Marriage is an institution that has been present in human society for thousands of years. In the United States, marriage has evolved over time, with a decline in the number of people getting married and the changes in the institution of marriage itself. The surprising statistics on how many married couples there are in the US are both interesting and thought-provoking.
The Current State of Marriage in the US
The number of people getting married in the US has decreased in recent years. In 2019, there were approximately 2,106,000 marriages in the US, which is a decrease of 6.1% compared to the previous year. This trend is not new and has been ongoing since the 1980s. One of the primary reasons for this decline is that people are getting married later in life, with the average age of marriage being around 30 years old for both men and women.
The Changing Nature of Marriage
The institution of marriage itself has also undergone significant changes in recent years. The definition of marriage has become more inclusive, with same-sex marriage being legalized in all 50 states in 2015. In addition, couples are choosing to cohabitate together without getting married, which has become more socially acceptable in recent times. The reasons for this could be financial, cultural or personal.
Marriage Statistics by State
The number of married couples in the US varies by state. According to the US Census Bureau, the state with the highest percentage of married couples is Utah, with 57.4% of the population being married. This is followed by Idaho with 53.4%, and Wisconsin with 51.8%. The state with the lowest percentage of married couples is Washington D.C., with only 26.2% of the population being married.
Marriage Statistics by Age Group
The age at which people get married has also undergone significant changes in recent years. The trend is that people are getting married later in life, which is different from previous generations when people got married in their early twenties. The average age of first marriage is now 28 years old for women and 30 years old for men. The percentage of people who get married before the age of 25 has also decreased significantly in recent years.
The Benefits of Being Married
Although the number of people getting married has decreased over time, there are still many benefits of being in a committed relationship. These benefits can range from emotional to financial stability. Research has shown that married couples have a lower risk of heart disease, mental illness, and live longer than single people. Married couples also have a more stable income and financial resources than single people.
The Benefits of Marriage on Children
Married couples who have children also provide a stable foundation for raising children. Studies have shown that children from married households are less likely to live in poverty, do better in school and have better mental and physical health outcomes. Children from married families also have a lower risk of being involved in criminal activity or drug abuse.
Challenges Faced by Married Couples
Despite the many benefits of being in a committed relationship, married couples also face many challenges. One of the biggest challenges is communication, which can lead to misunderstandings or conflict. Balancing work, family, and social obligations also poses a challenge, which can lead to stress and burnout. Other issues that married couples may face include financial stress, infidelity, and differences in sex drive or intimacy level.
Counseling for Married Couples
Counseling can help couples navigate the challenges that come with being in a committed relationship. There is no shame in seeking help from a therapist or counselor to address issues that may arise in a relationship. Counseling can help couples communicate effectively and build a stronger, healthier relationship.
Conclusion
The number of married couples in the US has declined in recent years, but the institution of marriage still holds many benefits for individuals and families. Married couples provide a stable foundation for raising children, and research has shown that married couples have better mental and physical health outcomes. Although married couples may face challenges, seeking counseling or therapy can help individuals navigate these difficulties and build a stronger relationship.
FAQs
- What is the percentage of married couples in the US?
- What is the average age for getting married in the US?
- What is the state with the highest percentage of married couples?
- What are some benefits of being married?
As of 2021, the percentage of married couples in the US is around 48%, which is a decline from previous years.
The average age for getting married in the US is 28 years old for women and 30 years old for men.
The state with the highest percentage of married couples is Utah, with 57.4% of the population being married.
Some benefits of being married include emotional and financial stability, better mental and physical health outcomes and better outcomes for children raised in a married household.
References
- CDC. (2020). National Marriage and Divorce Rate Trends.
- DePaulo, B. (2018). Cohabitation in the US.
- The National Marriage Project. (2021). The State of Our Unions.
- The United States Census Bureau. (2021). Marital Status of the Population 15 Years and Over, by Sex and Age.
- Wu, Z. (2019). Marriage, Cohabitation, and Health.