Colorado Divorce Statistics

Whether or not a couple gets divorced has to do with much more than where they live – yet, statistically, researchers have found that certain states consistently have higher divorce rates than others. The annual number of divorce filings is higher in some states every year. Tracking the divorce rate in your state may give you more information about whether marriages last…and if not, why the divorce rate might be so high where you live.

Is it True That 50 Percent of All Marriages End in Divorce?

While the commonly quoted statistic “50 percent of marriages end in divorce” might have been accurate at one point, the actual percentage has slowly been on the decline. According to marriage and divorce data collected by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the national marriage rate in 2020 was 5.1 per 1,000 population – the lowest it has been in over 20 years. The divorce rate was also low at 2.3 per 1,000 total population. In 2020, 1,676,911 marriages were recorded and 630,505 divorces were finalized. This equates to about 37.5 percent of marriages ending in divorce – not 50 percent.

How Common Is Divorce in Colorado?

Although it remains unclear whether there is a link between geography and divorce, statistics track which states have the highest divorce rates year by year. Many states consistently have a higher number of divorces and annulments compared to their neighbors. A summary of statewide divorce rates from 2019 to 2020 by the National Center for Health Statistics named the following as the top 10 states for divorce (along with divorce rates calculated per 1,000 population):

• Wyoming: 3.8
• Alabama: 3.7
• Arkansas: 3.6
• Oklahoma: 3.5
• Idaho: 3.4
• Utah: 3.3
• Mississippi: 3.3
• Tennessee: 3.2
• Alaska: 3.2
• West Virginia: 3.1

All of these states have higher divorce rates than the national average. Colorado was number 14 on the list, with a divorce rate of 2.9 per 1,000 population in 2020. The state with the lowest divorce rate in 2020 was Massachusetts (1.0). However, this data excludes the rates for California, Hawaii, Indiana, Minnesota and New Mexico. 

Why Do So Many Couples Get Divorced in Colorado?

Colorado might not have made the top 10 states for divorce, but it is one of the higher-ranking states in the country for marriages that don’t last. The statistics that track divorce rates are intriguing, but they do not delve into the reasons for divorce. Couples may choose to dissolve their marriages for many different reasons in Colorado, including:

• Financial problems
• Unemployment
• Stressors, such as the COVID-19 pandemic
• Stress connected to work-life balance
• Trouble communicating
• Divorced parents
• Previous marriages
• Having more than three children
• Age difference between the spouses
• Age at the time of the marriage

As for location, certain states may have a lower quality of living or more opportunities for stress – both of which could contribute to divorce. Examples include a low minimum wage, high poverty levels, economic struggles and inclement weather. These issues can result in higher rates of depression, unemployment and overall stress in those states that can increase the odds of divorce.

Considering a Divorce in Colorado? Get Help.

If you are one of many people seeking a divorce in Colorado this year, don’t go through the legal process alone. A divorce attorney can help you navigate Colorado’s divorce laws and protect your rights. It is especially important to hire an attorney if your divorce has complications, such as children, high-value assets or a military service member. In these situations, a divorce lawyer can make sure your voice is heard and your best interest is protected. 

You can trust your attorney to fight for the best possible outcome for your divorce case. Your lawyer will also ensure an effective divorce process that minimizes the emotional toll on the whole family. Although no one really “wins” in a divorce case, a lawyer will improve your chances of getting the case outcome that you want. This can allow you to move forward with your new life with greater hope for the future. For more information about getting divorced in Fort Collins, Colorado, contact The Law Office of Stephen Vertucci, LLC.