The dissolution of marriage, commonly referred to as divorce, represents a significant demographic and social phenomenon with profound implications for individuals, families, and society at large. Understanding the prevalence, trends, and contributing factors associated with divorce is crucial for researchers, policymakers, and practitioners seeking to comprehend contemporary family dynamics and address related social issues. This report provides a comprehensive analysis of divorce rates in the United States, with a specific focus on the state of California and several of its most populous counties: Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino, and San Diego. Furthermore, it synthesizes findings from various research studies and surveys to identify the most commonly cited reasons individuals report for ending their marriages. The analysis relies on the most recently available data from governmental agencies such as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the U.S. Census Bureau, supplemented by academic research and reputable surveys.

Methodological Considerations in Measuring Divorce

Measuring divorce prevalence accurately presents several challenges, primarily stemming from variations in data collection methods and definitions across different sources and jurisdictions. It is essential to understand these nuances when interpreting divorce statistics.

  • Crude Divorce Rate: This is perhaps the most commonly cited statistic, typically expressed as the number of divorces per 1,000 total population in a given year. Data for this rate are often derived from state vital statistics records collected by agencies like the CDC’s National Center for Health Statistics (NCHS). However, a significant limitation is that not all states consistently report divorce data to the NCHS. For instance, the provisional 2022 national rate excluded data from five states, including California. This incomplete reporting can affect the accuracy and comparability of the national crude rate over time and across regions. Furthermore, the crude rate includes the entire population (including children and unmarried adults) in its denominator, which can obscure changes specific to the married population. 
  • Refined Divorce Rate (Rate per 1,000 Married Women): Many researchers consider this a more accurate measure of marital dissolution risk because it relates the number of divorces specifically to the population at risk – married individuals. Often calculated as divorces per 1,000 married women aged 15 and older, this rate provides a clearer picture of divorce prevalence within the married cohort. Data for this rate frequently comes from large-scale surveys like the U.S. Census Bureau’s American Community Survey (ACS), which asks individuals if they divorced within the past year. 
  • Percentage Divorced: This metric, also often derived from Census Bureau surveys like the ACS, indicates the proportion of the adult population (e.g., aged 15 or 18 and older) who identify their current marital status as “divorced” at a specific point in time. It reflects the cumulative prevalence of divorce in the population, rather than the rate of new divorces occurring within a year. This is the primary metric available for the specific California counties requested in this analysis. 
  • Data Source Variations: Discrepancies can arise between vital statistics data (counts of divorce decrees) and survey data (self-reported marital status changes). Vital statistics may undercount divorces due to reporting gaps , while survey data relies on respondent recall and reporting accuracy. The ACS, for example, measures divorces occurring in the past 12 months per 1,000 women aged 15 and over. 

Given these methodological differences, it is crucial to specify the metric being used when discussing divorce rates. This report will primarily utilize CDC/NCHS data for national crude rates and ACS/NCFMR data for refined rates and population percentages, clearly indicating the metric employed.

Divorce Rates in the United States

National divorce statistics reveal a complex picture characterized by different measurement approaches and a notable long-term decline from historical peaks.

National Divorce Rate

Based on provisional data from the CDC/NCHS National Vital Statistics System, the crude divorce rate in the United States for 2022 was 2.4 divorces per 1,000 total population. This rate was calculated based on data from 45 reporting states and the District of Columbia, representing a total of 673,989 divorces and annulments. Significantly, California was among the states whose data was excluded from this specific calculation. 

This 2022 rate reflects a continuation of a long-term downward trend. The crude divorce rate has fallen considerably from 4.0 per 1,000 population in the year 2000 and 2001. The rate stood at 3.6 or 3.7 per 1,000 in the mid-2000s, gradually decreasing to 2.9 in 2017 and 2.7 in 2019, before experiencing a sharper drop to 2.3 in 2020 (potentially influenced by pandemic-related court closures and reporting delays) and a slight rebound to 2.5 in 2021. The 2022 rate of 2.4 remains significantly lower than rates observed in the early 2000s. 

National Divorce Rate per 1,000 Married Women

Analyses using data from the U.S. Census Bureau’s American Community Survey (ACS), particularly those conducted by the National Center for Family & Marriage Research (NCFMR), provide the refined divorce rate. For 2022, the NCFMR estimated the adjusted divorce rate at 14.56 divorces per 1,000 married women aged 15 and older. This represented a slight increase from the 40-year low of 14.0 recorded in both 2020 and 2021, potentially reflecting a post-pandemic normalization. 

Despite this minor uptick, the overall trend since the ACS began tracking this metric consistently around 2008 has been one of decline. The U.S. divorce rate, measured per 1,000 married women, peaked historically around 1979-1980 at approximately 22.6. The rate has nearly quadrupled since 1900 (when it was 4.1 per 1,000 married women) but has been generally decreasing for the past four decades. The 2022 rate of 14.56 remains substantially below the historical peak. 

Census Bureau ACS Divorce Rate per 1,000 Women

The U.S. Census Bureau also reports divorce rates based on the ACS, defined as the number of women aged 15 and over who divorced in the past 12 months per 1,000 women in that age group. For 2022, this rate was 7.1. This metric also shows a decline, down from 9.8 in 2012 and over 10.0 in 2008. 

Overall Trends in Divorce and Contributing Factors

The consistent decline in annual divorce rates (both crude and refined) over recent decades is a significant demographic trend. Several factors are hypothesized to contribute to this decline: 

  • Delayed Marriage: Individuals, particularly younger generations like millennials, are marrying at older ages compared to previous cohorts. Marrying later is often associated with greater emotional maturity and financial stability, potentially leading to more stable unions. The average age at first marriage in California, for instance, is relatively high. 
  • Increased Education Levels: Higher educational attainment, particularly among women, is generally correlated with lower divorce rates. 
  • Cohabitation: Increased rates of cohabitation before marriage may allow couples to assess compatibility before marrying, potentially filtering out less stable relationships. 
  • Declining Marriage Rates: Alongside falling divorce rates, marriage rates have also declined. Fewer people marrying overall naturally leads to fewer potential divorces, although this doesn’t fully explain the drop in the rate per married person. The national marriage rate per 1,000 population was 6.2 in 2022 , down from 8.2 in 2000. 

It is important to note that while annual divorce rates are declining, a substantial proportion of marriages still end in divorce over the long term. Estimates suggest that around 41-50% of first marriages may eventually end in divorce or separation, with higher rates for second (around 60%) and third (around 73%) marriages. Approximately 34% of ever-married women and 33% of ever-married men aged 20+ have experienced divorce. 

Divorce Rates in California

California’s divorce statistics present some complexities due to its exclusion from certain national vital statistics reports and the use of different metrics in available sources.

California State Divorce Rate

The CDC/NCHS provisional national crude divorce rate for 2022 (2.4 per 1,000 population) explicitly excluded data from California. Similarly, the CDC’s state-level divorce rate table for 2019-2022 shows no rate listed for California. 

However, data from the U.S. Census Bureau’s American Community Survey (ACS) provides a measure. According to the Census Bureau’s visualization comparing 2012 and 2022, the divorce rate in California for 2022 was 6.0 divorces per 1,000 women aged 15 and over. This represents a decrease from the 2012 rate. 

Other sources offer different perspectives, often focusing on the percentage of the population currently divorced or using varying definitions:

  • Several sources, citing data.census.gov, state that 8.9% of the California population aged 15+ was divorced in 2021. This figure reflects a steady decline from 9.8% in 2014. Within this 2021 figure, 10.5% of women were divorced compared to 7.1% of men. 
  • Some legal blogs cite a California divorce rate of 5.88 per 1,000 female residents aged 15 and up (likely based on 2021 ACS data) , or an estimated 6.7 per 1,000 individuals in 2023. Another source mentions a rate of 7.45% (75 per 1,000 people) divorced in 2023. A less clearly defined figure of “90 per 1,000 people annually” is also mentioned, though its methodology is suspect.
  • World Population Review data for 2021 reportedly placed California’s divorced population percentage at 9.30%. 

Despite the varying figures, a consistent theme emerges: California’s annual divorce rate (when measured comparably, like the ACS rate per 1,000 women) is relatively low compared to many other U.S. states. California often ranks among the states with the lowest divorce rates. For example, the 2022 ACS rate of 6.0 per 1,000 women  is lower than the national average of 7.1. 

Factors Influencing California Divorce Rates

Factors contributing to California’s divorce patterns include those seen nationally (delayed marriage, education) as well as state-specific elements:

  • Cost of Living: The high cost of living in many parts of California can create significant financial stress, a known contributor to divorce. Conversely, economic downturns might cause couples to delay divorce due to financial inability to separate households. 
  • Career Pressures: Demanding careers and work-life balance issues, particularly in certain regions and industries, can strain marriages. 
  • Cultural Diversity: California’s diverse population exhibits varying divorce patterns across ethnic groups. Data from 2021 indicates the highest percentage divorced among Black or African American residents (12%) and the lowest among Asian residents (5.8%). White residents showed 11.2% divorced, American Indian 9.2%, Native Hawaiian 8.6%, and Hispanic/Latino 6.8%. 
  • No-Fault Divorce: California is a “no-fault” divorce state, meaning spouses do not need to prove wrongdoing like adultery or abuse to obtain a divorce; citing “irreconcilable differences” is sufficient. While this simplifies the legal process, it hasn’t necessarily led to higher rates compared to other states in recent years. California is also a community property state, generally requiring an equal (50/50) division of assets acquired during the marriage. 

Divorce Statistics in Select Southern California Counties

Obtaining consistent, annual divorce rate data at the county level is challenging. Official vital statistics reporting often stops at the state level, and court filing data may not be readily translated into population-based rates. The California Department of Public Health (CDPH) maintains vital records, including divorce certificates, but readily published county-level rates are scarce. County recorder offices typically handle record requests but not statistical aggregation. 

The most consistent data available for the requested counties comes from ACS estimates of the percentage of the population aged 15 and over who are currently divorced. Data, likely reflecting the 2021 ACS 1-year estimates , shows the following percentages for the specified counties: 

  • Los Angeles County: 8.2% divorced  
  • Orange County: 9.2% divorced  
  • Riverside County: 9.3% divorced  
  • San Bernardino County: 9.5% divorced  
  • San Diego County: 9.9% divorced  

These figures represent the stock of divorced individuals in the population at a point in time, not the annual flow of new divorces. They indicate that roughly 8-10% of the adult population in these major Southern California counties identifies as divorced. For context, the statewide percentage divorced was reported as 8.9% in 2021. 

While these percentages provide a snapshot, some sources make claims about high rates in specific counties, though the metrics are often unclear or potentially inflated:

  • Orange County: Several legal blogs assert that Orange County has one of the highest divorce rates in California and even the country. One source claims estimates indicate “around 72% of marriages in Orange County end in divorce,” a figure significantly higher than national estimates for first marriages and likely inaccurate or misinterpreted. Another common statistic cited is approximately 33 divorce filings per day in Orange County courts. Reasons suggested for potentially higher rates include financial stress from high living costs, career pressures, high median income enabling divorce affordability, and cultural/lifestyle factors. However, the ACS data shows Orange County’s percentage divorced (9.2%) is only slightly above the state average (8.9%) and below San Diego, San Bernardino, and Riverside counties. California Family Law Group data shows an average annual divorce rate (likely filings per population) of 3.08 for Orange County between FY16-17 and FY20-21, slightly below the statewide average of 3.10 in that dataset. 
  • Riverside County: One source claims “almost 60% of marriages end in divorce” in Riverside, similar to the questionable Orange County figure. It also cites the percentage divorced as 8.6% for men and 11.3% for women , averaging to roughly the 9.3% reported elsewhere. High divorce rates are sometimes attributed to economic challenges like housing affordability. The California Family Law Group data shows an average annual rate of 3.36 for Riverside County (FY16-17 to FY20-21). 
  • Los Angeles County: Cited as having one of the highest divorce rates, attributed to diverse and fluctuating socio-economic conditions. The ACS percentage divorced (8.2%) is the lowest among the five counties listed. The California Family Law Group data shows an average annual rate of 3.03 (FY16-17 to FY20-21). 
  • San Bernardino County: The ACS percentage divorced is 9.5%. The California Family Law Group data shows an average annual rate of 3.49 (FY16-17 to FY20-21). 
  • San Diego County: Has the highest percentage divorced among the five counties at 9.9%. The California Family Law Group data shows an average annual rate of 3.48 (FY16-17 to FY20-21). 

The discrepancy between the relatively modest ACS percentages divorced and claims of extraordinarily high rates (like 60-72% of marriages ending in divorce) in Orange and Riverside counties highlights the need for caution and reliance on clearly defined, consistently measured statistics like those from the ACS. The ACS data suggests these Southern California counties have a prevalence of divorced individuals slightly above or below the state average, rather than dramatically higher rates based on that specific metric.

Leading Causes of Divorce in the United States

Understanding why marriages end is complex, relying heavily on self-reported reasons from individuals who have experienced divorce. Research consistently identifies several key themes, although the specific ranking and prevalence can vary depending on the study population and methodology.

Core Reasons Consistently Identified

Multiple studies and surveys point to a core set of reasons frequently cited by individuals for their divorce:

  • Lack of Commitment: This is often ranked as the number one or a very high reason for divorce. It encompasses a gradual erosion of dedication to the marriage or a more sudden decline, perhaps triggered by specific events like infidelity. One study involving divorced individuals found 75% cited lack of commitment as a major contributing factor. Another survey reported 73% citing it. A Forbes Advisor survey found it mentioned by 23%. This suggests a fundamental breakdown in the perceived willingness of one or both partners to invest in maintaining the relationship. 
  • Infidelity / Extramarital Affairs: This is another major contributor, frequently cited as a critical turning point or the “final straw” leading to divorce. Prevalence estimates vary: one study found nearly 60% of individuals cited it , another reported 55% , a Forbes survey found 34% , and a survey of Certified Divorce Financial Analysts (CDFAs) reported it as the second leading cause at 28%. Interestingly, partners do not always agree that infidelity was a major cause; one study found agreement in only about 31% of couples where at least one partner cited it. This highlights the subjective nature of attributing cause and the potential for differing perspectives within the dissolving couple. 
  • Conflict / Arguing: Excessive, unresolved, and often escalating conflict is a common reason for marital breakdown. This is closely tied to poor communication skills, where disagreements turn into damaging fights rather than constructive problem-solving. One study reported 57.7% of individuals citing too much conflict , while another found 56% citing it. A Forbes survey listed it at 31%. Specific areas of conflict identified in surveys include career choices (46%), parenting differences (43%), division of household labor (43%), and relationships with family (39%). 
  • Financial Problems / Money Issues: Disagreements over finances – including spending habits, financial goals, values around money, and general financial stress – are significant predictors of divorce. Some studies suggest financial disagreements are the strongest predictor. CDFA professionals ranked money issues third (22%) , and the Forbes survey found 24% citing financial stress. Often, these conflicts are not just about money itself but reflect deeper issues of trust, communication, power, and security within the relationship.

B. Other Frequently Mentioned Causes

Beyond the top-tier reasons, several other factors consistently appear in divorce research:

  • Marrying Too Young / Lack of Preparation: Entering marriage at a young age or without realistic expectations or adequate preparation is frequently cited. One survey found 46% citing marrying too young. This often overlaps with issues of incompatibility that emerge as individuals mature and change. 
  • Substance Abuse / Addiction: Alcohol or drug abuse by one or both partners has a corrosive effect on marriages, impacting trust, finances, intimacy, and safety. It is often identified as a “final straw” reason for divorce. 
  • Domestic Violence / Abuse: Physical, emotional, or verbal abuse is a critical factor leading to divorce, particularly highlighted in surveys of older adults and often cited as a “final straw”. One survey reported 25% citing it. 
  • Incompatibility / Growing Apart / Differing Values: This broad category captures marriages ending because partners feel they have drifted apart, lack shared interests, or hold fundamentally different values or lifestyle goals. CDFA professionals ranked “basic incompatibility” as the leading cause (43%), though they noted it often masks deeper issues. It was cited by 31% in the Forbes survey. 
  • Lack of Intimacy: A decline in emotional and/or physical closeness is also cited. The Forbes survey found 31% citing this reason. 
  • Lack of Family Support: Notably ranked as the leading cause (43%) in the Forbes Advisor survey, this factor suggests disapproval from family/friends or lack of practical/emotional support can significantly undermine a marriage. 
  • Lack of Equality: Perceived imbalances in the relationship, whether in contributions, power, or respect, were cited by 44% in one survey. 
  • Parenting Differences: Conflicts over raising children were cited as a reason for divorce by 20% in the Forbes survey and as a major conflict area by 43%. 

It is crucial to recognize that these causes are often interconnected. Financial strain can exacerbate conflict; lack of commitment may lead to infidelity or emotional distance; poor communication underlies the inability to resolve disagreements about parenting or finances. Divorce rarely stems from a single, isolated issue but rather a complex interplay of factors that erode the marital bond over time. 

Furthermore, the reported reasons for divorce are inherently subjective. Individuals tend to attribute blame more to their ex-partner than to themselves. The use of broad terms like “incompatibility” might sometimes serve as a less confrontational way to describe deeper, more specific issues, or it may genuinely reflect a fundamental mismatch that emerges over time. The reasons cited can also differ based on the duration of the marriage, with incompatibility more common in early divorces and issues like infidelity or lack of intimacy more prominent in the dissolution of longer-term marriages. 

Conclusion and Implications

This analysis reveals several key findings regarding divorce rates and their causes in the United States and California:

  • Multiple Metrics, Declining Trend: Measuring divorce requires careful attention to the metric used (crude rate, refined rate, percentage divorced). Regardless of the specific measure, most indicators show a general decline in annual U.S. divorce rates over the past few decades, falling significantly from peaks observed around 1980. The most recent provisional national crude rate (2022) is 2.4 per 1,000 population (excluding California and 4 other states) , while the refined rate is around 14.6 per 1,000 married women. 
  • California’s Position: California’s annual divorce rate, measured by the ACS as 6.0 per 1,000 women aged 15+ in 2022 , is below the national average and ranks among the lower states. The percentage of the state’s population currently divorced was around 8.9% in 2021. 
  • County Data Limitations: Available data for Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino, and San Diego counties primarily reflects the percentage of the population currently divorced (ranging from 8.2% in LA to 9.9% in San Diego in 2021). Claims of exceptionally high annual rates in some counties (e.g., Orange, Riverside) are not substantiated by consistent, reliable metrics and should be viewed with caution. 
  • Leading Causes of Divorce: Across various studies, the most consistently cited reasons for divorce include lack of commitment, infidelity, excessive conflict/arguing, and financial problems. Other significant factors include marrying too young, substance abuse, domestic violence, incompatibility, and lack of intimacy or family support. 

Complexities and Interconnections: The decline in annual divorce rates is intertwined with broader societal shifts, such as later age at marriage, increased educational attainment, and potentially the filtering effect of premarital cohabitation. However, economic pressures, particularly the high cost of living in areas like California, can strain relationships. The reasons individuals give for divorce are complex, often interconnected, and subjective, reflecting personal attributions rather than a single objective cause. 

Implications:

  • Data Collection: There is a clear need for more consistent, comprehensive, and publicly accessible divorce data collection, particularly standardized annual rates at the state and county levels, to allow for accurate tracking and analysis of local trends. The exclusion of major states like California from national vital statistics reports limits their utility. 
  • Policy and Intervention: Understanding the leading causes of divorce can inform preventative strategies. Programs focusing on premarital education (addressing realistic expectations, communication, conflict resolution, financial management) , affordable couples counseling, substance abuse treatment, and domestic violence prevention align with the major reported reasons for marital dissolution. The finding regarding lack of family support  suggests potential benefits from initiatives that strengthen social networks for couples. 
  • Legal and Therapeutic Practice: Legal professionals and therapists should be aware of the common drivers of divorce (commitment issues, infidelity, conflict, finances) and the interconnectedness of these factors. Recognizing the subjectivity of blame and the potential for differing perspectives between partners is crucial for effective mediation, counseling, and legal representation. 
  • Individual Awareness: Individuals considering marriage can benefit from understanding the factors associated with marital stability (e.g., marrying at older ages, higher education) and risk (e.g., marrying very young, financial stress, poor communication). Emphasis on building strong communication skills, shared values, and ongoing commitment appears vital for marital longevity. 

Future Research: Further research is needed to understand the nuances behind broad divorce reasons like “incompatibility” and “lack of commitment.” Longitudinal studies tracking recent marriage cohorts are essential to determine if lower annual divorce rates translate into lower lifetime divorce probabilities. Improved methodologies for collecting and reporting county-level divorce rates would significantly enhance understanding of geographic variations and the impact of local socio-economic conditions.

Need Help Navigating Divorce? Contact Reel Fathers Rights APC Today

If you or a family member are currently facing challenges in the Southern California Family Courts and are in need of legal assistance, we encourage you to reach out to Reel Fathers Rights APC. We are here to discuss how we can support you during this difficult time. Our team of highly experienced Family Law attorneys are acutely aware of the struggles and stress that family court proceedings can impose on individuals, especially men and their families. We aim to alleviate that burden as quickly as we can so that you can focus on what matters most. To take the next step, please call us at 951-800-3390 to arrange a consultation at your convenience.

Alternatively, you can schedule a FREE consultation. Discover how an experienced Family Law Attorney can assist you in navigating the complexities of divorce within California. We are dedicated to guiding you through every step of the process.