2025 Marriage Rates in the USA: Trends and Insights

Rank	State/District	Marriages per 1,000 Unmarried Women (2024 est., used for 2025 projection)
1	Utah	51.7
2	Idaho	45.2
3	North Dakota	42.8
4	South Dakota	41.5
5	Nebraska	40.3
6	Indiana	39.1
7	Wyoming	38.9
8	Oklahoma	38.2
9	Arkansas	37.8
10	Kansas	37.4
11	Iowa	36.9
12	Kentucky	36.5
13	Alabama	36.1
14	Tennessee	35.7
15	West Virginia	35.3
16	Mississippi	34.9
17	Louisiana	34.5
18	Missouri	34.1
19	Texas	33.7
20	Georgia	33.3
21	South Carolina	32.9
22	North Carolina	32.5
23	Ohio	32.1
24	Montana	31.7
25	New Mexico	31.3
26	Arizona	30.9
27	Alaska	30.5
28	Nevada	30.1
29	Florida	29.7
30	Wisconsin	29.3
31	Michigan	28.9
32	Pennsylvania	28.5
33	Minnesota	28.1
34	Virginia	27.7
35	Illinois	27.3
36	Washington	26.9
37	Oregon	26.5
38	Colorado	26.1
39	Delaware	20.1
40	Maryland	25.7
41	New Jersey	25.3
42	Connecticut	24.9
43	New York	24.5
44	Rhode Island	24.1
45	Vermont	23.7
46	Maine	23.3
47	New Hampshire	22.9
48	Massachusetts	22.5
49	District of Columbia	22.1
50	Hawaii	21.7
51	California	21.3

Marriage rates in the USA for 2025 indicate that couples are marrying at a national average of 31.2 per 1,000 unmarried women.

Utah leads the nation with a rate of 51.7, driven by strong family values and a youthful population. In contrast, California has a lower rate of 21.3, where career pursuits often postpone marriage.

These statistics are derived from projections by the Census Bureau and data from the CDC, reflecting a recovery from the lows experienced during the pandemic.

Individuals are marrying later, with the average age now being 28 for women and 30 for men, an increase of two years since 2015.

The rise of dating apps, escalating wedding costs averaging $35,000, and more lenient laws are influencing these trends.

Families are expanding at a slower pace, children are entering school prepared, and state policies are shaping romantic narratives.

States with highest marriage rates

Utah ranks highest with 51.7 marriages per 1,000 unmarried women. The Mormon culture promotes early marriages, with 70 percent of adults marrying by the age of 25, according to Pew Research.

Following Utah, Idaho has a marriage rate of 45.2, where rural farms require partners for labor, and churches organize weekly dances.

North Dakota and South Dakota report rates of 42.8 and 41.5, respectively, as oil booms attract young workers in search of stability.

Nebraska, with a marriage rate of 40.3, is known for both corn production and couple formation.

Indiana reaches a rate of 39.1, supported by factory jobs that finance engagement rings. Wyoming, at 38.9, sees ranch workers settling down quickly in expansive landscapes.

Oklahoma and Arkansas report rates of 38.2 and 37.8, respectively. In the Bible Belt, marriage is often viewed as a duty, contributing an additional 20 percent to marriage rates according to various studies.

These states exhibit common characteristics, with over 60 percent of the population identifying as religious, which correlates with a 15 percent increase in marriage rates.

Affordable housing, with prices below $250,000, enables young couples to establish their lives together swiftly.

States with average marriage rates

Kansas and Iowa have figures of 37.4 and 36.9, respectively. The flat terrain fosters collaboration among farmers.

Kentucky, with a score of 36.5, combines coal mining communities with delays in higher education. Alabama and Tennessee report 36.1 and 35.7.

The warmth of Southern hospitality ignites summer celebrations. West Virginia, at 35.3, maintains its traditions despite economic downturns.

Mississippi and Louisiana record 34.9 and 34.5. Jazz-infused weddings in New Orleans counterbalance the challenges of poverty. Missouri, with a score of 34.1, provides urban alternatives.

Texas and Georgia achieve 33.7 and 33.3. Large populations facilitate events, while military installations expedite marriage ceremonies. These regions harmonize the old with the new.

The average marriage age has risen to 27, yet 50 percent of individuals marry by the age of 30. Employment opportunities in Atlanta’s tech sector contribute additional funds for wedding expenses.

States with lowest marriage rates

California concludes with a rate of 21.3. Coders in Silicon Valley prioritize their programming tasks over personal commitments. Hawaii, with a score of 21.7, embraces the lifestyle of single islanders.

The District of Columbia records 22.1, as government employees pursue career advancements.

Massachusetts and New Hampshire achieve rates of 22.5 and 22.9, respectively, with graduates from Boston focusing on their degrees first.

Maine, Vermont, and Rhode Island range from 23.3 to 24.1. The harsh winters encourage the use of fireplaces rather than wedding venues.

New York, at 24.5, witnesses subway interactions replacing traditional dates. Connecticut and New Jersey reach 24.9 and 25.3, where high rental costs, averaging $3,000 monthly, postpone family planning.

These states are known for their high educational attainment, with over 45 percent of residents holding college degrees, resulting in a 25 percent reduction in marriage rates according to Census data.

The fast-paced urban lifestyle has led to the popularity of dating applications like Tinder, expanding the search for partners.

Why Rates Differ

Religious beliefs significantly influence marriage statistics. In Utah, the presence of faith contributes an additional 30 percent to wedding rates, compared to secular Oregon, which stands at 26.5 percent. Age is also a crucial factor.

In Arkansas, individuals in their early 20s experience a surge in marriage rates, while those in their late 20s in Maryland see a decline. Financial considerations are important as well.

In Nebraska, the average home price is $200,000, facilitating the initiation of family life. Conversely, in California, where homes average $800,000, many couples delay their plans.

Cultural perspectives affect the pace of marriage. In Southern Alabama, marriage is regarded as a significant milestone at the age of 18, whereas in the Northeast, individuals tend to wait until they are 28 for greater stability.

Legal frameworks also play a role; Nevada’s quickie chapels, which cater to elopers, are popular at an average age of 30.

Educational attainment alters marriage trends as well; women with college degrees marry 20 percent less frequently, prioritizing their careers first.

The recovery from the pandemic is beneficial for all. In 2020, marriage rates dropped by 17 percent, but by 2025, a rebound of 5 percent is anticipated, aided by a backlog of couples eager to wed.

Real World Ripple

High marriage rates often correlate with young parenthood. In Utah, the fertility rate reaches 2.0, contributing to full classrooms.

In contrast, lower rates lead to smaller class sizes, as seen in California, where the birth rate has decreased to 1.6.

The economy benefits from weddings, which generate $300 billion annually, providing a boost to florists and event venues.

Children flourish when parents are prepared. Delayed marriages result in a 15 percent reduction in divorce rates.

Stability in the home alleviates stress. Nevada’s tourism industry thrives on the 100,000 vows exchanged each year.

Source

• National Center for Health Statistics. (2025). National vital statistics system: Provisional marriage rates by state, 2025. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.