Millennials are less likely to get divorced than their parents.

For many couples, the decision to get married brings excitement about the future. But how can you know if your marriage will stand the test of time?

With marriage rates declining and divorce rates following a similar trend, one might wonder: Are millennials less likely to experience divorce than their parents or grandparents?

This article examines the factors contributing to evolving family structures among millennials and the broader changes in family dynamics.

Millennials approach relationships with a strong focus on stability, often delaying marriage until they feel financially and emotionally prepared.

Additionally, many prioritize open communication and seek counseling early on to address potential issues before they escalate.

This shift in mindset reflects a broader trend toward intentional relationship-building, which may contribute to the lower number of divorces compared to previous generations.

Divorce Rates Are Falling Compared to Your Parents’ Generation

Divorce was once a growing trend, particularly in the Baby Boomer generation. Throughout the 1960s and 1970s, the number of divorces surged, leading to the commonly cited belief that half of all marriages would end in divorce.

However, in recent decades, this trend has reversed, with the number of divorces steadily declining.

A Look at the Generations

Baby Boomers (Born 1946–1964)

Divorce rates rose dramatically during the Baby Boomers’ marriages. Many factors, including changing societal norms and the sexual revolution, contributed to this spike. By the 1990s, divorce had become common, with nearly half of all marriages ending in separation.

Generation X (Born 1965–1980)

Gen X followed the Boomers into the higher rate of divorce, but by the late 1990s, these numbers began to fall. Gen X still experiences higher divorce rates than millennials, but it’s clear that divorce is becoming less prevalent among younger generations.

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Millennials (Born 1981–1996)

Millennials are bucking the trend. They are delaying marriage, and this is one of the reasons behind their lower number of divorces. According to studies, only 18.3% of millennial marriages end in divorce after 10 years, compared to 23% for Generation X and 22% for Baby Boomers.

Generation Divorce Rater After 10 Years
Baby Boomers 22%
Generation X 23%
Millennials 18.3%

Age at Marriage Is Higher

One of the biggest shifts among millennials is the age at which they choose to marry.

Previous generations often married in their early twenties, but millennials are waiting longer to tie the knot. The average age of first marriage in the U.S. is now around 30 for men and 28 for women—up from 23 and 20, respectively, in the 1960s.

According to the family attorney at the Florida Probate & Family Law Firm this grounds financial stability in the later years: “The delay in marriage is considered a key factor in reducing divorce rates, as couples are more likely to be emotionally and financially stable when they marry later”

Why Does Age Matter?

Research shows that couples who marry in their late twenties or early thirties are more likely to stay together than those who marry younger. Maturity, financial independence, and a stronger sense of self all contribute to making marriages more stable.

By the time millennials get married, they often have a clearer idea of their goals, values, and compatibility with their partner.

Year Average Age of First Marriage (Men) Average Age of First Marriage (Women)
1963 23 20
2020 30 28
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Same-Sex Marriage Has Become Possible

A notable social change in recent decades has been the legalization of same-sex marriage in many countries, including the U.S. in 2015. This shift has brought new dynamics to the institution of marriage.

Research on same-sex marriage is still developing, but early studies suggest that same-sex couples, like opposite-sex couples, benefit from the stability and legal protection that marriage provides.

Legal recognition of same-sex relationships has helped expand the definition of marriage, allowing more people to enter into committed partnerships that were once denied. This change contributes to broader trends of family structure evolution, reflecting more diverse and inclusive marriage patterns.

Socially Acceptable Family Structures Have Shifted

Today, marriage is no longer seen as the only socially acceptable way to form a family. Cohabitation, single parenthood, and blended families are increasingly common, and social norms have shifted to accept these arrangements.

Millennials are leading this change. In previous generations, cohabitation before marriage was frowned upon. Today, it’s a common practice, with nearly 70% of couples living together before marriage.

This shift allows couples to test compatibility before committing to marriage, reducing the likelihood of divorce.

Generation Cohabitation Before Marriage
Baby Boomers 20%
Millennials 70%

Parenting Without Marriage

Millennials are also more likely than their parents to have children outside of marriage.

While this may sound like a recipe for instability, studies suggest that cohabitating parents can provide stable environments for children when the relationship is strong and supportive.

The rise in diverse family structures shows that there is no single path to a successful family life.

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Divorces In Millennials

The falling divorce rate among millennials reflects a shift in how marriage and family life are approached.

By waiting longer to marry, prioritizing compatibility, and embracing diverse family structures, millennials are building more stable and lasting relationships than previous generations.

While the future of marriage is still evolving, it’s clear that for many, the bonds of marriage are stronger than ever before.