If you pool together all the available data from the 2008 American Community Survey and National Vital Statistics Report, one could say the top five biggest divorce states should include Nevada, Maine, Wyoming, Montana, and Oklahoma. Honorable mentions would then probably go to Oregon, Idaho, Arizona, West Virginia, Arkansas, Alabama, Kentucky, and Alaska. If you live among these areas, you are probably wondering what drives these statistics. Is it the people, values, economics, religion, or politics?
Well, according to researchers, it’s a little bit of all the above.
Blue vs. Red States
According to the book. Red Families v. Blue Families: Legal Polarization and the Creation of Culture, Blue states tend to have statistically lower divorce rates. According to the authors, red state families (Kentucky, Arkansas, etc) push young adults to marry and cultivate families early, while blue states (Massachusetts, Connecticut, etc) support waiting until the couple is well established to marry and have a family. This puts economics in the favor of the blue family, which results in less strain on the relationship, and thus decreased divorce rates.
The traditional view of red family states place the husband as the primary breadwinner and the wife as primary caretaker (kids). According to the authors, the traditional red state wife is assumed to prefer staying home to fostering a career. When economics doesn’t allow for this, the working wife will end up disappointed in their relationship (and husband), thus increasing the chances of divorce. Blue states, such as Massachusetts and Connecticut, featuring slightly older parents who have established careers, report less monetary tensions and the most satisfaction in their role as dual economic contributors.
Age vs. Sex
Some researchers suggest the differing divorce rates between red and blue states, could also be sex related. The red states (bible belt) advocate teenagers to wait until marriage to have sex (abstinence), which may persuade these youths to marry early to enjoy the spoils of sex earlier. These couples also inevitably have kids sooner, which often derails plans for further education, thus stifling the opportunity to make more money down the road.
According to statistics, the average age of a first time mother in Mississippi is 23, and in Massachusetts it is 28. Couples who choose to delay marriage and families, have a more independent view on premarital sex, meaning they do not view it as good or bad (right or wrong), but rather a personal choice. Couples who wait to have children later are settled in their relationships and careers, so when it’s time to start a family, they have already weathered the struggles normally associated with early adulthood, and they are more prepared to succeed.
Gain vs. Loss
Certain states offer harsh punishment (lifetime alimony), causing couples to think twice about divorce. Studies show that countries with poorer populations have a higher cheating rate than populations with greater wealth. This has a lot to do with what a couple stands to lose. New York has a relatively high income, high education level, and low divorce rate. In addition, their lack of “no-fault” divorce laws means couples can’t just call it quits, but must go through a lengthy court hearing, which is not only costly (loss), but often involves emotionally driven court accusations (more loss).
One of the easiest states to dissolve a marriage is Nevada, which also happens to be the number one divorce state. All that’s needed is residency (six weeks) and you can opt for the “quick divorce”. You don’t need a reason (because you feel like it, is good enough for the court) and all assets will be divided 50-50. A divorce can be completed in as little as 48 hours when uncontested, which opens the possibility of a hasty decision becoming permanent before your guns have even had a chance to cool.
Statistics vs. Free Will
What we can learn from these statistics beyond staying out of these states, is that maturity prepares couples for the rigors of marriage, and taking the time to establish a career before fostering a child is not a bad idea in this economy. Also, thinking of divorce in terms of your last resort, will guide you along the path of healing, before resigning to a quick termination. Many couples who have stuck through rocky marriages, report being glad they did. Just because you can’t see a light at the end of the tunnel, doesn’t mean it isn’t there.
Of course, some relationships have too much going against them, and for those your best option is to forgive, let go, and move on to a different state, preferably one in the Northeast!
18 thoughts on “Biggest Divorce States”
Yes there should realize the opportunity to RSS commentary, quite simply, CMS is another on the blog.
Dear Laurenr,
Again……the topic was political in nature : Divorce in RED vs BLUE states was in the first paragraph…..
******* The article in itself highlited the political aspects of divorce…..divorce based upon politics and religion and other various factors ********…..the first paragraph dealt with red vs blue states.
I responded to the specific nature of the article…..based upon the factors I see occurring in the area I live in.
Instead of attacking me for simply posting what I observe ( to be true ) in my area….
….why don’t you post your feelings on the article….what are YOUR views on divorce in red vs blue states.
Debate is a good thing……and one of the best things about living in a free democracy.
Blessed Be )O(
Gina Rose ext.9500
Gina Rose,
You most certainly are making political comments ansd they are highly insulting. You’ve unfairly stereotyped your neighbors in an awful way because, of course, your big city liberal world view isn’t the same as theirs and you can’t conceive of the value of an alternate view.
I have news for you. Half of the country doesn’t agree with you and finds this sort of thing condescending and insulting.
I’m actually glad that you posted because it lets me know that I would never want to deal with you on a professional level. That’s informative and helpful.
And, I’d love to know how you guartantee anyone’s safety in Chicago.
Hi Ingrid,
Thank you for the reference…..another great sounding read to investigate. I will give it a read and keep it in mind to refer to my clients in the future.
I am definitely open to learning and reading new material!!!!……so I appreciate the reference of it.
I actually read, and built my career on, reading for the top Psychiatrists, Psychologists
and Relationship/ Drug & Alcohol Ttherapists in the US…..and have for many years.
( But, I wish to mention here…that I was responding to the original posted article by Eric…..***which specifically mentioned divorce in blue vs red states )
Have a great weekend, Ingrid !
Blessed Be )O(
gina Rose ext.9500
A great book that will answer so many of these questions, w/o any political slant is “The 7 principles for making marriage work” by John Gottman . Anyone who has read this book KNOWS the reasons for divorce and the factual statistics that this book reports on divorce rates. My only regret is that I did not read it BEFORE I married. But I have learned. My advice, READ IT as it carries proven principles for ANY relationship you have, friend, work colleague, child as well as significant others and spouses. The only thing is you have to be open to it and realize it is based on 40-50 years of solid research. Facts that count.
Enjoy!
IS
Dear Jeff,
I did check out your site, ( always the eternal student….LOL ), and plan to purchase your book…..what a beautiful site !!!!!!
You should consider writing articles for our CP blog…..maybe????? You definitely have the gift for writing.
I used to write quite a bit myself ,meta-physical articles, I’ve trained psychics for over 29 years now….. my eyesight slows me down though nowadays……
Thank You for your feedback and sharing your site & info about your book.
Have a great weekend…..
Blessed Be )O( ….my friend , Jeff
Gina Rose ext.9500
Hi,
AND…..I’m not making any type of political statement…… I could care less about politics…..I don’t consider myself to be a Liberal, Democrat, Republican , or Independent, or anything else ( because I’ve been known to cross party lines when voting over the years )……
….it is also not a statement on religions and beliefs,….I have friends from all over the world who embrace many diverse spiritual belief systems,…including many Christian friends
I’m just simply responding to this article as an observer ( residing in a red state as opposed to a blue state ) to the article and questions it posed.
Blessed Be )O(
Gina Rose ext.9500
Hi Jeff,
I hear you loud and clear !!!!!!! I’m planning on moving back up north within a few years…probably north of chicago to Wisconsin, where I once lived before……..they are poor up in Wisconsin, but very open
minded folks.
Blessed Be )O(
Gina Rose ext.9500
Gee Annette……..didn’t mean to insult you….but I call them as I see them. you sound like a nice gal….
Haven’t met anybody down here like that…but I don’t live near any big city down here…I hear the larger cities are more tolerant…..
….no, my dear, I live way out in the backwoods where it is much different now, then 40 years ago when I was a child that spent my summers here. This is not the Ozarks I remember as a 10 year old for sure…….times have really changed.
They do not know who I am or what I do……I based my comments upon the way I’ve seen minorities, gays and ” outsiders ” in general treated by these people for the past 9 years…..and it’s getting worse.
PS…. I cannot post my whereabouts….but I live within a 100 miles of a place that put up a HUGE billboard showing President Obama wearing a turban on his head.
This article was about divorce rates in blue vs red states…..I posted on the conditions that I consider play into the high divorce rate AND domestic violence rate AND abused and neglected children rates down here.
Gina Rose
My only comment to you is to “Get Out of There” now. When one finds themselves surrounded by a conscienceness that is so different that yours, it is only a matter of time before the “others” find out about you and either run you out or make life so unbearable that you will want to leave on your own. Fear based belief systems can only operate with others who thrive on fear. I now live in AZ which is also a Red fear based state. I was raised in CA. I am also retired and I wrote a book about my travels around the world from 1970 to 1979. I was working at a conservative Charter School full of those same fear based belief people and handed out cards about my book. Go to my site and read the back of the book. http://www.JeffreyRCrimmel.com. Within two week I was let go as a teachers aide with no reason. I know it was because I did not hold the same conservative fears based beliefs of the world as they did. I was relieved at the same time because I was looking for a way to leave and they made it easy for me. I will substitute teach now instead and continue to write in my spare time.
We cannot change others beliefs but we can change where we want to live and not have to continue living beneath the radar in such communities.
Gina Rosa
My only comment to you is to “Get Out of There” now. When one finds themselves surrounded by a conscienceness that is so different that yours, it is only a matter of time before the “others” find out about you and either run you out or make life so unbearable that you will want to leave on your own. Fear based belief systems can only operate with others who thrive on fear. I now live in AZ which is also a Red fear based state. I was raised in CA. I am also retired and I wrote a book about my travels around the world from 1970 to 1979. I was working at a conservative Charter School full of those same fear based belief people and handed out cards about my book. Go to my site and read the back of the book. http://www.JeffreyRCrimmel.com. Within two week I was let go as a teachers aide with no reason. I know it was because I did not hold the same conservative fears based beliefs of the world as they did. I was relieved at the same time because I was looking for a way to leave and they made it easy for me. I will substitute teach now instead and continue to write in my spare time.
We cannot change others beliefs but we can change where we want to live and not have to continue living beneath the radar in such communities.
Excuse you…. but I come from the Ozarks and They are NOT all gun toting “Sheet wearing” bible thumpers. Your very slanted opinion absolutly insults those of us who do NOT fit that OLD stereo type. I happen to know my family and friends that are still there are a lot more accepting of you and your wiccan ways though a great majority of people there cling to their bible and faith, as long as you are not trotting satan out in the middle of their sunday tent services, they will leave you to your ways.
Springfield is a progressive town and has one of the best colleges in the United States. SMSU is where Brad Pit and Kathleen Turner both went to school so why don’t you become a little more aquainted with the real people of the “Ozark” area. I have lived all over the country as a military wife and believe me, there are places a lot more uptight than the Ozarks.
And you don’t have to live in fear of a drive by shooting every day even in the worst neighborhoods. They teach gun responsiability to their children, “Guns are for hunting deer, not one another.”
Very good article Eric…..oh yes…..the divorce rate in my red state is at 50% .
Is it any wonder why ????
Blessed Be )O(
Gina Rose ext.9500
one last thing…….and I don’t know if this will post or not …..
…..but people need to be very careful who they vote for over the next few years……in my very RED state…..the new ” up & rising political party/organization ” is being funded and fueled by those sheet-wearing good ol’ boys and every white militia group, neo-nazi group in this state.
I don’t know who attends the rallies in other parts of the US for this new political party,…. but I DO know, see , and hear who is attending down here in my state.
food for thought…..
Blessed Be )O(
Gina Rose ext.9500
Oh yes…..
I forgot the huge domestic violence issue down here……46% of women are victims of domestic violence down here…….no jobs for them so they can be independent, they feel they have to stay with these good ol’ boys as limited resources down here in this poor area…..
……… poverty breeds misery and frustration and anger…in all forms.
I can’t even have friends come visit me ( good thing I’m a hermit by nature )…..reading for 45 years as a professional psychic, I have friends from all over the globe, they are all races, religions…..some are gay.
But, I can’t gurantee their safety if they came to visit me in person. Good thing they like to chat with me via phone and computer!
Did I mention that Chicago is looking pretty good to me.???????
Blessed Be )O(
Gina Rose ext.9500
It just crossed my mind…..the IRONY of the situation……I moved down here, from Chicago, to The Ozark Mountains because land is breath-takingly beautiful and cheap….and also to get away from big city urban crime……LOL !!!!
Only to walk on eggshells around these folks who are afraid of anything they are not familiar with……you name it…..
FACT: If they knew I was a praticing professional Psychic…..AND a Wiccan, these church going, gun-toting, sheet-wearing folks would either hang me from a tree out in the woods OR burn my house to the ground.
( By the way, your chances of running across a Psychic or Wiccan that behaves in that way are slim to none…..you would have a better chance at getting struck by lightning or winning the lottery).
The local town church going people ran a gal out of town some 7 years ago just because she open a meta-physical bookstore and ( for goodness sake) sold tarot card decks ( tools of the devil….” their ” devil), in it.
The locals are also not very tolerant of gay/lesbian or minorities either……they ran a oriental married couple trying to run a resterant out of town a few years back as well…..racism is very much alive down here.
Chicago is looking pretty good to me now….needless to say.
Blessed Be )O(
Gina Rose ext.9500
And what is even sadder…amidst the poverty,anger and frustration of the people down here…..insidious groups are making a BIG comeback…promising a better life, promising to take back ” their ” country……they are arming themselves with guns & ammo at an alarming rate.
I dare not say the name of this horrible group but they like to run around, wear white sheets and pointy hats ( hint ) ?????? They are also members of some of churches down here…..and various militia groups are joining in as well.
It’s a very sad & scary situation.
Blessed Be )O(
Gina Rose ext.9500
Hi……
This area started to go downhill about the time when all of the big manufacturing companies pulled out of here and left the country……there used to be factories such as Sara Lee, Levi Strauss….etc in some of the larger towns……all gone now. Many of the local farmers and wives 30 to 40 years ago had jobs at these companies.
The people down here are poor, frustrated, and angry and desperate. It’s so bad that poaching game out of season is way up. I’m in the hunting /fishing capitol of my state ( tourism is way down)…..people are shooting deer and game at night, out of season, and skinning them on spot, leaving the dead carcasses on the road….all in an effort to feed their family.
This is what poverty does. These people need jobs……they don’t need a hand OUT…they they need a hand UP.
Very sad to watch this all down here.
Blessed Be )O(
Gina Rose ext.9500
Hi,
VERY interesting article by Eric….and sadly, true. I grew up in Chicago,….
…. and NOW live ( semi-retired) in a VERY RED southern state and most of the teenage girls down here in my area are pregnant and dropped out of high school by the sophomore year!!!!!…….I kid you not!!!!…..only 28 % of the teenagers down here now are graduating. Many of these pregnant teenagers are 2nd & 3rd generation weldare recepients as well.
This is also the ” Meth ” capitol of the USA.
It’s also the puppy-mill capitol of the USA. sad huh ???? ( Which is why I’m pro-active with the no-kill shelters down here for animals )
When I was a child, I spent my summers down here and it was much different then……most kids went to school, barefoot and poor, but at least they attended. When they were not in school they were helping out on their families farm.
But times have changed…..their are NO jobs here unless you own a large cattle ranch, the local small farmers that grow corn, etc…aren’t making it very well…..the dairy farmers are now run and operated by huge corporations. The average income is a mere 12,000.oo to 20,000.oo per year. Even before the economy tanked…you stood in line for months to get a job at the local Wal-Mart.
The morals and family values are all but gone for the majority…..lots of churches down here though…..the very same people that go to church on Sunday are getting drunk and cheating on their spouses on friday & saturday night.
Nice place ( for people like me ) to retire and buy property…BAD place to work and raise a family. What a change 30 years made for this area…..and not a very good change either.
The answer I feel is jobs to help reduce poverty…..we need to bring back the manufacturing jobs for these people…and empowering the young ladies down here to stand on their own two feet.
Sad situation……
Blessed Be )O(
Gina Rose ext.9500