Marriage and divorce rates are constantly changing across the country due to many factors. An analysis of the marriage and divorce trends in Colorado and nationwide can help determine how many marriages end in divorce and how common it is.

Are Divorce Rates High in Colorado?

The divorce rates in Colorado have decreased over the last 30 years. In 1990 the divorce rate per 1,000 population was 5.5 and in 2020 it is 2.9. Colorado’s marriage rate has also decreased in the same time period. The marriage rate in 1990 was 9.8 and has decreased to 6.7 in 2020.

Divorce in Colorado is not as high as many states in the country, but it is still fairly common.

What State Has the Highest Divorce Rate?

Data from the CDC reports that Wyoming had the highest divorce rate in 2020, with a rate of 3.8 per population of 1,000. In 2018 and 2019, Arkansas had the highest rate. The state with the lowest divorce rate in 2020 was Massachusetts. 

Over the last 30 years, Nevada has consistently had the highest marriage rate. 

National Divorce Rates Are Decreasing

According to data from the CDC, divorce rates have gone down over the last 20 years. The following data shows a comparison of marriage and divorce rates from 2000, 2010, and 2020.

Year Divorces and Annulments Population Rate per 1,000 total population
2020 630,505 274,190,425 2.3
2010 872,000 244,122,529 3.6
2000 944,000 233,550,143 4.0

 

While divorce rates dropped over the last 20 years, marriage rates have decreased as well. 

Year Marriages Population Rate per 1,000 total population
2020 1,676,911 329,484,123 5.1
2010 2,096,000 308,745,538 6.8
2000 2,315,000 281,421,906 6.2

 

What is the #1 Cause of Divorce?

The causes of divorce vary in every circumstance, but there are a few causes that are highly common. The National Library of Medicine conducted a study to determine what the most common reasons for divorce are in the country. The study found that the most commonly reported contributors to divorce were lack of commitment, infidelity, and conflict/arguing. The study also found that the most common “final straw” reasons were infidelity, domestic violence, and substance use. 

Some other causes of divorce include:

  • Financial problems
  • Marrying too young
  • Health problems
  • Lack of support from family
  • Religious differences
  • Lack of premarital education

What you Need to Know About Divorce in Colorado

Colorado is an equitable divorce state, which does not necessarily mean that property much be split in half, but it does mean that the split has to be equitable and fair. An attorney can help you better understand which assets are up for splitting in the divorce. 

Colorado also has a waiting period of 91 days after petitioning for divorce. Divorce waiting periods vary by state and can be as high as one year.