North Dakota's demographic profile plays a significant role in the state's marriage and divorce patterns. The Peace Garden State consistently demonstrates unique characteristics that contribute to lower divorce rates compared to most of the country, reflecting the intersection of education, economy, culture, and population demographics.
North Dakota's Divorce Rate in Context
According to U.S. Census Bureau data, North Dakota historically maintains one of the lowest divorce rates in the nation. In 2018, the state recorded 4.7 divorces for every 1,000 women aged 15 and older, significantly lower than the national rate of 7.7 per 1,000 women.
However, more recent data from 2023 shows North Dakota's refined divorce rate at 20.1 divorces per 1,000 married women aged 15 and older, placing the state among those with higher rates nationally. This refined rate, which measures divorces among the population actually at risk (married women), differs from general divorce rates and provides a more accurate demographic measure of marital behavior.
Marriage and Divorce Trends
Both marriage and divorce rates have shifted over time in North Dakota, reflecting broader demographic and economic changes.
Marriage Rates
North Dakota ranks fifth nationwide for marriage rates. In 2018, 21.2 of every 1,000 women were married, a slight decrease from 23.9 in 2008. Despite this decline, North Dakota's marriage rate remains significantly higher than the national average of 16.6 per 1,000 women.
States with higher marriage rates than North Dakota include:
- Utah (23.1)
- Wyoming (22.9)
- Idaho (22.6)
- Washington D.C. (22.3)
Divorce Rate Evolution
North Dakota's divorce patterns have evolved over the decade from 2008 to 2018. The state's rate dropped from 6 divorces per 1,000 women aged 15 and older in 2008 to 4.7 in 2018. This decline occurred faster than the national trend, where the U.S. divorce rate fell from 10.5 to 7.7 during the same period.
Demographic Factors Influencing Marriage Stability
Several demographic characteristics contribute to North Dakota's marriage and divorce patterns.
Educational Attainment
North Dakota has higher rates of high school and college graduates compared to many states. Educational attainment strongly correlates with marriage stability, individuals with higher education levels are more likely to marry and less likely to divorce.
According to Sean Brotherson, a North Dakota State University professor who teaches human development and family science, these educational patterns link directly to higher marriage rates. "When people are in more stable places in their life relative to education or job or income, then they're more likely to enter into marriage," Brotherson explains.
Economic Stability
North Dakota's economy has been relatively strong over the past decade, despite fluctuations in energy sector employment. Economic stability affects both marriage formation and divorce rates. When people are in stronger financial positions, they're more likely to enter marriage and less likely to divorce due to financial stress.
"If people are in a stronger position economically, they're more likely to say, 'OK, I feel like financially it's a good time or I'm not going to be at risk if I enter into marriage,'" Brotherson notes.
Cultural Values
North Dakota's culture emphasizes stable family relationships and traditional values about marriage. Brotherson has observed the state's strong history of higher marriage rates and lower divorce rates compared to the rest of the country. "North Dakotans tend to place more value on marriage as an institution," he explains. "For example, there's a stronger emphasis in the culture of North Dakota on stable family relationships and more traditional values about marriage."
Age at Marriage
Like the rest of the United States, North Dakotans are delaying marriage until they're older and in better financial positions. This demographic trend actually contributes to marriage stability, as couples who marry at older ages typically have lower divorce rates than those who marry young.
Regional Comparisons
North Dakota's divorce demographics differ significantly from neighboring states and regional patterns.
Neighboring State Contrasts
South Dakota presents a stark contrast to North Dakota. In 2018, South Dakota had the second-highest divorce rate in the nation at 12.1 divorces per 1,000 women aged 15 and older, compared to North Dakota's 4.7. This dramatic difference demonstrates that geographic proximity doesn't predict similar divorce patterns, cultural, economic, and demographic factors unique to each state play more significant roles.
Midwestern Patterns
Generally, Midwestern states demonstrate lower divorce rates than other regions. In 2023, 42% of Midwestern states fell in the lowest quartile for divorce rates. North Dakota fits this pattern, though recent data shows some variation from historical trends.
Why the Census Bureau Focuses on Women
The Census Bureau restricts marriage and divorce statistics to women aged 15 and older to provide digestible trend analysis. "Historically, women's data have often been presented when a choice needs to be made," the Census Bureau explains. "Research shows that they were more often reporting the data for themselves and reporting more accurately."
This methodology provides consistency across decades of data collection and allows for reliable comparisons over time.
Recent Demographic Shifts
While North Dakota historically maintained the absolute lowest divorce rate, recent data reveals evolving patterns.
2023 Refined Divorce Rates
According to 2023 data, North Dakota's divorce rate of 20.1 per 1,000 married women places it among states with higher divorce rates. States with the lowest divorce rates in 2023 include:
- Vermont (approximately 8 divorces per 1,000 married women)
- Connecticut (10.1)
- New Hampshire (10.3)
- Wisconsin (10.7)
- Hawaii (10.8)
Factors Behind Changes
Several demographic factors may explain North Dakota's changing divorce patterns:
- Economic Fluctuations
Volatility in oil and energy sectors affects employment stability and income levels
- Population Mobility
Increased movement of residents in and out of the state brings different cultural values and expectations about marriage
- Generational Shifts
Younger generations adopt different attitudes toward marriage and divorce than previous generations
- Methodological Differences
Refined divorce rates measure different populations than general divorce rates, accounting for some statistical variation
Demographic Profile Impact
North Dakota's overall demographic characteristics contribute to marriage and divorce patterns:
With 11.4 people per square mile across 68,994.3 square miles, North Dakota's rural character influences community ties and social support systems that can strengthen marriages
Smaller communities often provide stronger social networks that support married couples during difficult times
Higher rates of religious participation correlate with lower divorce rates, as faith communities often emphasize marriage permanence
North Dakota demographics & divorce patterns reflect complex interactions between education, economy, culture, and population characteristics. While the state has historically maintained the lowest divorce rate in the country, recent data shows evolving patterns that mirror broader demographic changes. Educational attainment, economic stability, cultural values emphasizing family, and strong community ties all contribute to North Dakota's unique position regarding marriage and divorce. As demographics continue shifting, with changing economic conditions, population mobility, and generational value changes, North Dakota's marriage and divorce patterns will likely continue evolving while potentially maintaining advantages stemming from the state's educational levels, economic opportunities, and cultural emphasis on stable family relationships.