North Carolina Divorce Rates

Divorce rates reveal important insights about relationships, family dynamics, and social changes across communities. In North Carolina, understanding divorce statistics helps residents make informed decisions about their own relationships, plan for potential legal needs, and recognize broader patterns affecting families throughout the state.

Current North Carolina Divorce Rates

North Carolina residents experience divorce at a rate slightly higher than the national average. According to the most recent data from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, there were 3.1 divorces per 1,000 people in North Carolina in 2019. More recent figures from 2021 show the rate at 3.2 divorces per 1,000 North Carolina residents, while some sources report the current rate at 2.7 per 1,000 people living in the state.

To put this in perspective, the national average stands at approximately 2.3 to 2.7 divorces per 1,000 people, depending on the year measured. This means North Carolina's divorce rate consistently remains higher than the national average, though the gap has narrowed in recent years.

These statistics translate to approximately 32,862 divorces occurring annually in North Carolina, compared to roughly 64,000 marriages taking place each year. This ratio indicates that while divorce affects a significant portion of the population, marriage remains substantially more common than divorce in any given year.

How Divorce Rates Are Calculated

Understanding how divorce rates are measured helps clarify what these statistics actually represent. The divorce rate is calculated as the provisional count of divorces per 1,000 people living in the state, not just per 1,000 married people.

Here's the basic formula:

1. Count the total number of divorces finalized in one year
2. Divide by the total state population
3. Multiply by 1,000

Each divorce is counted in the state where the marriage was legally ended or where the petition to end the marriage was filed. Annulments are also counted as divorces when calculating the divorce rate, which slightly inflates the numbers but provides a complete picture of marriage dissolutions.

This method allows for fair comparisons between states of different sizes and populations. However, it's important to note that this calculation includes all residents—married and unmarried, children and adults—which means the rate doesn't reflect the percentage of marriages that end in divorce.

Historical Trends in North Carolina Divorce Rates

Divorce rates in North Carolina have decreased significantly over the past three decades. In 1990, the state experienced 5.1 divorces per 1,000 people, representing the highest divorce rate in recent North Carolina history.

By 2000, that number had remained relatively stable at 5.1 divorces per thousand people. However, the rate began declining steadily throughout the 2000s and 2010s. By 2005, the divorce rate had dropped to 4.1 per 1,000 residents, and it continued falling to reach the current rate of approximately 2.7 to 3.2 per 1,000 people.

This represents nearly a 40% decrease over 25 years—a substantial decline that reflects changing attitudes toward marriage and family formation. The steady downward trend suggests that while many marriages still end in divorce, the overall rate continues to fall year after year.

Why Divorce Rates Are Declining

Several factors contribute to North Carolina's declining divorce rates:

People waiting longer to get married

Young adults increasingly delay marriage until their late twenties or early thirties, rather than marrying in their late teens or early twenties as previous generations did. Research consistently shows that couples who marry at older ages experience more stable marriages.

Increased cohabitation

Many couples now live together before marriage or instead of marriage altogether. This allows partners to test compatibility before making a legal commitment, potentially reducing divorce rates among those who do eventually marry.

Economic factors

Financial stability correlates with lower divorce rates. Couples with steady employment, higher incomes, and greater financial security face less economic stress, which reduces one of the primary sources of marital conflict.

Higher education levels

North Carolina's growing university system has increased education levels across the state. College-educated individuals tend to divorce at lower rates than those without degrees, likely due to better communication skills, higher earning potential, and greater relationship stability.

Changing social attitudes

Society's views on relationships, marriage, and divorce have evolved. People feel less pressure to marry quickly or stay in unhappy marriages, leading to more intentional decisions about when and whom to marry.

Access to relationship resources

Increased availability of marriage counseling, therapy, and relationship education helps couples work through problems before reaching the point of separation.

Comparing North Carolina to Other States

North Carolina ranks 18th nationally for divorce rates, placing it in the middle range among all 50 states. With 3.1 to 3.2 divorces per 1,000 people, North Carolina's rate is higher than the national average but far below the states with the highest divorce rates.

Several states with divorce rates similar to North Carolina include Maryland, Virginia, and Washington, all reporting approximately 2.7 divorces per 1,000 residents. Meanwhile, North Carolina's rate is notably lower than states like Arkansas, New Mexico, Wyoming, Kentucky, and West Virginia, which consistently rank among states with the highest divorce rates in the nation.

It's important to note that not all states report divorce data to the National Vital Statistics System. California, Hawaii, Indiana, Minnesota, and New Mexico do not provide complete divorce statistics, making comprehensive national comparisons slightly imperfect.

County-Level Variations in North Carolina

Divorce rates vary significantly across different counties in North Carolina. Rural counties generally experience higher divorce rates than urban areas, though exceptions exist throughout the state.

Counties with the Highest Divorce Rates

According to state data, these North Carolina counties have the highest divorce percentages:

• Jones County: More than 10% of residents divorced in 2019, with 967 divorces but only 33 marriages
• Cumberland County: Consistently ranks among the highest
• Cherokee County: Above-average divorce rates
• Robeson County: Higher than state average
• Halifax County: Above state average
• Rutherford County: Higher divorce rates than urban centers

Counties with the Lowest Divorce Rates

These counties report the lowest divorce rates per 1,000 people:

• Northampton County: 1.2 per 1,000
• Camden, Chatham, and Warren Counties: 1.6 per 1,000
• Hoke and Pender Counties: 1.7 per 1,000
• Davidson, Stokes, and Union Counties: 1.9 per 1,000

Urban counties like Wake County (which includes Raleigh) and Mecklenburg County (which includes Charlotte) fall somewhere in the middle, with Wake County recording 2,706 divorces in 2019. These areas see high absolute numbers of divorces due to their large populations, but their rates per capita remain moderate.

The variation between counties reflects differences in economic opportunities, cultural attitudes, religious influences, educational levels, and demographic composition. Rural communities often maintain more traditional values but may also face economic challenges that stress marriages, while urban areas offer more job opportunities and resources but different social pressures.

Age and Divorce Patterns

Age plays a significant role in divorce trends, with distinct patterns emerging across different age groups in North Carolina and nationally.

Average Age at First Divorce

The median age for a first divorce has increased substantially over the past five decades:

In 1970:

• Women: 27.7 years old
• Men: 30.5 years old

Current statistics:

• Women: 40.1 years old
• Men: 42.6 years old

This represents an increase of more than 12 years for both genders, reflecting the trend toward later marriages and longer periods before divorce. The age gap between men and women at first divorce has remained consistent at approximately 2.8 years.

Divorce Rates by Age Group

Different age groups experience divorce at varying rates:

Ages 20-35 (younger couples):

• Face challenges including financial instability and career uncertainty
• Higher divorce rates when married before age 25
• Couples marrying before 25 have nearly double the divorce risk compared to those marrying after 30

Ages 40-54 (middle-aged adults):

• Experience the highest divorce rates in North Carolina
• Often involve second or later marriages
• May divorce after children leave home (empty nest syndrome)

Ages 50 and older (grey divorce):

• Divorce rates have more than doubled since 1990
• For those 65 and older, rates have tripled since 1990, reaching six per thousand married people
• Often seek divorce to gain independence and focus on personal interests
• May be triggered by retirement, health crises, or incompatible life goals

Factors Affecting Age at Divorce

Highly educated individuals divorce at older ages. Women with graduate or professional degrees average 42.5 years old at divorce, compared to 36.9 for women with some college but no degree.

Ethnicity

Asian women have the highest median age at first divorce (44.6 years), while Hispanic women have the youngest (38 years).

Marriage duration

The average marriage lasts approximately eight years before divorce in North Carolina, though this varies by age at marriage and other factors.

Demographic Factors Influencing Divorce

Beyond age, several demographic factors significantly influence divorce rates in North Carolina.

Gender Differences

Women file for divorce approximately 70% of the time in North Carolina, a pattern consistent with national trends. The reasons for filing differ by gender:

Women typically cite:

• Emotional needs not being met
• Lack of communication
• Growing apart from spouse
• Desire for independence

Men typically cite:

• Financial stress
• Communication problems
• Intimacy issues
• Career conflicts

Education and Income

Education and income levels strongly correlate with divorce rates:

College-educated couples:

• Experience lower divorce rates than those without degrees
• Better communication skills
• Higher earning potential
• Greater relationship stability
• More resources for addressing problems

Income levels:

• Couples earning under $50,000 annually have higher divorce rates
• Those making above $75,000 show more marital stability
• Financial stress is a leading cause of divorce across all demographics

Race and Ethnicity

Divorce rates vary across racial and ethnic groups, though comprehensive North Carolina-specific data on this factor is limited. National patterns suggest variations based on cultural attitudes toward marriage, economic opportunities, and community support systems.

Why People Search for Divorce Rate Information

Understanding why North Carolina residents research divorce statistics reveals important motivations and concerns:

Social Curiosity and Context

Many people look up divorce rates simply to understand whether their experiences match what others face. When friends or family members divorce, or when relationship struggles emerge, knowing that divorce affects 3.1 out of every 1,000 people provides context that their situation isn't unique or unusual.

Planning for Potential Divorce

Individuals considering separation often research divorce rates as part of their decision-making process. Understanding how common divorce is in their county or age group helps people feel less isolated and more prepared for the challenges ahead.

Legal and Financial Preparation

Divorce statistics inform important planning decisions:

• Determining when to consult a divorce attorney
• Understanding typical costs and timelines
• Planning for property division and support payments
• Preparing for child custody arrangements
• Reviewing insurance and beneficiary designations

Professional Applications

Various professionals use divorce rate data:

Family law attorneys: Understanding trends helps lawyers advise clients about realistic expectations and potential outcomes.

Financial planners: Divorce statistics factor into long-term financial planning, especially for clients in higher-risk categories.

Real estate professionals: Housing market trends often correlate with divorce rates, as divorcing couples frequently sell homes or seek new residences.

Mental health professionals: Therapists and counselors use divorce statistics when discussing relationship struggles with clients, normalizing common experiences.

Insurance companies: Divorce rates influence policy pricing and risk assessment for life, health, and property insurance.

Requirements for Divorce in North Carolina

Understanding North Carolina's legal requirements for divorce helps contextualize the state's divorce rates and procedures.

No-Fault Divorce State

North Carolina is a no-fault divorce state, meaning couples can divorce without proving wrongdoing by either spouse. The primary grounds for divorce are:

• One year of separation: Living in separate residences with at least one spouse intending the separation to be permanent
• Incurable insanity: Rarely used, requiring three years of separation due to mental illness and expert medical testimony

The vast majority of North Carolina divorces—both same-sex and heterosexual—proceed on no-fault grounds based on one year of separation.

Residency Requirements

To file for divorce in North Carolina:

• At least one spouse must have lived in North Carolina for six months before filing
• This requirement applies regardless of where the couple married
• The divorce can be filed in the county where either spouse resides

Separation Period

Before filing for absolute divorce, couples must:

• Live in separate residences for at least one year and one day
• Have at least one spouse intend the separation to be permanent during this time
• Not reconcile and resume living together (which would restart the one-year clock)

This mandatory separation period is unique to North Carolina and a few other states. It affects divorce rates by potentially deterring some couples from completing the divorce process or allowing time for reconciliation.

How Divorce Rates Reflect Broader Social Changes

North Carolina divorce rates tell a story about evolving family structures, economic conditions, and cultural values.

Marriage Patterns

Declining divorce rates coincide with declining marriage rates. Fewer North Carolinians are getting married each year—approximately 64,000 marriages compared to 75,657 just a few years earlier. This reflects national trends toward:

• Delayed marriage until later ages
• Increased acceptance of cohabitation without marriage
• Changing attitudes about the necessity of marriage
• Greater focus on career establishment before family formation

Economic Influences

Economic factors significantly impact both marriage and divorce decisions:

During economic hardship:

• Couples may delay divorce due to inability to afford separate households
• Job loss and financial stress increase marital conflict
• Uncertainty about the future makes major life changes more difficult

During economic prosperity:

• Financial stability allows couples to address relationship problems
• Greater resources for therapy and counseling
• Ability to afford separate residences if needed

The COVID-19 pandemic effect:

• Court closures temporarily reduced divorce filings
• Economic uncertainty caused couples to postpone separation
• Extended quarantines created both relationship stress and practical barriers to divorce
• Many expect an increase in divorce filings as pandemic effects diminish

Cultural Shifts

Changing social attitudes influence divorce rates:

• Reduced stigma: Divorce carries less social shame than in previous generations
• Gender equality: Women's increased economic independence makes divorce more feasible
• Relationship expectations: Higher expectations for emotional fulfillment in marriage
• Religious influences: Declining religious participation correlates with changing views on divorce
• Family support: Blended families and multiple marriages have become normalized

Future Divorce Rate Predictions

While predicting exact future divorce rates remains challenging, several trends suggest possible directions for North Carolina:

Factors that may decrease divorce rates:

• Continued trend toward later marriages
• Better relationship education and resources
• Economic recovery following pandemic disruptions
• Reduced marriage rates (fewer marriages mean fewer divorces)

Factors that may increase divorce rates:

• "Grey divorce" trend continuing as Baby Boomers age
• Pandemic-related relationship stress manifesting in delayed divorces
• Economic instability affecting marital stability
• Changing expectations for marriage fulfillment

Most experts expect North Carolina's divorce rate to remain relatively stable or continue its gradual decline, following broader national trends. However, county-level variations will likely persist, with rural areas potentially maintaining higher rates than urban centers.