending, or economic hardship
4. Communication Problems: Inability to resolve conflicts or express needs effectively
5. Substance Abuse: Alcohol or drug problems affecting the relationship

Seasonal Divorce Patterns

Divorce filings consistently spike during specific times of year, with March and August seeing the highest rates nationally. These patterns may reflect:

• Post-holiday stress and evaluation of relationships
• Tax season financial considerations
• Summer scheduling allowing time to address legal matters
• New year motivations for life changes

The Future of Marriage and Divorce in North Dakota

Several trends may influence North Dakota's future divorce rates.

Delayed Marriage

Millennials and younger generations increasingly delay marriage or opt for cohabitation rather than formal marriage. This trend:

• Reduces the total number of marriages (and thus potential divorces)
• May increase marriage stability as couples enter marriage at older, more mature ages
• Changes the demographic composition of married couples

Economic Factors

North Dakota's economy, particularly sectors related to energy production and agriculture, significantly influences marriage and divorce patterns. Economic prosperity generally correlates with marriage stability.

Cultural Shifts

While North Dakota maintains strong traditional family values, gradual cultural changes may affect future marriage and divorce rates as younger generations adopt different perspectives on marriage, family, and relationships.

North Dakota's position as a state with historically low divorce rates reflects a combination of strong family values, economic stability, educational attainment, and cultural factors that support marriage as an institution. While recent data shows some increase in divorce rates, the state continues to demonstrate greater marriage stability than many other parts of the United States. Understanding these patterns helps policymakers, social service providers, and individuals make informed decisions about supporting healthy marriages and families in North Dakota communities.