Vermont's reputation as having one of the lowest divorce rates in the United States isn't just a happy accident. The state's unique demographic characteristics play a major role in creating an environment where marriages tend to last.
Vermont's Divorce Rate in Context
Vermont consistently ranks at the bottom of national divorce statistics, which is actually great news for married couples. According to the American Community Survey and Census Bureau data, Vermont reported the lowest divorce rate in the United States in 2022 at approximately 9.2 divorces per 1,000 married women. This stands in stark contrast to the national divorce rate of 14.56 divorces per 1,000 married women that same year.
Looking at the crude divorce rate (divorces per 1,000 people in the total population), Vermont's rate sits around 4.6, while the national rate is approximately 7.1. No matter how you measure it, Vermont's divorce statistics paint a picture of remarkable marital stability.
Main Demographic Factors Affecting Vermont Divorce Rates
Several demographic characteristics distinguish Vermont from other states and help explain its low divorce rate. These population patterns create conditions that support longer-lasting marriages.
Higher Median Age at First Marriage
One of the most significant demographic factors affecting Vermont demographics & divorce is the age at which residents first marry. Vermont has one of the highest median ages for first marriage in the country at approximately 30.6 years old. This compares to states like Vermont, where the median age is just 25.8 years.
Research consistently shows that couples who marry in their late twenties or early thirties have significantly better odds of staying together than those who marry younger. Women age 15 and older who marry in their early twenties face substantially higher divorce risks than those who wait until age 25 or beyond.
By the time Vermonters reach their thirties, they've typically completed their education, established careers, developed clearer self-awareness, and gained relationship experience. These factors contribute to more mature partner selection and better conflict resolution skills, both crucial for lasting marriages.
Educational Attainment Levels
Vermont's population has relatively high educational attainment compared to many other states. According to Census Bureau data, a significant portion of Vermont residents hold bachelor's degrees or higher, and this educational profile directly impacts divorce trends.
The correlation between education and marital stability is well-documented. College-educated individuals tend to marry later, choose partners more deliberately, and have lower divorce rates overall. Education often brings better communication skills, higher earning potential, and more tools for navigating relationship challenges, all protective factors against divorce.
Population Density and Rural Character
Vermont is one of the least densely populated states in the nation, with approximately 70.2 people per square mile spread across 9,217.3 square miles. This rural character may contribute to the state's low divorce statistics in several ways.
Rural communities often maintain stronger social networks and community ties, which can provide support systems for married couples during difficult times. Additionally, the slower pace of life in rural Vermont may reduce some of the stressors that contribute to marital problems in more urban environments.
Age Distribution
Vermont's overall age distribution skews slightly older than the national average. The state has a higher proportion of middle-aged and older adults, groups that typically have lower divorce rates than younger cohorts. This demographic profile naturally contributes to lower overall divorce statistics.
The general trend shows that divorce risk is highest for younger married individuals and decreases with age. Vermont's demographic makeup, with fewer young adults and more established middle-aged residents, creates a population profile associated with greater marital stability.
Vermont's Record-Breaking Marriage Duration
Perhaps the most striking statistic in Vermont demographics & divorce data is the median duration of marriages. At approximately 22.4 years, Vermont has the longest median marriage duration in the entire United States. This means that even when Vermont marriages do end in divorce, the couples have typically been together for over two decades.
This extraordinary duration suggests that Vermonters who marry are deeply committed to making their relationships work. It also indicates that Vermont couples who encounter marital difficulties are more likely to work through problems rather than quickly divorce.
Comparing Vermont to National Trends
The United States has seen significant shifts in marriage and divorce trends over the past several decades.
National Divorce Rate Decline
The national divorce rate peaked in 1979 at 22.6 divorces per 1,000 married women. Since then, the general trend has been steadily downward. From 2008 to 2022, divorce rates dropped from just over 10.0 to about 7.0 per 1,000 women age 15 and older, according to American Community Survey data.
Vermont has consistently maintained divorce rates well below these national averages throughout this entire period. Even as the nation's divorce rate declined, Vermont's rates remained remarkably stable at their already-low levels.
Marriage Rate Stability
While divorce rates have declined nationally, marriage rates have remained relatively stable. The national marriage rate was 16.6 per 1,000 women in 2012 and 16.7 in 2022. Vermont follows similar patterns, though the state doesn't rank among those with the highest marriage rates.
This stability in marriage rates, combined with declining divorce rates, suggests that Americans who choose to marry are increasingly likely to stay married. Vermont amplifies this trend with its exceptionally low divorce statistics.
Regional Variations
Divorce rates are based on many factors that vary by region. The Census Bureau data reveal clear geographic patterns, with the Northeast (including Vermont) predominantly consisting of states in the bottom quartile for divorce rates. Meanwhile, the South contained 10 of the 14 states in the top quartile for the highest divorce rates.
States like Arkansas (23.27 divorces per 1,000 married women), New Mexico (20.56), and Wyoming (19.96) had some of the highest divorce rates in 2022. Vermont's rate of 9.2 divorces per 1,000 married women was less than half of Arkansas's rate, demonstrating the enormous variation across states.
The COVID-19 Pandemic's Impact on Vermont Demographics & Divorce
The COVID-19 pandemic significantly affected marriage and divorce patterns nationwide, including in Vermont. Understanding these changes provides insight into how external stressors impact marital stability.
Divorce Rate Declines During Pandemic
Contrary to predictions that pandemic stress would spike divorce rates, the opposite occurred. The American Community Survey showed a nearly 10% decline in the adjusted divorce rate from 15.5 in 2019 to 14.0 in 2020. Vermont followed this national divorce trend, with rates either holding steady or declining slightly during 2020.
Several factors contributed to this unexpected pattern. Court closures and reduced operations made it harder to file for and complete divorces. Financial uncertainty made some couples hesitant to separate due to economic implications. Additionally, some couples may have postponed divorce plans, leading to delayed filings in 2021 and 2022.
Marriage Rate Dip in 2021
The national marriage rate fell below 15.0 in 2021, likely due to postponed weddings during the pandemic. Vermont experienced similar patterns as couples delayed their ceremonies until restrictions lifted. By 2022, marriage rates had largely returned to pre-pandemic levels, demonstrating the temporary nature of this disruption.
Economic and Social Factors in Vermont Demographics & Divorce
Beyond basic population statistics, Vermont's economic and social characteristics contribute to its low divorce rate.
Economic Stability
Vermont maintains a relatively stable economy with moderate unemployment rates. While not the wealthiest state, Vermont's economic stability helps protect marriages from financial stress, one of the top three reasons couples divorce nationwide (cited in 22% of divorces according to Census Bureau surveys).
The number of women in Vermont's workforce has grown steadily, and economic opportunities exist across various sectors. This economic foundation allows couples to establish stable households before marriage and maintain them throughout their relationships.
Quality of Life Factors
Vermont consistently ranks highly for quality of life measures, including low crime rates, strong community connections, access to outdoor recreation, and emphasis on work-life balance. These factors reduce general life stress and may contribute to healthier, more stable relationships.
The state's cultural values emphasizing commitment, community, and stability may also influence how residents approach marriage and divorce. In communities where long-term relationships are valued and supported, couples may receive more encouragement to work through difficulties rather than separate.
Age-Specific Divorce Patterns
Vermont demographics & divorce data reveal interesting patterns when broken down by age groups. While Vermont has lower divorce rates across all age categories, certain patterns emerge.
Younger Adults
Nationally, divorce risk is highest for women aged 15-24, with rates declining for each successive age group. Vermont's higher median age at first marriage means fewer residents marry during this high-risk period, naturally reducing overall divorce statistics.
Middle-Aged Adults
For women aged 35-54, divorce rates remain relatively stable nationally. Vermont follows similar patterns but maintains rates well below national averages across all middle-aged categories.
The "gray divorce" phenomenon, divorces among couples over 50, has risen nationally since 1990. While Vermont hasn't been immune to this trend, the state's median duration of 22.4 years suggests that even longer marriages have better survival rates in Vermont compared to other states.
Marriage-to-Divorce Ratio
Another way to understand Vermont demographics & divorce is through the marriage-to-divorce ratio. In 2022, Vermont's marriage-to-divorce ratio was 3.66, one of the highest in the country. This means there were approximately 3.66 marriages for every divorce, suggesting that marriage is significantly more common than divorce in Vermont.
By comparison, states with high divorce rates often have marriage-to-divorce ratios closer to 2:1 or even lower. Vermont's high ratio reinforces the state's reputation for marital stability.
What These Demographics Mean for Vermont Residents
For Vermonters considering marriage or currently married, understanding these demographic patterns provides valuable context.
Individual Circumstances
While Vermont demographics & divorce statistics are encouraging, they represent population-level trends that don't determine individual outcomes. Every marriage is unique, and statewide statistics can't predict whether any specific relationship will succeed or fail.
Supportive Environment for Marriage
Vermont's demographic profile creates an environment that supports lasting marriages. Higher education levels, economic stability, older age at marriage, and cultural values supporting commitment all contribute to an atmosphere where marriages can thrive.
Access to Resources
Vermont offers various marriage counseling services, family support programs, and legal resources to help couples navigate challenges. The state's smaller population and strong community networks often mean more accessible support when couples need help.
Looking Forward
As Vermont's population continues to evolve, certain demographic trends may affect future divorce patterns.
Aging Population
Vermont's population is aging, with a growing proportion of residents over 50. Since older age groups generally have lower divorce rates, this demographic shift could maintain or even further reduce Vermont's already-low divorce statistics.
Changing Marriage Patterns
Younger generations nationwide are approaching marriage differently, waiting longer, cohabiting first more often, and being more selective about partners. These patterns generally correlate with lower divorce rates, suggesting Vermont's young adults may contribute to continued marital stability.
Economic Changes
Vermont's economy continues to evolve, with growth in remote work opportunities allowing more people to live in the state while maintaining diverse employment. How these economic shifts affect marriage patterns remains to be seen, but economic stability generally supports marital stability.
Vermont demographics & divorce patterns reveal a state where population characteristics align perfectly with factors that support lasting marriages. With the lowest divorce rate in the nation at 9.2 divorces per 1,000 married women, Vermont demonstrates how demographic factors like higher median age at marriage, strong educational attainment, and stable economic conditions create an environment where marriages thrive.
The state's record-breaking median marriage duration of 22.4 years shows that Vermont couples who marry commit to making their relationships work for the long term. Combined with a marriage-to-divorce ratio of 3.66, one of the highest in the country, these statistics paint a picture of exceptional marital stability.