North Carolina Demographics & Divorce

According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, North Carolina's divorce rate stands at approximately 2.7 to 3.2 divorces per 1,000 people, depending on the year measured. This translates to roughly 32,862 divorces annually across the state, while North Carolina residents celebrate approximately 64,000 marriages each year.

North Carolina's divorce rate is higher than the national average of 2.3 to 2.4 per 1,000 people, placing the state among jurisdictions with elevated divorce rates. However, this represents a significant decline from historical highs. In 1990, North Carolina experienced 5.1 divorces per 1,000 people, and by 2000, the rate remained at 5.1 before beginning its steady downward trajectory.

The current divorce rate means that in any given year, approximately 3.2 North Carolinians out of every 1,000 residents will get divorced. This calculation includes all state residents, not just married individuals, which is the standard method government agencies use to track divorce statistics across the United States.

How Divorce Rates Have Changed Over Time

North Carolina's divorce rates have followed national trends downward over the past three decades, reflecting significant changes in how people approach marriage and relationships.

Historical Trends

The divorce rate in North Carolina peaked in 1990 at 5.1 divorces per 1,000 people. By 2005, that rate had dropped to 4.1, continuing its gradual decline. As of 2021, the divorce rate reached 3.2, and the most recent data shows it at 2.7, representing nearly a 40% decrease over 25 years.

This declining trend mirrors patterns across the United States, where divorce rates increased during the 1970s and early 1980s, peaked nationally at 5.3 divorces per thousand people in 1981, then fell steadily to current levels.

Factors Behind Declining Rates

Several demographic and social factors explain declining divorce rates in North Carolina. 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. Later marriages correlate with greater stability and lower divorce risk because people waiting longer to get married tend to have more established careers, clearer personal goals, and greater emotional maturity.

A majority of Americans now find cohabitation acceptable, and many couples choose to live together before marriage or instead of marriage. This allows partners to test compatibility before making legal commitments. Couples with steady employment, higher incomes, and greater financial security experience less economic stress, reducing a primary source of marital conflict.

North Carolina's growing university system has raised education levels across the state. College-educated individuals divorce at lower rates than those without degrees, likely due to better communication skills and more stable careers. Additionally, increased access to marriage counseling, shifting social attitudes about relationships, and improved family planning options all contribute to declining divorce rates even as the state's divorce rate remains above the national average.

Age and Divorce in North Carolina

Age significantly influences both when people marry and when they divorce, with distinct patterns emerging across different life stages. The median age for first divorce has increased dramatically over the past five decades. In 1970, the average age of a woman going through her first divorce was 27.7 years old, while men averaged 30.5 years. Today, women average 40.1 years at first divorce while men average 42.6 years, an increase of more than 12 years for both genders that reflects trends 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. These figures vary significantly based on ethnicity, with Asian women having the highest median age when they first divorce at 44.6 years, while Hispanic women have the youngest median age at 38 years.

Divorce Patterns Across Age Groups

Different age groups in North Carolina experience divorce at varying rates. Younger couples between the ages of 20 and 35 face challenges, including financial instability, career uncertainty, and personal growth. Couples marrying before age 25 have nearly double the divorce risk compared to those marrying after 30. These couples typically cite growing apart, changing life goals, and financial stress as primary reasons for divorce.

Middle-aged adults between 40 and 54 experience the highest divorce rates in North Carolina. These divorces often involve second or later marriages and may occur after children leave home or when one partner undergoes significant mid-life changes. This age group also handles the most complex divorce cases involving substantial assets, retirement accounts, and business interests that require careful division.

The phenomenon known as grey divorce has become increasingly common among those 50 and older. Divorce rates for people 50 and older have more than doubled since 1990, while rates for those 65 and older have tripled since 1990, reaching six per thousand married people. Empty nest syndrome, shifting life goals, and desires for independence drive many later-life divorces. Older divorcees often seek divorce to gain independence and focus on their own interests for the remaining years of their lives, though grey divorce can be caused by job loss, financial stress, health crises, or incompatible spending habits.

Impact of Education on Divorce Age

Education level significantly affects the age at which people divorce. National data shows that men and women with graduate or professional degrees tend to divorce at older ages than those without degrees. Women with graduate degrees average 42.5 years old at divorce, compared with women who had some college but no degree, who average 36.9 years old at divorce.

More highly educated individuals typically marry later, establish careers first, and possess better communication skills. All of these factors contribute to greater marital stability and later divorces when they do occur. The correlation between education and divorce timing holds true across racial and ethnic groups, though the specific ages vary.

Racial and Ethnic Differences in Divorce

Divorce rates and marriage patterns vary significantly across racial and ethnic groups in North Carolina and nationally. Among North Carolina adults ages 16 and older, Asian Americans show the highest rate of currently married individuals at 64%, followed by white, non-Hispanic adults at 56%. Black, non-Hispanic adults have the lowest share of currently married individuals.

Black, non-Hispanic adults experience the highest divorce rates in North Carolina at approximately 12%, compared to lower rates among other racial and ethnic groups. They also have the highest rate of never having married at 43%, reflecting different historical and contemporary factors affecting marriage patterns in Black communities.

Hispanic adults show the highest cohabitation rates at 10%, reflecting different cultural approaches to relationships and family formation. Some Hispanic couples prioritize informal partnerships over legal marriage, while others face immigration-related barriers that complicate marriage decisions.

These differences reflect varying cultural attitudes toward marriage, different economic circumstances, and distinct family structures across ethnic communities. Historical factors, including discriminatory policies that once made marriage difficult or disadvantageous for certain groups, continue to influence contemporary marriage and divorce patterns.

Geographic Variations Across North Carolina

Divorce rates vary dramatically across different counties in North Carolina, revealing how location, economics, and demographics influence marriage stability. Several North Carolina counties report divorce rates significantly higher than the state average. Jones County experienced more than 10% of residents divorced in 2019, representing the highest rate in the state with 967 divorces but only 33 marriages recorded. Cumberland County consistently ranks among counties with the highest divorce percentages, while Cherokee, Robeson, Halifax, and Rutherford Counties all report elevated divorce rates.

Other counties maintain divorce rates substantially below the state average. Northampton County reports 1.2 divorces per 1,000 people, while Camden, Chatham, and Warren Counties show 1.6 divorces per 1,000 people. Hoke and Pender Counties report 1.7 divorces per 1,000 people, and Davidson, Stokes, and Union Counties show 1.9 divorces per 1,000 people.

Some counties, including Union, Camden, and Currituck, have 60% or more households classified as married couple households, representing the highest shares in the state. These counties tend to be suburban areas with higher median incomes and greater residential stability.

Urban vs. Rural Differences

Clear patterns emerge when comparing urban and rural counties. Urban counties such as Charlotte, Raleigh, and Wake County offer more employment opportunities for both partners, greater access to marriage counseling and support services, and more family law attorneys available. Despite higher population density, these urban areas maintain moderate divorce rates per capita, suggesting that access to resources and economic opportunities help stabilize marriages.

Rural counties often experience higher divorce rates despite smaller populations. These areas have limited access to counseling and support services, fewer economic opportunities, and face unique stressors related to agricultural economies and changing rural demographics. However, rural areas also maintain stronger pressure to stay married due to traditional values and tight-knit communities where divorce carries greater stigma.

Charlotte and Wake County see the most divorce filings in absolute numbers due to population size, but their rates per capita fall in the middle range statewide. Mountain and coastal rural counties often report fewer divorces than other rural areas, potentially due to tourism-based economies and retirement populations that bring different demographics to these regions.

Educational Attainment and Divorce

Education level represents one of the strongest predictors of divorce risk, with clear patterns emerging across different educational backgrounds. In 2021, marriage was significantly more common among those with higher levels of education, and college-educated couples experience lower divorce rates than those without degrees. This pattern holds true in both urban and rural areas of North Carolina.

Several factors explain the correlation between education and marital stability. Higher education typically develops stronger verbal and written communication abilities, helping couples navigate conflicts more effectively. Partners with college degrees often have better tools for discussing problems, expressing needs, and finding compromises during disagreements.

Education correlates strongly with income stability, reducing financial stress that contributes to many divorces. Educated individuals often have more predictable career paths with better benefits and security, providing the financial foundation that supports stable family life. College-educated individuals also tend to marry later, after establishing careers and developing greater emotional maturity. This delay allows people to better understand themselves and what they want in a partner before making lifetime commitments.

The relationship between education and divorce affects not just whether people divorce but when they divorce. The more highly educated a person is, the older they tend to be when experiencing their first divorce. This reflects both later marriage ages and greater marital stability among educated couples. Women with graduate or professional degrees average 42.5 years old at divorce, while those with some college but no degree average 36.9 years old, a difference of nearly six years that demonstrates education's significant impact on relationship timing and stability.

Income and Economic Factors

Financial circumstances significantly influence divorce rates in North Carolina, with clear patterns emerging across different income levels. Economic data reveals strong correlations between income and divorce. Couples earning under $50,000 annually experience higher divorce rates, while those making above $75,000 show significantly more marital stability. Financial stress ranks among the leading causes of divorce across all demographics, with disagreements about money management, spending habits, and financial goals creating persistent conflict in struggling marriages.

Several economic factors contribute to North Carolina's divorce patterns. Job market instability, particularly losses in manufacturing as textile mills and furniture plants closed, hit many communities hard, creating economic stress that strained marriages. Rural economic challenges including farm consolidation and falling crop prices created financial difficulties for farming families, contributing to higher rural divorce rates.

Significant income disparities between urban and rural areas create different economic realities that affect relationship stability. Urban areas typically offer more employment opportunities and higher wages, while rural areas face limited job markets and lower pay scales. This geographic economic divide contributes to the varying divorce rates observed across counties in North Carolina.

Rising costs create additional financial pressure for families. Healthcare costs, housing prices, and childcare expenses continue increasing faster than wages in many areas. In North Carolina, childcare for infants averages $9,255 annually, about 25% above the national rate. Single parents often face financial strain due to these higher costs following divorce, and the anticipation of these expenses may paradoxically keep some unhappy couples together due to economic necessity.

Financial stability through steady employment reduces divorce risk significantly. Couples with predictable incomes and job security experience less stress about money, which translates to fewer conflicts about finances. Economic uncertainty, whether from unemployment, underemployment, or inconsistent income, creates anxiety that spills over into other aspects of marriage, making every disagreement more intense and every challenge harder to overcome.

Military Populations and Divorce

North Carolina's substantial military presence significantly influences the state's overall divorce statistics and patterns. North Carolina hosts numerous military installations including Fort Bragg, now known as Fort Liberty, Camp Lejeune, and other facilities that bring thousands of service members and their families to the state. This creates a large transient population with unique relationship challenges.

Military marriages face distinct stressors that contribute to divorce patterns. Frequent deployments create extended separations that strain relationships and challenge couples to maintain emotional connections across distance and time. Constant relocations required by military service break up support systems, disconnect families from extended relatives and friends, and create instability that makes building lasting community connections difficult.

Many service members marry young before establishing emotional maturity or life experience, which increases divorce risk. The stress of military service itself, including combat exposure, trauma, and the psychological impact of deployment, affects relationships profoundly. PTSD and related conditions create challenges for both service members and their spouses. Additionally, demanding job requirements including long hours, unpredictable schedules, and the inherent stress of military service take significant tolls on marriages.

Beyond military families, North Carolina attracts job-seekers and retirees from other states due to its growing economy and attractive quality of life. Between 2020 and 2023, North Carolina gained 376,000 residents, with 95% of that growth attributed to people moving into the state. People without deep local roots often lack support networks when relationship problems arise. This isolation makes it harder to weather tough times in marriage, potentially contributing to higher divorce rates among newer residents who haven't yet established the community connections that help sustain couples through difficulties.

Same-Sex Marriage and Divorce

Since the legalization of same-sex marriage nationwide in 2015 following the Supreme Court decision in Obergefell v. Hodges, North Carolina has seen growing numbers of same-sex marriages and, inevitably, some divorces. According to 2021 data, 33,543 North Carolina adults were in same-sex marriages, representing 0.85% of the total married population ages 16 and older. This number likely understates the actual figure because the American Community Survey only asks one person in each household about their relationship to household members, making it possible to identify same-sex marriages only when that person reports being married to someone of the same sex.

Same-sex married couples in North Carolina cluster in certain counties. Buncombe County in the Asheville area shows the highest concentration at 2.5% of all married couple households, while Durham County follows closely at 2.4% of all married couple households. These urban, progressive areas with younger populations and universities provide more welcoming environments for same-sex couples.

In contrast, some counties show very low concentrations of same-sex married couples. Pamlico County reports only 0.2%, while Perquimans, Camden, and Northampton Counties each report 0.3%. Only 19 North Carolina counties had shares of same-sex married couple households of 1% or higher in 2020, showing concentration in more urban, progressive areas rather than widespread distribution across the state.

Research indicates that same-sex couples end their marriages at approximately 2% per year, about the same or slightly lower than different-sex couples. This suggests that once legal barriers to marriage were removed, same-sex relationships demonstrate similar stability patterns to heterosexual relationships. The factors that predict successful marriages, including communication skills, financial stability, and compatible life goals, appear to transcend sexual orientation.

Key Divorce Statistics

Implications for Family Law Practice

Understanding North Carolina demographics and divorce patterns helps family law attorneys serve clients more effectively and helps individuals plan for potential relationship changes. Divorce statistics help families make informed choices about relationships and legal options. When people understand the patterns, they can better prepare for challenges and protect their interests through appropriate legal planning.

Knowing divorce rates and demographic patterns helps with long-term financial planning, insurance decisions, and asset protection strategies. Individuals can make more informed decisions about prenuptial agreements, retirement account beneficiaries, and joint account management when they understand statistical divorce risks. Understanding when divorce risk is highest based on age, education, and other demographic factors helps people know when to review their legal and financial arrangements.

Parents who understand typical custody outcomes can focus on maintaining strong bonds with children and preparing for potential custody arrangements. Child custody and child support claims can be filed at any time while children are minors, so preparing for these possibilities protects both parents and children regardless of when relationship problems arise.

North Carolina's requirement that couples live separately for at least one year and one day before filing for absolute divorce affects how families plan separations and influences when divorces are formally recorded in statistics. This mandatory separation period gives couples time to address property division, spousal support, and child-related issues before the absolute divorce becomes final. Understanding this requirement helps people plan more effectively for the practical and emotional challenges of separation.

Community leaders and service providers use divorce data to plan support services, deciding where family counseling programs, legal aid services, and family support resources will do the most good across different counties. Areas with higher divorce rates may benefit from additional family services, while counties with lower rates might focus resources differently. This data-driven approach to resource allocation helps ensure that North Carolinians facing divorce have access to the support they need, regardless of where they live in the state.