Marriage and divorce patterns in Nebraska reflect both national trends and unique regional characteristics. Nebraska has traditionally been viewed as a family-oriented state with strong community values. But how do these cultural characteristics translate into actual marriage and divorce statistics? The data reveals interesting patterns about how Nebraskans approach marriage, how long relationships last, and what factors contribute to divorce in the state.
Marriage Rates in Nebraska
Nebraska consistently ranks among the states with higher marriage rates compared to the national average. According to U.S. Census Bureau data, 53.1 percent of people age 15 and older in Nebraska are married, compared to the national average of 48.2 percent.
This places Nebraska fourth in the nation for the percentage of married residents, trailing only Utah, Idaho, and Wyoming. Interestingly, neighboring states Iowa and Kansas follow closely at fifth and sixth place, suggesting a regional trend toward higher marriage rates in the Midwest.
The marriage rate, measured as marriages per 1,000 residents, provides another perspective. Nebraska's marriage rate of 6.3 per 1,000 residents ranks as the 19th lowest in the nation. This seemingly contradictory statistic reflects that while many Nebraskans are married, the annual number of new marriages is moderate.
Several factors contribute to Nebraska's high marriage percentage. The state's strong religious communities, traditional family values, and relatively stable economic conditions support marriage as a cultural norm. Rural areas particularly show higher marriage rates compared to urban centers.
Divorce Rates in Nebraska
When examining divorce rates, Nebraska falls near the middle compared to other states. The state's divorce rate stands at approximately 3.0 divorces per 1,000 residents, ranking 23rd lowest in the nation.
This translates to a divorce rate of about 10.2 percent when measured as the percentage of the adult population that is currently divorced. Nebraska's divorce rate is notably lower than the national average, which has fluctuated between 7.1 and 9.8 divorces per 1,000 women age 15 and older in recent years.
The Census Bureau reports that between 2012 and 2022, divorce rates of women age 15 and older declined nationally from 9.8 to 7.1. Nebraska followed this trend with divorce rates remaining relatively stable or declining slightly during this period.
Several states show dramatically different patterns. Nevada consistently posts among the highest divorce rates at 4.2 per 1,000 in 2021, partially due to the state's accommodating marriage laws that lead to more spontaneous marriages. Arkansas and Wyoming also show high divorce rates at 11.9 and 11.0 respectively.
In contrast, states like Vermont and Puerto Rico have among the lowest divorce rates, at 4.6 and 5.1 per 1,000 residents respectively. Nebraska's position in the middle suggests moderate divorce risk compared to the highest and lowest divorce rate states.
Comparing Nebraska to National Trends
National marriage and divorce trends provide context for understanding Nebraska's statistics. The United States has seen significant changes in relationship patterns over the past several decades.
Between 35 and 50 percent of first-time marriages in the United States end in divorce. This percentage increases to approximately 60 percent for second marriages and exceeds 70 percent for third and subsequent marriages. These statistics give the U.S. one of the highest divorce rates in the world.
However, both marriage and divorce rates have been declining nationally. Marriage rates held relatively steady from 2012 to 2022, hovering between 16.0 and 18.0 marriages per 1,000 women age 15 and older, with a dip to below 15.0 in 2021 likely due to COVID-19 pandemic disruptions.
During the same period, divorce rates dropped significantly from 9.8 to 7.1 per 1,000 women. This decline reflects changing attitudes toward marriage, with millennials waiting longer to marry or choosing not to marry at all.
Nebraska mirrors these national trends while maintaining higher marriage rates and moderate divorce rates compared to the national average. The state's traditional values appear to both encourage marriage and provide some protection against divorce.
Factors Influencing Marriage and Divorce in Nebraska
Multiple demographic and social factors affect marriage and divorce rates in Nebraska, similar to patterns seen across the United States.
Age at Marriage
Age when people first marry significantly impacts divorce likelihood. The average age for couples going through their first divorce is 30 years old nationally. Couples who marry between ages 20 and 25 face a 60 percent likelihood of divorce.
Those who wait until after age 25 to marry are 24 percent less likely to get divorced. Nebraska's slightly older average marriage age compared to some southern states may contribute to its moderate divorce rates.
Education and Economic Factors
Higher education levels correlate with lower divorce rates. Couples who have attained college degrees reduce their divorce risk compared to those with only high school education.
Nebraska's relatively strong education system and stable economy provide foundations that support lasting marriages. The state's unemployment rates typically remain below national averages, reducing financial stress that often contributes to marital conflict.
Religious and Cultural Influences
Strong religious beliefs decrease divorce likelihood by approximately 14 percent according to research. Nebraska's significant religious communities, particularly in rural areas, create social support systems that reinforce marriage commitments.
The state's cultural emphasis on family values and community connections provides additional support for married couples facing challenges.
Regional Variations
Within Nebraska, divorce rates vary by location. Urban areas like Omaha and Lincoln show different patterns than rural communities. Ralston, a suburban city in Douglas County, has the state's highest percentage of divorced residents at 16.1 percent, compared to the state average of around 10 percent.
This urban-rural divide reflects patterns seen nationally, where rural areas often have lower divorce rates than metropolitan regions.
Gray Divorce Trends
One notable demographic shift affecting Nebraska and the nation is the rise of "gray divorce" among people age 50 and older. This age group now accounts for the largest proportion of divorces by age group.
Since 1990, divorce rates among couples age 50 and older have doubled. Today, divorce rates for people 50 and older exceed divorce rates among millennials, reversing historical patterns.
Reasons for Gray Divorce
Several factors contribute to increasing gray divorce rates:
- Decreased stigma around divorce means older adults feel less pressure to remain in unsatisfying marriages. Previous generations often stayed together despite unhappiness due to social expectations.
- Longer life expectancy gives people more years to potentially live alone or find new partners. With average lifespans extending into the 80s, a 55-year-old facing 30 more years may choose not to spend them in an unhappy marriage.
- Postponed divorces from earlier years now materialize as children grow up and leave home. Many couples waited until kids were older, then realized they had grown apart.
- Changing priorities as people age lead some to value personal happiness over maintaining appearances or meeting others' expectations.
Gray Divorce Considerations
Divorcing after 50 presents unique challenges, particularly regarding finances and retirement planning. Nebraska's equitable distribution laws require fair division of marital property, which can significantly impact retirement accounts accumulated over decades.
Health insurance becomes a critical concern, as many older divorcing spouses lose coverage through their former spouse's employer plans. Medicare eligibility at age 65 provides some relief, but gaps in coverage can be problematic.
Marriage and Divorce by Gender
Census data reveals interesting gender differences in Nebraska demographics and divorce patterns. Women age 15 and older show consistently higher divorce rates than men in the same age group nationally.
This disparity partly reflects that women are more likely to initiate divorce proceedings. Studies suggest women file for divorce in approximately 70 percent of cases, often citing emotional dissatisfaction and lack of intimacy as primary reasons.
Women also tend to remarry less frequently after divorce than men, particularly after age 40. This pattern contributes to higher percentages of divorced women in the population compared to divorced men.
Seasonal Divorce Patterns
Divorce filings show consistent seasonal patterns both in Nebraska and nationally. Filings spike noticeably in March and August each year.
The March spike often follows the holiday season, when couples who stayed together through the holidays decide to move forward with separation. The August increase correlates with the end of summer and children returning to school, providing a natural transition point for family changes.
Nebraska attorneys report seeing these same seasonal patterns in their caseloads, with quieter periods during December holidays and busy periods in late winter and late summer.
Economic Impact of Divorce Demographics
Marriage and divorce patterns significantly impact Nebraska's economy. High marriage rates generally correlate with economic stability, as married households typically have higher combined incomes and wealth accumulation.
Conversely, divorce creates economic challenges for families and impacts state resources. Divorced individuals often experience reduced financial security, particularly women who may have spent years out of the workforce.
The state's family court system handles thousands of divorce cases annually, requiring significant judicial resources. Child support enforcement, custody disputes, and property division cases place demands on district courts throughout Nebraska.
Future Trends
Current demographic trends suggest Nebraska will likely continue experiencing moderate marriage and divorce rates compared to national averages. Several factors will shape future patterns.
Millennials and Generation Z show different attitudes toward marriage than previous generations. They tend to marry later if at all, cohabit more frequently, and approach relationships with different expectations.
These generational shifts may gradually reduce marriage rates while potentially stabilizing divorce rates, as couples who do marry tend to be older and more financially stable.
Economic factors will continue influencing relationship patterns. Economic uncertainty, student loan debt, and housing costs all affect young adults' decisions about marriage timing.
Resources for Nebraska Couples
Understanding Nebraska demographics and divorce statistics provides context, but individual couples need specific support and resources.
Nebraska Legal Group and other family law firms throughout the state provide legal assistance for both marriage planning through prenuptial agreements and divorce proceedings. These professionals understand Nebraska's specific laws and can guide couples through complex legal processes.
The Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services offers resources for families, including child support services and assistance programs. District courts in all Nebraska counties handle divorce and custody cases, with separate juvenile courts operating in Douglas, Lancaster, and Sarpy Counties.
Counseling services, religious organizations, and community support groups provide emotional and practical support for couples considering divorce or working to strengthen marriages.