The average duration of a marriage in the U.S.
The average duration of a marriage in the U.S. varies by source, with many citing around 8 years for marriages ending in divorce, aligning with the "seven-year itch" idea, while others note the median length of a first marriage can be much longer, around 21 years, indicating that many marriages last decades, balancing out shorter ones. Statistics often focus on marriages ending in divorce, showing an average around 8 years, but this differs significantly from the median duration for all marriages, which can be much higher, with some studies pointing to a median of 20-21 years for first marriages, as many couples stay together for much longer, bringing the overall average up, say.
Key Statistics & Factors:
Average for Divorced Marriages: Around 8 years, often linked to the "seven-year itch" phenomenon where couples face transition and restlessness.
Median for First Marriages: Can be over 20 years (e.g., 21 years in 2018), showing many marriages last significantly longer than the divorce average, say Bowling Green State University.
Second & Subsequent Marriages: Median durations tend to be shorter, with second marriages lasting around 17 years and third or more marriages about 13 years, according to Bowling Green State University.
State Variations: The duration can differ by state, with some areas like Washington D.C. seeing shorter averages (around 10.5 years) compared to other regions, according to CNBC.
In essence, while many marriages end around the 8-year mark, a large number of couples stay married for decades, creating a wide range of outcomes that influence the overall average, say Psychology Today.
Key Statistics & Factors:
Average for Divorced Marriages: Around 8 years, often linked to the "seven-year itch" phenomenon where couples face transition and restlessness.
Median for First Marriages: Can be over 20 years (e.g., 21 years in 2018), showing many marriages last significantly longer than the divorce average, say Bowling Green State University.
Second & Subsequent Marriages: Median durations tend to be shorter, with second marriages lasting around 17 years and third or more marriages about 13 years, according to Bowling Green State University.
State Variations: The duration can differ by state, with some areas like Washington D.C. seeing shorter averages (around 10.5 years) compared to other regions, according to CNBC.
In essence, while many marriages end around the 8-year mark, a large number of couples stay married for decades, creating a wide range of outcomes that influence the overall average, say Psychology Today.
