What is the divorce rate in Missouri?

Missouri’s divorce rate as of 2021 is roughly 3.7 per 1,000 people, based on National Center for Health Statistics (NCHS) data, which shows the divorce rate in the state from 1990 to 2021. This ratio marginally exceeds the national average of 2.9 per 1,000 inhabitants. Our experience as practitioners here can confirm that Missouri is roughly similar with divorce numbers as in other states. 

It’s essential to keep in mind, though, that divorce rates can differ considerably from year to year and can be influenced by a wide range of circumstances.

Declining Divorce Rate in Missouri

According to NCHS data, the divorce rate in Missouri has been steadily decreasing since the 1990s, with minor fluctuations in recent times.

In 2021, the divorce rate in Missouri was 3.7 divorces per 1,000 inhabitants, down from 5.5 divorces per 1,000 inhabitants in 1990. It’s worth noting that the 2021 rate is provisional and may be revised later.

Why is Missouri’s divorce rate declining?

The fact that Missouri’s divorce rate is undoubtedly declining may surprise you. Divorce is now considerably more prevalent than it was a century or even fifty years ago because of the legalization of no-fault divorce and the waning of the taboo against it.

But it seems that the statistics don’t lie. According to a survey, Missouri has three divorces for every 1,000 citizens, a 14 percent decrease since 2011.

There are several reasons for the drop in the divorce rate in Missouri. The fact that marriage is less frequent than it once was is one potential factor. A study finds that marriage in Missouri has dropped by four percent since 2011. Although the rates of divorce and marriage haven’t changed at the same time, the likelihood of divorce decreases as fewer couples marry.

This trend is due to a number of variables, but one of the most important is that Millennials prefer to wait longer to get married or simply go without marriage entirely in favor of living together. Sometimes cohabitating couples who never get married separate, but they don’t need to seek a divorce. Additionally, Missouri has the ninth-lowest percentage of single people.

Another possibility is that individuals are delaying marriage longer, which increases the likelihood that they will select a partner who complements them.

How does the divorce rate in Missouri compare to other states?

When compared to other states, Missouri’s divorce rate (3.7) falls roughly in the middle. Here are the divorce rates per 1,000 people for a few other states:

California: 2.3

Michigan — 2.3

Pennsylvania — 2.4

Florida: 3.3

Texas: 2.6

New York: 2.2

Nevada: 4.4

Oklahoma — 3.8

Alabama — 3.6

Maine: 2.8

Utah: 3.3

Again, it’s important to keep in mind that divorce rates can fluctuate over time and may be influenced by various social and economic factors.

Contact an experienced Family Law Attorney in St. Charles, MO

When facing a divorce, Shea Kohl Law, LC is available to ensure your peace of mind and protect your best interests. For dependable guidance, an impartial assessment of your circumstances, and practical solutions to your legal concerns, please contact us at (636) 946-9999.