Marriage rates in the United States have continued their multi-decade decline, with Americans increasingly delaying tying the knot, according to recent data. This shift suggests a transformation in the institution of marriage, where unions that do occur tend to exhibit higher rates of endurance, largely attributed to what some experts call "selection effects."
The average age for a first marriage has steadily risen, reaching approximately 30.2 years for men and 28.6 years for women in 2024. This trend contributes to the overall drop in marriage rates, which hit an all-time low in 2018 at 6.5 per 1,000 people, and despite a slight rebound post-pandemic, remain significantly lower than historical peaks. For instance, the marriage rate in 2022 was 31.3 women married per one thousand unmarried women, a 54% decline since 1900.
Several factors contribute to this delayed entry into marriage. Economic stability plays a significant role, with many individuals prioritizing career establishment and financial readiness before considering marriage. Culturally, there's a growing perception of marriage as a "capstone" achievement—something pursued after other life goals are met—rather than a foundational "cornerstone" for adulthood. The rise of cohabitation also allows couples to build relationships and households without immediate formal commitment.
Despite the overall decline in marriage rates, the unions that do form appear to be more robust. This phenomenon is often explained by "selection effects," where individuals who marry later in life may possess greater maturity, financial security, and a more deliberate approach to partnership, leading to more stable relationships. As Leah Libresco Sargeant observed, > "I'd love for this to be good news for marriage, but I think it's mostly selection effects. Marriage rates are down, marriage is delayed. The marriages that actually happen endure at higher rates, but many people miss out entirely." Studies indicate that marrying after age 25 can significantly lower the risk of divorce.
This evolving landscape means that while fewer Americans are marrying, those who do are entering into unions that are, on average, more likely to last. The institution of marriage is becoming more selective, potentially leading to stronger individual partnerships, even as the overall proportion of married households in the U.S. continues to decrease.