By Lucy Wyndham
North Dakota has the lowest divorce rates in the country, the latest US Census Bureau data reveals.
The Peace Garden State boasts 4.7 divorces for every 1,000 women aged 15 and above. In comparison, the national rate stands at 7.7, while South Dakota has the second-highest divorce rate at 12.1 — just falling behind Arkansas’ rate of 13. Although marriage and divorce rates between 2008-2018 in the US both declined, divorce rates have fallen faster. In 2018, 16.6 per 1,000 U. women were married, down from 17.9 in 2008.
Strong family values
North Dakota also ranks fifth nationwide for marriage. 21.2 of every 1,000 women were married in 2018, a slight decrease from 23.9 in 2008. In fact, Sean Brotherson, a North Dakota State University professor who teaches human development and family science, has already noticed 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”, explains Brotherson. “For example, there’s a stronger emphasis in the culture of North Dakota on stable family relationships and more traditional values about marriage”.
Managing a divorce
Since divorce is so emotionally and financially draining, it’s no wonder North Dakota’s divorce rates are so low. In fact, divorce is one of life’s most stressful events for Americans, ranking second behind moving house. It’s therefore important divorcing partners take advantage of all emotional support available (including, trusted family members, friends, and therapy). A family law attorney can also help divorcing individuals understand their rights and responsibilities, make informed decisions, and follow all the right steps. Child custody and child support are also top priorities, yet also highly disputed between divorcing parents. By consulting a specialized, experienced attorney, a divorcing parent can present their strongest legal case and obtain the child custody arrangement they deserve.
Economic impact
In general, people across the US are delaying marriage until they’re older and in a better financial position. According to Brotherson, North Dakota has higher rates of high school and college graduates, which are signs linked to higher marriage rates. The state’s fairly strong economy overall over the past ten years may also contribute to more marriages. “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,” he said. “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.’”
The US Census Bureau also explained why its data is restricted to women: to “provide a digestible look at trends in marriage and divorce. Historically, women’s data have often been presented when a choice needs to be made,” the Census explained in a news release. “Research shows that they were more often reporting the data for themselves and reporting more accurately.”